Downton Road Surgery - Bristol

SM H.

I never had problems with this practice before in all the years I've been here, but recently a doctor cancelled my son's appointment after we already waited 2 weeks for it. I was told to phone before 11am from that day to get a same day appointment, which iv done for years if I've needed a same day appointment. They have been at full capacity, everyday, even at 8.30 the opening time! To then being told by the receptionist today that apparently they don't do same day! So by the time he gets another appointment, that would be 5 weeks of waiting. Because they cancelled!! So he has to go another 2 weeks in near deafness!!! Worst thing they did was merge practices. The receptionist they got now is awful.

Lorena M.

Ive moved around in my life for various reasons, I can honestly say this is an outstanding GP surgery! Punctual and never really have to wait long for an appointment unless the gp is on holiday, or want to see someone specific. Staff are always professional and friendly

Capoeiruss

Absolutely shocking. At every appointment they have asked why I haven't gone private, even at reception. Three months since a motorcycle accident and now gave in and got a private MRI as they refused. I have a full thickness tear in my tendon, can't sleep for more than four hours due to pain and waited a month to get a follow up with the physio as they have just changed the way they do appointments. Impacted so badly on me I have had to quit my job.

Liam S.

Edit 24.2.25
Phone lines still cut out constantly during the call, reception staff either get frustrated or don't hear your needs. This is simply unacceptable. Being able to effectively communicate with my GP surgery is the most basic part of the service. This shouldnt be a problem YEARS later. Please sort it, its so frustrating and leads to errors constantly.

EDIT - STILL A PROBLEM. Every single time I call, from any phone, with full signal, I am regularly cut off or not heard at times in the call. Then blamed for it being my end, which is fundamentally is not. I work in the telecoms industry, trust me, it's your handsets, lines or VOIP provider. PLEASE sort this out. If a call does drop, your reception team should call back, not make us sit in your extremely frustrating queue system (see below) again. It's pretty basic service to call back if a call is dropped.

....

Phone lines are regularly problematic... line busy, or a large number of people in the queue but they've now got rid of the but that tells you how many. Now been on hold for 15 minutes, the system contantly cuts out to tell you youre in a queue.. like every 10 seconds... I GET IT! Very irritating, makes you think it's being answered but no, its another annoying recording telling you the same thing in a different voice every 10 seconds. Also stood in reception for 20 minutes recently, no one was there so I had to leave... which has lead me to waiting for a phone that at times no one is in charge off.

Some great GPs and staff here being let down by poor systems.

They don't tell you test results, good or bad. And they don't tell you that you need to call to get them, so you sit around worried and anxious far longer than you need. A simple text for "all clear" or "please contact us" would suffice if the staffing isn't available to call each patient.

Elizabeth O.

I have been with this GP practice for nearly 7 years. Was with crest family practise but they now they have merged to 1 , now called downton road surgery. They have been amazing with me and my kids very supportive and helpful advise. When I have rang on the day for doctors appt I have managed to get 1. Brilliant service thank you.

Dave C.

The only way you can book an appointment is by phone. Which wouldn't be a problem except there's no option to be put on hold. It just says line busy and hangs up on you and they insist for a same day appointment you call first thing despite the fact they clearly don't have enough staff to manage the phone lines.

Deb B.

I think this surgery deserves more than 5*
Since I have been registered with the surgery - for about 4 years - I have nothing but praise for them!
The receptionists are really nice and friendly, and they will do their utmost to help you with a query or to book you an appointment. Believe me, I transferred from a surgery where the receptionists were always rude and unhelpful, and they didn't care if you were on your last leg...
I did change my GP with the Merrywood practice, not because I thought the GP wasn't nice, but because, I personally didn't feel that this person was the right GP for me.
The GP's, treatment room staff and receptionist, all do their best, and in my opinion, this is a very good practice to be registered with.

Dawid B.

Worst GP practice I have ever had contact with, they do don’t cure people, they do not look for the cause of the disease, they just give you pills to take! And many more!
Waste of time and health!