Forum Family Practice - Cramlington

Peter Archbold

I have just moved here after being recommended by a family member and also by a few people I know. Really impressed at being able to speak with a receptionist pretty much straight away, who then arranges a triage call within a couple of hours who listen to my issues and deal with it accordingly.

In the last week since joining I have an ongoing stomach issue and have twice needed to see a doctor to get it dealt with, both instances I have been given a same day appointment with a Doctor.

This is in stark contrast to my previous GP who I will not name - where it is impossible to speak to a human being and takes weeks to see a Doctor.

Keep it up guys. This is the way a Doctors should be run.

Nicola Swift-Hunter

I have twice now not been given the correct requested medication which led me to being without my inhaler for a few days which has caused me to struggle with asthma to a point I had to borrow someone else’s inhaler.
To add further to this complete negligence I was scheduled to see the asthma nurse Louise this morning at 8:40am I arrived at approximately 8:30am and checked in, continued to wait until approximately 8:55am where I then asked the receptionist what’s happening with my appointment as i specifically asked for the 8:40am appointment so as o wouldn’t be late for work at 9am. The receptionist didn’t know why I hadn’t been seen yet. I continued to wait until 9am (20mins is not an acceptable time to be waiting without an explanation especially when you are the first appointment of the day. During my time waiting I could hear staff in a room laughing and chatting away. I later found out that the nurse who was supposed to be seeing me at 8:30am was on that room and her reason why I wasn’t seen at 8:40am was that they have a meeting on in the morning….so why book patients in if you KNOW you are going to be in a meeting

I have lost all Confidence in the practice because of numerous errors on my medication and the lack of accountability or professionalism or respect for patients

Rachael Taylor

Excellent gps, overall a very good surgery with all female gps except 1 male. The usual NHS issues, appointments are sometimes weeks ahead for a standard appointment. However, I CAN get through to them, and I CAN get one. Other GPs I've been with have been horrendous and bordering on incompetent. When I have had urgent issues I have had a ring back same day, and treatment when needed, or signposting to where I need to go to get it. I've found the staff are competent and very nice, and it's rare that an appointment is running late more than 15 minutes. I feel taken seriously and not fobbed off with my concerns like I was in the past with other GPs. Due to being listened to I've been diagnosed and treated correctly for multiple issues, its made such a difference to my life. Its the only practice I've been with that I'd happily accept an appointment with any GP, although I do have 2 preferred ones who always remember me and my main health issues. It's far easier to explain things rather than waiting on the doc to read my notes. Even seeing hundreds of patients, they remember me. It means a lot.

Paul Barber

My family have recently moved from our old medical practice to Forum Family Practice.
We have nothing but praise for our new practice. All staff are extremely attentive, caring and helpful be it medical professionals or clerical administrators. Nothing is to much trouble.
Lots of people complain about parts of the medical profession in one way and another.
But it doesn't hurt give praise to an establishment in this case Forum Family Practice it's run like a Well Oiled Machine.
Grateful thanks.

Robert Angus

Had a appointment at 9:20am today only found out when I got called by the nurse that the appointment got cancelled because of some reason plus the desk staff knew about it aswell

Stephanie Redfern

A nurse gave my 12 week old baby the incorrect injections, after going back and forth with them to check he would be ok (to find eventually he would need a booster jab) the practise manager asked if I thought I had “postnal depression” due to my anxiety over the incorrect injections being given!! The practise manager also couldn’t answer any of my questions specifically, she was very cryptic and only really cared about how much work she had due to the practise expanding and getting an extension. I’d be focusing more on patients you have now never mind expanding the practise! It’s a joke and to insinuate I have postnatal depression is an insult. Taking this matter further personally however wanted to avoid anyone using this surgery as they are terrible!!!

Ashleigh Gibson

From the receptionist to the GPs nothing is s trouble. Best practise around and couldn't thank the staff enough.

Kim Lamb

Really amazing practice, all of the GP's do an excellent job and often go beyond to help support their patients. This has got to be the best ran practice in the area by far. They are supported by a wonderful nursing and clerical staff to help look after the community. They always keep their patients up to date with information on social media as well as texting or emailing relevant information. I have been a patient for more than 25 years and judging by feedback from other practice patients I have been more than fortunate in having such excellent care. Long may it continue.