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Friends & Family Test Results
The NHS want you to have the best possible experience of care. The NHS Friends and Family Test is a way of gathering your feedback, so we can continually review our service.
It is based on one simple question:
"Overall, how was your experience of our service?"
Your feedback will help us learn more about what you think of your experience – what you like and what you think we could improve. Ultimately, you’re helping us to make changes that will ensure we can offer the best possible care.
FFT Results
| Month / Year | Extremely Likely | Likely | Neither Likely nor Unlikely | Unlikely | Extremely Unlikely | Don't Know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | 256 | 21 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Feb 2024 | 202 | 25 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Mar 2024 | 193 | 21 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Apr 2024 | 181 | 19 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| May 2024 | 163 | 20 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Jun 2024 | 163 | 20 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Jul 2024 | 205 | 15 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Aug 2024 | 202 | 29 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Sep 2024 | 189 | 18 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| Oct 2024 | 285 | 28 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Nov 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dec 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Patient feedback
We asked the question:
Why did you choose that response?
My son Archie was seen by Craig, Craig was great with him, he was extremely knowledgable, friendly, caring and got him the care he needed promptly. I would definitely recommend the service to others and really appreciate what he did for Archie.
Posted on: 31/08/2024
Orchard court surgery have been my Doctors for many years now, i have had nothing but 100% excellent care compassion and a friendly face from every member of the team that works there.
They are very supportive and help to make informed choices about my treatment.
Posted on: 31/08/2024
Staff always helpful and pleasant and can always get an appointment.And doctor Schmidt very nice man and very thorough.
Posted on: 30/08/2024
Friendly staff that put you at ease
Posted on: 30/08/2024
Excellent GP surgery. Friendly staff who respond very well to patient needs.
Posted on: 29/08/2024
I find the whole service at Orchard Court to be first class, from reception to Doctors and Nurses
Posted on: 29/08/2024
Friendly and attentive staff. Always keeping in touch for appointments and results. Went out of their way to ensure i had my 3 appointments starught after each other on same day .
Posted on: 29/08/2024
Jo the paramedic that a saw yesterday was very friendly and approachable. She explained everything very clearly and I found her very professional.
Posted on: 29/08/2024
Practice seems well organised. My personal experience was booking an apptmt on line was straight forward.
At the apptmt I checked in on a monitor simplifying & making for a quicker check in.
Doctor was welcoming for my appointment & she was very thorough with my ailments explaining & stating what I would need to do. She also identified I was due for an NHS check up & to make one before I left the surgery.
I felt the apptmt had been worthwhile & pleasing.
Posted on: 28/08/2024
Because the service is brilliant. The reception team go above and beyond for patients. The medical teams too are caring and listen. I’ve been with them for 20 years and I’m so pleased. They’ve always been there to help me.
Posted on: 25/08/2024
I have been at Orchard court since I was little and it has always been fantastic.
All staff go above and beyond.
Best doctors in town
Posted on: 23/08/2024
The nurse was friendly and knowledgeable and profession. Was happy to see all my injections where up to date and i did not require any more for my travels, staff always helpful and professional think i am so lucky to have joined this surgery. Keep up the good work.
Posted on: 23/08/2024
The surgery in general and the staff, both the secretaries and the doctor, that dealt with me on this particular encounter have been very helpful, supportive and understanding of my need. They responded right away in helping me out and attending to the matter I presented to them with.
Posted on: 22/08/2024
I was told exactly what was to happen, Mr Craige Stevenson was very polite & caring,
Posted on: 22/08/2024
Have problem getting appointment with my doctor
Would be more difficult if we had more people
Posted on: 22/08/2024
I have been with this practice all my life and have always been given the very best of care.
Posted on: 20/08/2024
Been here since a child and can think of nowhere i would rather have look after my health.
Honor to call this my surgery
Posted on: 17/08/2024
I have been a patient at Orchard Court for many years. I have always had a first class experience with doctors you are able to talk to. All the staff are pleasant and surgery seems to be run very efficiently
Posted on: 16/08/2024
I have been with the Practice for 50 years. New staff have continued the helpful style and listening to your concerns
Posted on: 15/08/2024
Excellent service always.
Very professional, efficient, sensitive and caring staff members.
First class administration and care. Thank you.
Posted on: 14/08/2024
I have been with the practice for 38 years and I have always found all the Staff really professional, polite and courteous. I have never had a problem getting an appointment.
Posted on: 12/08/2024
Quick appointment times and actually answer the phone! I wouldn't go anywhere else
Posted on: 09/08/2024
I have been with this practice all my life (& I am now 77) through
Its many changes of venue over the years & have always been confident of receiving the best care possible. Always friendly & courteous treatment by staff & doctors alike. Thank you Orchard Court
Posted on: 09/08/2024
This surgery saved my life and the medical standard has never diminished.
Cheerful staff and always welcoming.
Posted on: 09/08/2024
Super friendly and professional paramedic. Explained everything in detail like what treatments may be needed very satisfied
Posted on: 08/08/2024
The new doctor Craig was very supportive , re assuring and professional , dealing in a kind but gentle way
Posted on: 07/08/2024
All the people who work there are so polite and the practice is very well run
Posted on: 07/08/2024
Dr Wilson makes you feel so comfortable and at ease without any embarrassment or judgement. She really is breath of fresh air
Posted on: 07/08/2024
The practice nurse was extremely approachable, very supportive and i learned so much about diabetes from her in my appointment.
I actually enjoyed my visit!!!
Posted on: 04/08/2024
Staff are so accommodating and helpful. Asked the HCA for some advice and they arranged for me to see the practice paramedic to prescribe treatment.
Nice touch that doctors etc actually come to waiting room to collect their patients
Posted on: 04/08/2024
As usual, a first class service. Dr Schmidt was kind and caring and gave me the time I needed to discuss things. I didn't feel in any way pressurised or rushed. This is the best GP practice I have ever experienced. All the staff and wonderful and nothing is ever too much trouble.
Posted on: 01/08/2024
Met with Craig, great guy & young doctor
Very knowledgeable on heart disease / heart attacks + drugs, side effects & pros / cons
Posted on: 31/07/2024
I have been with Orchard Court 22 years since coming to Darlington. The service from reception , nurses and Doctors is second to none.
Quite a few of the Doctors I have known for years are now retired and I was nervous of new ones arriving . I was wrong. Dr Wilson spotted something in my leg and referred me to Durham immediately. I am awaiting its removal. She also came to our home and rang an Ambulance for my husband. He has been in hospital a week now with a broken clavicle and is improving.
Myself , I needed sorting out for a few things and Craig a new young paramedic saw me. X-rays immediately found arthritis is my shoulder, He helped me with my Asthma which is improving and I am having blood tests next week. I have every confidence in the new young members of Orchard Court. May they remain with us for a long time.
Posted on: 14/07/2024
I think your surgery is brilliant ,every doctor nurse or paramedic are so nice and helpful ,especially your paramedic Jo I think you must rank upon one of the best surgeries in town ,well done .
Posted on: 14/07/2024
Orchard court surgery staff throughout are the most courteous professional team I have ever known. Every time I call the surgery I am treated with utmost respect no many what my enquiry.
Posted on: 14/07/2024
Jo was absolutely amazing with my son explained everything so easy she made us feel at ease
Posted on: 13/07/2024
The surgery is always aware of my caring role and my sons disabilities and always polite and do what they can to support us
The gp was kind and listened to my son and my concerns and truly feels like we are listened and cared about
Posted on: 12/07/2024
Punctual, personable, friendly & caring. Exactly what I want from surgery.
Posted on: 12/07/2024
Friendly reception staff who go out of their way to get you an appointment, nurses and doctors have all been efficient and informative, since taking my little boy for his jabs they have been super gentle with him and reassuring. Moved from another practice to this one and am so glad I did.
Posted on: 12/07/2024
Fantastic surgery. Everyone is friendly, helpful and professional. Dr Blessley is brilliant. Takes time to listen to me, explains what he's going to do and makes me feel like I'm his only patient.
Posted on: 11/07/2024
I have never had a better doctors surgery.
Dr schmidt is an absolutely fantastic doctor and adele the receptionist is amazing and they are both a credit to the practice.
I never have any issues getting an appointment and when i am there i dont feel like im just a number. I am listened to when it comes to discussing my issues with my mental health and i am always fully supported.
Posted on: 09/07/2024
All the staff at the practice are skilled people with great patient manners. Even the building is spotlessly clean and every room cleaned after every patient visit. The receptionists are brilliant at handling all the calls and emails that come in and the nurses , nurse practitioners, paramedics and doctors are all highly skilled too. They review patient files to know what’s been going on for every patient before their appointment times. It’s very appreciated. Honestly I think it’s the best doctor’s practice in town. There are also chaperones and interpreters if families or individuals need them. Lots of info on the boards too that the staff keep well updated for community support groups and extra services if anyone needs them.Simply a very supportive practice in a good location.
Posted on: 04/07/2024
My diabetic nurse Claire is always there to help when I need to speak to her.
And keeps me right on how to control my diabetes and keep my blood sugars in the right place
Thankyou Claire for your help
Posted on: 03/07/2024
Because I believe that no other practice could give better service or care than this practice does. Everybody goes above and beyond.
Posted on: 02/07/2024
I saw Michelle yesterday morning for blood tests and by teatime l had the results which said all was ok. The speed and efficiency of getting the blood results was brilliant. I can’t thank Michelle and doctor smidt enough. Thanks again
Posted on: 02/07/2024
The surgery is excellent and all the staff go that extra mile, it’s sad so many doctors leave but they’ve become closer retirement so we can’t blame them really, the younger new doctors have a different outlook, brains and more modern techniques are very useful to quicker diagnosis, the surgery doctors are amazing, very helpful and understanding and nurses plus reception staff always polite and helpful, all surgeries / medical centres should take a leaf out of Orchard Courts book.
Posted on: 02/07/2024
Speak up very friendly all the time. Send messages to do tests and confirmation of bookings. Can book appointments with doctors very soon.
Posted on: 27/06/2024
I have been a patient for almost 70 years and always been treat with kindness patience and good medical advice
Posted on: 27/06/2024
I had an appointment yesterday with Clare who was patient and friendly and answered all my concerns.Also I would like to say I saw Dr.Wilson quite recently and found her very approachable.Thanks to everyone at Orchard Court.
Posted on: 27/06/2024
I have been with this practice for many years and always been highly satisfied. Would definitely recommend Orchard court.
Posted on: 26/06/2024
Dr Wilson was fantastic, lovely bedside manner and was very thorough! Orchard court always go above and beyond for their patients.
Posted on: 26/06/2024
Have sung both Dr Schmidt and the practice praises high and low. Left and right not to mention up and down.
I believe it to be a kind, friendly and helpful practice. I'm made to feel welcome and Dr Schmidt is someone I consider to be a proper GP. He treats me as a person. All my symptoms and diagnosis are treat on their own merits and not dismissed as being part of something else.
Thank you to the whole team. V
Posted on: 08/06/2024
Because I always get the best service from everyone at the surgery
Posted on: 31/05/2024
My experience with my doctor during my last consultation was positive. He immediately put me at ease and we talked about the options available. I left feeling cared about.
Posted on: 31/05/2024
Very well organised and good staff
Posted on: 31/05/2024
Seen on time by friendly professional nurse for blood test, procedure carried out was professional and painless excellent service
Posted on: 30/05/2024
No complaints at all excellent doctors and staff
Posted on: 30/05/2024
Can always get an appointment fairly quickly and get seen by same Dr which is very important. Dr Schmidt is always easy to talk to and understanding. Never have any problems.
Posted on: 29/05/2024
Because we have the best surgery in darlington and best staff
Posted on: 25/05/2024
Good no nonsense service I was in and out in no time.
Posted on: 24/05/2024
Excellent friendly and helpful. Very polite receptionists.
Posted on: 23/05/2024
Fantastic service always
Posted on: 23/05/2024
Because you're the best doctors in Darlington as far as I'm concerned
Posted on: 30/04/2024
Orchard court surgery always goes above and beyond on this visit I was seen by the dr and then into get bloods straight away, the receptionist Adele and Claire always help and Adele has always gone above and beyond for many years for me, Michelle the healthcare assistant always does too. dr Schmidt was fab also and also listened to the issues I have. Thank you
Posted on: 30/04/2024
I think this practise is the best one I have ever dealt with. Everybody is friendly and efficient and Doctor Schmidt is the icing on the cake. He is so helpful, caring and friendly.
Posted on: 29/04/2024
The assigned doctor is very empathic and understanding about my condition.
Posted on: 27/04/2024
Orchard Court is the friendliest surgery I have ever been too.Always professional and approachable,nothing is too much for the doctors.Never feel rushed and always put you at ease.
Posted on: 26/04/2024
I have been a patient at Orchard Court Surgery and in all that time I have received nothing but first class treatment nothing has been to much trouble , and the Doctors and other staff are a joy to behold, nothing is to much trouble for them.
Posted on: 26/04/2024
Been part of this GP practice all my life
Would highly recommend to family and friends
GP & Staff very helpful
Posted on: 26/04/2024
I have regular appointments, and they are always on time with friendliness and professionalism. My treatment is given with minimal pain.
Posted on: 25/04/2024
Orchard Court is a fantastic surgery from the Doctors to the nurses to the office/reception staff.
I would describe the surgery as a calm, friendly and supportive place. I always get an appointment both when booking in and when I or my son have needed an emergency appointment.
The doctors are so thorough and they listen to you. You don’t feel rushed.
I feel part of a community at Orchard Court, so grateful to be a patient there.
Posted on: 13/02/2024
All the staff are brill and have no complaints at all. Very patient and willing to go above and beyond to help
Posted on: 10/02/2024
Orchard court surgery has the best care from walking in and speaking to the reception ladies to going in to see the doctor. I feel I am listened to and the doctor is very understanding. I have been with orchard court now for nine years and every time I go I have been given 100% care. Never had a bad experience.
Posted on: 10/02/2024
This is a lovely friendly practice with a love smiling receptionists and fantastic Doctors nurses
Every one needs a Doctors like this 100%
Posted on: 10/02/2024
My last visit I was seeing the nurse Claire, for my depo. She is a credit to the surgery. Thank u claire
Posted on: 08/02/2024
The less people that use the surgery means that i
I receive a wonderful service
Posted on: 08/02/2024
Because everyone who works at Orchard court are so good at what they do
Posted on: 07/02/2024
35 Years of being a patient at the practice and have received an excellent standard of healthcare from every member of staff
Posted on: 07/02/2024
I moved from another surgery a couple of years back, the surgery is much more efficient, a lot easier to get an appointment, no waiting in lengthy phone queues and pleasant receptionists who do all they can to help, and never seem judgey. One occasion the Gp was running late and the lovely ladies on reception advised the relevant patient.
I would also like to say Jo Dennett is a lovely member of the team, I visited her following some complications post surgery and she couldn’t have been better, she listened to everything, was sympathetic and explained throughly.
A really lovely surgery with great staff.
Posted on: 01/02/2024