The Government has recently announced plans to transform GP services in the UK, changing the current funding format, which is more than two decades old.
Research found that people living in more deprived areas and coastal towns often have the highest needs for the NHS, but the fewest GPs, the worst-performing services, and the longest waiting lists.
Reception teams can play a big role in our experience at our GP practice, from booking appointments to inquiring about test results. Patients in Greater Manchester have shared their views on how they feel their GP receptionists are performing.
The latest GP Patient Survey, produced by Ipsos on behalf of NHS England, sheds light on patients’ experiences across Greater Manchester and beyond.
More than 700,000 patients in England completed the 2025 survey, which was carried out between January and March this year, and gathers information on how patients feel about their doctor’s surgery.
The survey reveals how patients really feel about their reception and administrative team at their GP practice. Across the country, the majority of patients described their reception team as ‘very helpful’ (42%) or ‘fairly helpful’ (41%).
However, not every GP surgery met expectations. Here we reveal the surgeries in Greater Manchester where reception teams have been voted the worst by you. Surgeries are ranked by the proportion of patients who said the reception and administrative team at their GP practice is ‘not very helpful or not at all helpful’.
13. Albion Medical Practice - Ashton-under-Lyne
There were 443 survey forms sent out to patients at Albion Medical Practice in Ashton-under-Lyne, and the response rate was 28%. 36% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps
14. Beehive Surgery - Bolton
There were 779 survey forms sent out to patients at Beehive Surgery in Bolton, and the response rate was 16%. 36% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps
15. Limelight Health and Well-being Hub - Manchester
There were 660 survey forms sent out to patients at Limelight Health and Well-being Hub in Manchester, and the response rate was 14%. 36% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps
16. Guide Bridge Medical Practice - Manchester
There were 531 survey forms sent out to patients at Guide Bridge Medical Practice in Manchester, and the response rate was 23%. 35% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps