Google is a wonderful, valuable search engine.  It was through a Google search that I stumbled upon some disturbing reviews about a local GP surgery. There were multiple accounts highlighting dubious behaviors and unethical practices by GPs - 1 in particular. That experience was an eye-opener, as it unveiled potential issues that I might never have known existed.  Sadly, I could relate to the reviews due to specific personal lived experience.

However, I believe my discovery, through Google, enabled me to safeguard other patients against further harm, despite the shock.

What's horrifying is that these reviews are not always accessible when visiting GP surgery websites directly, potentially keeping patients in the dark about critical issues.

Some surgeries even go as far as to remove the existing reviews before further public sight and can even threaten patients with removal/issue warnings after leaving reviews, even though genuine and out of concern/alarm/experience rather than deal with the unaddressed issues/Doctor(s)/member of staff concerned - recurring issues at times.

This is alarming.

Sometimes patients leave reviews when they feel they are not being heard out of sheer frustration.  Maybe their complaints lay unresolved therefore Google serves as an outlet.

Specific LMCs in UK petitioned in favour Jan 2026 to disable reviews being published on Google.  However, news articles preceding this actually highlighted considerable dissastisfaction by local residents with surgeries in this LMC leading up to this LMC petition so clearly retaliatory to disguise wrong-doing. 

Yes, repeated negative reviews tell a story; help us identify patterns/trends. 

I strongly maintain the view, that hiding/disabling reviews can disguise wrong-doing and poor behaviour can go undetected.  

Another surgery I came across via Google reviews recently, highlighted an alarming number of concerns over a specific NHS member of staff towards patients - repeated poor behaviour - again, their poor behaviours/attitudes clearly not being addressed.  That discovery would mean I would avoid that member of staff as a vulnerable patient so a valuable insight. 

No wonder they are calling for Google to hide reviews.

This is NOT acceptable.

Currently, in May 2026 UK medical leaders have formally petitioned and voted to ask Google to disable public reviews for GP practices, so this petition is very important to be made public now.

Being able to voice our concerns and read other patients' reviews ought to be a basic right.  Open reviews empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers. Yet, many GP surgeries restrict patient feedback to internal channels, reducing transparency and accountability.

This lack of openness might 'protect staff from unwarranted criticism', but it simultaneously risks hiding serious misconduct or unethical practices from public view.

There is a vast difference between safeguarding patients, raising issues by leaving a truthful review and commentary deliberately designed to hurt.  Most people don't like complaining or leaving a negative review but only do so when necessary.  This petition does not endorse for false, malicious Google reviews, only fair, accurate commentary of your lived experience.

By enabling Google reviews on GP surgery websites, we ensure checks and balances that promote trust and accountability, improving the overall healthcare system.

Studies show that healthcare facilities with open review systems have higher patient trust and improved quality of care, emphasizing the need to follow suit.

With healthcare being a cornerstone of our well-being, we must advocate for patient voices to be heard, ensuring that healthcare professionals uphold the highest standards of care.

By signing this petition, you are joining a call for GP surgeries to integrate Google review capabilities into their websites, fostering a more transparent and accountable healthcare environment.

Your support can help protect patients, safeguard against harm, identify 'problem' members of staff and reinforce trust in healthcare services.

Please sign and share this petition.