Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals significant challenges with appointment access and phone system functionality. Many patients report extended waiting times when calling, with frequent disconnections and long queues that make booking difficult, particularly for those with work commitments. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients describing staff as discourteous and dismissive, while others praise their helpfulness and professionalism. Communication barriers and accessibility issues are recurring concerns, with patients noting difficulty reaching the practice and frustration with same-day-only booking policies.

In contrast, clinical care receives consistent positive recognition. Patients frequently commend doctors and nursing staff for their competence, attentiveness, and compassionate approach during consultations and procedures. Vaccination services are highlighted as smoothly operated and well-coordinated. Several patients acknowledge that systemic pressures and high demand contribute to operational challenges, though this does not excuse service gaps.

The practice demonstrates capability in delivering quality medical care, but operational barriers significantly impact patient experience. Improvements to phone infrastructure, reception courtesy consistency, and appointment accessibility would address the most frequently cited frustrations while building on the foundation of clinical excellence that many patients value.

Appointment

28.90 %
Bad

Reception

32.15 %
Bad

Cleanliness

45.00 %
Poor

Care

62.30 %
Average

Respect

31.20 %
Bad

Seen on time

35.75 %
Poor

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SW

Sue W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Decent medical care at local clinic

Skilled medical professionals, precise surgical procedure

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RR

Rebekah R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical practice ever terrible service nightmare

If I could rate this practice at the absolute bottom, I absolutely would. Recently relocated to the area, I've been struggling to secure an appointment for my medication refill for weeks. My partner successfully reached a doctor, which initially seemed promising, as I hoped he could schedule an appointment for me. To my frustration, the appointment turned out to be with a nurse, not a doctor, who was unable to address my medication needs during the consultation. When I approached the reception to request a future appointment, even weeks ahead, I was flatly turned down. I've been attempting to call every morning, but due to my full-time work commitments, it's nearly impossible to be available precisely at 8am to even enter the phone queue. As a new patient, you would expect them to make a positive first impression. Instead, their service is so abysmal that I'm definitely seeking a different medical practice. This place is utterly unacceptable.

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CP

Colin P. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare experience with uncaring staff

The service here is absolutely abysmal. The employees are restricted by a dysfunctional system and, from my perspective, display a complete lack of genuine concern, treating their work as just another mundane task. As a result, we patients are the ones who ultimately bear the consequences. This establishment is so inadequate that it deserves to be shut down entirely.

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LC

Laura C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible medical care for vulnerable elderly patient

Feeling utterly defeated. Five months of medical mismanagement for a highly vulnerable patient. An invasive biopsy procedure that was completely unnecessary and inflicted significant emotional trauma. Medical professionals continue to stubbornly pursue treatment for the initial, incorrect infection diagnosis.

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JF

Jack F. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating healthcare system needs serious improvement

Trying to schedule a medical consultation is incredibly frustrating. The system constantly claims the queue is at capacity. Plus, as someone with a job, I can't spend endless hours waiting on hold just to book an appointment.

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EH

Euan H. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Promising website with top-notch customer support

Exceptional customer support! Word is that an updated online platform is in the works.

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KG

Kyle G. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare at this overcrowded medical practice

The quality medical staff have departed, and those remaining seem disinterested. Scheduling a consultation is practically unattainable, with the practice clearly overwhelmed yet still admitting new patients. Vulnerable populations like children and seniors are suffering from the clinic's gross mismanagement. I could elaborate further, but that would require the administration to invest resources in patient care instead of their own interests.

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AJ

Amanda J. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and impossible to book appointment

The phone connection is perpetually stuck, and after finally navigating through to the switchboard, you're confronted by an unhelpful and discourteous receptionist who dismisses you, suggesting you try booking again the next day because all slots are full. It's unclear how many days patients are expected to wait before resorting to calling 111 in frustration. This situation is fundamentally wrong. Your primary care physician should be readily available to you. Having to consistently rely on out-of-hours services because they're more efficient than your own practice is unacceptable - these services are meant to be emergency backup, not the primary point of care. Blackwater, you desperately need to address these issues. If switching GP practices were straightforward, I would absolutely do so without hesitation. The entire experience is utterly shameful 😫

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DH

Donna H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and complete healthcare disappointment

I was informed I need medical consultation due to abnormal blood test results, so I scheduled an appointment but received no confirmation call. Now, I'm unable to secure another slot. It's absurd. This situation continues to severely impact my mental health medication management, and I'm finding no support or assistance. Absolutely zero stars for their incompetence. After six months, nothing has improved. I visited the doctor yesterday during nursing hours and waited endlessly without being seen. The waiting room was packed, with Dr. Lim seemingly overwhelmed and inefficient. I'm completely frustrated and no longer willing to persist with this chaotic process.

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AD

Alison D. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Endless waiting and disconnected calls frustrate patient

I decided to use the surgery's callback feature, thinking it was a clever way to avoid waiting endlessly in a queue. However, the experience was frustrating beyond belief. Each time I received a callback, I was abruptly disconnected after reaching reception. This happened not once, but twice. When I tried again later, I found myself 6th in line. Determined, I waited, and after an excruciatingly long hour and 10 minutes, I finally reached first position. But the waiting didn't end there. I continued to hold, perplexed by how one staff member could take such an incredibly long time. After 20 more minutes of futile waiting, I gave up in despair. It was 7:40 pm, and it seemed everyone had already left for the day. Their complete disregard for patients' time felt incredibly disrespectful and unprofessional. The sole reason we continue to use this surgery is the exceptional Dr. Haegar, who stands in stark contrast to their appalling administrative practices.

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RH

Ruby H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible medical practice with zero patient care

Completely unacceptable medical practice that completely disregards patient concerns. They prescribed my partner a standard over-the-counter medication through a prescription, which paradoxically increased the cost compared to simply purchasing it directly from a pharmacy. The service is appallingly unprofessional and this facility should be shut down immediately. The evening receptionist staff demonstrate utter disdain towards patients. To add personal context, I've personally witnessed multiple instances where the receptionist with dark curly hair sits idly, ignoring ringing phones while scrolling on her personal mobile device.

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BL

Ben L. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Confusing review about yard work and immigration

Requires a worker with a yard broom to clean up the medical facility. Thoroughly sweep and properly dispose of the waste. Maybe assign the physicians to border control duties, as they could effectively reduce unauthorized entry. Similar to how patients eagerly await their medical consultations.

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SJ

Sharon J. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Great!

Quick service and friendly staff at blackwater

Waited in line for about half an hour, but once I reached the front, the front desk staff was incredibly courteous and supportive. I managed to secure a same-day consultation with a nurse practitioner who was truly outstanding. I have absolutely no criticisms to share, and I extend my gratitude to Blackwater for their exceptional service.

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KS

Karlene S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Average!

Frustrating process with decent service once scheduled

Scheduling with this practice is a major hassle, but once you finally secure a slot, the care is excellent. The booking process is frustratingly complex and requires substantial time and effort.

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OG

Oleg G. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Disappointing service with ineffective medication

Completely ineffective. Their approach seems to be relying on time to resolve the issue and provide relief.

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AS

Anca S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare experience with impossible appointment system

Absolutely terrible general practitioner, I've been attempting to schedule a consultation for my 6-month-old infant for more than a week now. I rang at 7:58 AM, and the phone line was closed. When I called at 8:02 AM, the waiting list was already full. I repeatedly dialed approximately 20 times and found myself at number 30 on the waiting list. After enduring two hours on hold, they finally answered, only to inform me no appointments were available. Ultimately, I was forced to visit the Accident & Emergency department. This general practitioner is a complete mockery. Given all the new housing developments around Maldon, we desperately need more medical practices in our area.

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MR

Matt R. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly pharmacy with amazing customer service

The pharmacy team was incredibly supportive and quickly resolved all my medication concerns. I appreciate their assistance.

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RF

Ron F. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Overwhelmed surgery with terrible patient access

I'm convinced this medical practice is overloaded, with all available time slots getting booked up by 9:00 in the morning, and that's if you can even manage to get through on the phone. It seems their financial incentive is based on patient volume rather than actual consultations, which leads to this frustrating booking situation.

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TB

Tina B. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Shocking neglect of vulnerable elderly patient

My aging parent was dismissed with pain medication. No healthcare professional took the time to properly examine him. Appalling medical treatment.

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PP

Phippsa3 P. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating healthcare with zero accessibility

Scheduling a consultation here is utterly frustrating, and the entire experience makes me question why I'm even a patient at this clinic.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01621 876760
  • Blackwater Medical Centre Princes Road Maldon Essex CM9 5GP

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals significant challenges with appointment access and phone system functionality. Many patients report extended waiting times when calling, with frequent disconnections and long queues that make booking difficult, particularly for those with work commitments. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients describing staff as discourteous and dismissive, while others praise their helpfulness and professionalism. Communication barriers and accessibility issues are recurring concerns, with patients noting difficulty reaching the practice and frustration with same-day-only booking policies.

In contrast, clinical care receives consistent positive recognition. Patients frequently commend doctors and nursing staff for their competence, attentiveness, and compassionate approach during consultations and procedures. Vaccination services are highlighted as smoothly operated and well-coordinated. Several patients acknowledge that systemic pressures and high demand contribute to operational challenges, though this does not excuse service gaps.

The practice demonstrates capability in delivering quality medical care, but operational barriers significantly impact patient experience. Improvements to phone infrastructure, reception courtesy consistency, and appointment accessibility would address the most frequently cited frustrations while building on the foundation of clinical excellence that many patients value.

Appointment

28.90 %
Bad

Reception

32.15 %
Bad

Cleanliness

45.00 %
Poor

Care

62.30 %
Average

Respect

31.20 %
Bad

Seen on time

35.75 %
Poor
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