Brentwood Road Medical Centre (Dr Mark's Surgery)

Wrists covered in bumps from missed diagnosis

An update*: My current doctor has investigated the issue and determined it was not scabies, but rather an iron deficiency (nearly anemia) and potential organ parasites, which are now being addressed. The rash is gradually disappearing 🙏🏼 Not recommended. Every appointment booking attempt results in the phone system redirecting to voicemail or endlessly ringing before going to voicemail. Approximately three years ago, I visited regarding unusual bumps on my wrists (doctor's marks), and the physician was adamant nothing was wrong. I repeatedly emphasized that this was atypical for my skin, but he remained convinced it was insignificant. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with scabies...!!! What began as a small, potentially treatable area has now spread, with both wrists and hands completely covered in increasingly itchy bumps. I've never experienced eczema before, and it's frustrating to know this could have been prevented. My experience suggests doctors either reflexively prescribe paracetamol for everything or deliberately overlook medical issues due to their negligence.

Caring doctor who truly listens

Dr. Mark consistently goes above and beyond to support both myself and my loved ones. His medical practice maintains the highest standards of professionalism and flexibility. I cannot speak highly enough of his exceptional care and service.

Endless busy signals drive me crazy

Every single time I attempt to dial their contact number, I'm met with an engaged tone. How can this level of unavailability be acceptable?

Smooth booking with caring doctor

Dr. Marks provides exceptional, comprehensive care and scheduling with his office is always smooth and hassle-free.

Endless calls and no help at surgery

I've been attempting to contact the medical practice via their primary and secondary contact numbers over 100 times throughout the day. If you're unable to provide basic service, you should consider shutting down this clinic, as it's unacceptable to frustrate taxpaying patients who receive absolutely no value or assistance.

Rude receptionist made my mom feel unwelcome

Terrible encounter with this medical practice. My daughter's mother has been a patient here for over a year, and it's consistently the same issue. She came to this country seeking better opportunities for her family, and this is the first time someone has spoken to her so disrespectfully. The receptionist rudely told her, "If you can't speak English, you shouldn't be in this country," despite her genuine efforts to learn the language. The receptionist refused to make any attempt to understand or read the translation on her phone. It's incredibly frustrating that every single visit to the GP involves this same ridiculous and easily solvable problem. She hasn't changed doctors because she can't, and it's solely the receptionist causing these difficulties. I sincerely hope things will improve.

Friendly staff always got my back

The staff consistently provides me with excellent assistance whenever I require support.

A caring professional who listens well

An exceptional medical professional who truly stands out from the rest. Highly recommended and a genuine pleasure to have as a healthcare provider.

Quick same-day help from caring staff

Dr. Mark and his exceptional team provide an extraordinary level of compassionate patient care that truly stands out. I was impressed when Evan was able to secure a same-day appointment with remarkable ease.

Worst receptionist at this medical practice

The receptionist at this medical practice is absolutely appalling. They consistently ignore phone calls, become confrontational during interactions, and speak in a condescending manner reminiscent of how one might address a small child. Their interpersonal abilities are non-existent, and they openly ridicule younger patients within the surgery setting. Not only do they attempt to discredit patients by implying they are dishonest, but they also engage in unprofessional public arguments with the doctor, seemingly unconcerned about the patients witnessing their dispute. The fact that they are a couple does not excuse such behavior - personal conflicts should remain outside the workplace. Basic respect and professional communication seem completely beyond their capabilities. If managing patient interactions and telephone communication is too challenging, they are clearly unsuited to a receptionist role and should seek alternative employment.

Friendly staff helped me quickly

Dr. Mark truly exemplifies professionalism and is, in my opinion, an exceptional physician. The receptionist is incredibly welcoming and helpful, swiftly scheduling an appointment for my child the very next day. This medical practice is simply wonderful 😍

Long wait and chaotic reception area

Signing up at this medical practice should have been a warning sign, as we were given a specific time to register but ended up waiting an interminable hour and a half while being completely overlooked by the staff. The facility itself is cramped and outdated, with a crowded reception area where numerous patients were forced to stand for over an hour due to the minimal seating along a single wall. The administrative staff appear disorganized, and their record-keeping system seems to rely on paper files that are in complete disarray. My attempt to obtain medical assistance from this practice was nothing short of a nightmare. I made an astounding 61 attempts to contact them when they opened, with calls consistently dropping if the receptionist was unavailable. When I finally got through around 8:10 am, explaining that my 2-year-old was in excruciating pain from constipation with a previous history of prolapse, I was informed that the current receptionist couldn't book appointments and would need to transfer me. Throughout the day, I made repeated calls without success, and we received no communication until 9:45 pm, when a GP simply prescribed suppositories - which I had already purchased. My primary concern was a thorough examination of my child, which never materialized. She continues to struggle, often refusing food for entire days. As a result, I have completely lost faith in this practice and am actively seeking alternative medical care for my daughter.

Friendly doctor, but his wife's reception manner needs work

Dr. Marks is wonderful as a professional, but when his wife steps in to manage the front desk, her interpersonal approach leaves much to be desired. Her demeanor can come across as abrupt, dismissive, and condescending during patient interactions.

Rude receptionist turned away heart surgery patient

After my son underwent open heart surgery on June 29, I attempted to schedule a suture removal appointment with our GP. To my dismay, the receptionist was unhelpful and dismissive, rudely suggesting we seek care elsewhere. This means I must now transport my recently operated son to another medical facility, risking his exhaustion and potential oxygen level complications. The receptionist demonstrated a complete lack of compassion for a patient recovering from major surgery, displaying an incredibly cold and indifferent attitude. Her unprofessional behavior is shocking, especially when dealing with a vulnerable patient. I deeply regret registering my family with this medical practice. Their customer service is so poor that they do not even deserve a single star rating. I sincerely hope the practice's management will review this feedback and address these significant service deficiencies. The callousness shown towards my son's post-surgical care is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the entire medical practice.

Rude receptionist made me cry again

Securing an appointment at this medical practice is incredibly challenging, and while they appear overwhelmed, the receptionist's demeanor borders on outright discourteous. Given my intense medical anxiety, I rarely seek healthcare, but I've found the surgery's operational standards to be consistently subpar. Referral processing seems interminably slow, and my medical records have either disappeared or been transferred incompetently. Most problematically, the surgery refuses to handle any gynecological services, including basic contraception, instead directing patients to self-refer elsewhere. Multiple interactions have left me so emotionally overwhelmed that I've been brought to tears simply by conversing with their receptionist. During the few appointments I've managed in approximately four years, the doctors themselves haven't been problematic, but the overall experience has significantly exacerbated my existing medical anxieties. A recent incident particularly highlighted their unprofessionalism. A patient mistakenly called my landline, leaving a voicemail suggesting a serious mental health concern. Attempting to be helpful, I contacted the surgery to relay this message. The receptionist's response was dismissive and impatient, laughing and asking "what do you expect me to do?" before I could fully explain. I acknowledge that working in healthcare under current NHS pressures is undoubtedly stressful. However, such interactions can profoundly impact vulnerable patients like myself who already struggle with medical engagement. I'm now paralyzed by fear, unable to access necessary healthcare and too anxious to seek alternative practices that might present similar challenges. My advice: If you experience anxiety or mental health issues, steer clear of this surgery.

Mark's office made my day better

Dr. Mark is an exceptional physician, and the front desk staff, particularly Carol, are absolutely top-notch 👍

Friendly staff made my surgical visit smooth

Dr. Mark's surgical practice stands out for its exceptionally courteous staff. I confidently endorse their services to anyone seeking high-quality medical care.

Impossible to book an appointment here

Attempting to contact them is a frustrating experience, with calls going unanswered and rarely connecting. When you finally reach someone, the receptionist tends to be unhelpful and abrasive. Scheduling an appointment takes an absurdly long time—around three to four weeks out, which renders their service practically meaningless. The facility itself feels outdated and worn.

Friendly doctor, but frustrating clinic experience

Dr Marks is excellent, but the medical practice's infrastructure and administrative setup are severely lacking. Scheduling an appointment is extremely challenging, and attempting to contact reception now results in nothing more than an automated response with zero human interaction. The facility itself appears rundown and uninviting. Despite booking the earliest time slot, consultations consistently run over 30 minutes behind schedule. While Dr. Marks himself is a fantastic physician, these systemic issues are compelling me to seek care elsewhere. Regrettably, the overall experience makes continuing with this practice untenable.

Friendly doctor who really listens

Dr. Marks is an exceptional physician who provides outstanding medical care.