Cherry Hinton Medical Centre

Hospital took a week to send prescription

More than seven days passed since the hospital mailed a letter about fresh medicine for my wife's significant health condition. We found ourselves having to follow up on this prescription, and the receptionist informed us that we needed to ask for it ourselves !!! This is completely ridiculous!

surgery's new system is a complete mess

I'd give that practice zero stars if I could. It's a perfect example of how the NHS is gradually being converted to a private system, and deliberately so, not for patients' benefit. Their new 'procedure' is appalling. Submit paperwork and expect a call back in 14 days. That's not how medical care should function—certain conditions demand urgent attention, and most people can't afford to take a fortnight off work feeling unwell. The GPs seem entirely uninterested in hearing your concerns, criticizing you for still wearing a mask years after the pandemic, then patronizing you when you request clarification about your health. Then there's the issue of data management and providing patients access to their records. I requested an online portal to review my test results, only to discover the NHS switched service providers without asking me, transferring my information to a different company that built a useless platform. I filled out the paperwork, set up a new account, only to realize I'M supposed to upload my own documents?! Assuming I can even get them from the practice, which feels impossible. I can't be treated at my local surgery, so they're referring me somewhere completely different?! What am I paying into monthly for? This seems standard at every practice now, which deeply frustrates and upsets me, as I don't want to reside in a nation where people's wellbeing isn't valued. I think of physicians in developing nations working double shifts seeing 50-60 patients daily, while UK doctors manage 8 appointments and claim to be stretched thin.

Forty years watching this surgery fall apart

I've been a patient at this practice for more than 40 years and have witnessed a noticeable deterioration over the past several years, even before the pandemic struck. The friendly and attentive team members who once worked here have since departed. Elderly patients in their nineties without internet access are now required to complete everything digitally and visit in person to submit prescriptions, whereas previously they could simply phone in. That option is no longer available. When you call to book an appointment, the menu system takes forever, and even if you're fifth in the queue, you get disconnected once it reaches 2pm. The practice used to send reminders for asthma reviews and immunisation updates, but this service has stopped. There's a doctor shortage, so you're fortunate if you see your regular GP. The issues continue. Staff are unhelpful, and doctors rush through consultations despite having a two-week waiting list and insisting patients address only one issue per visit, even when multiple problems could be linked to the same underlying condition. I would have switched surgeries years ago if it weren't for my ongoing health issues being primarily managed by my hospital consultant, with notes being sent back to Fishers Lane. The village population is growing significantly, so surely additional doctors are essential.

Lost my son's registration form again

Broomfields has misplaced my son's temporary registration document for the third occasion now. I'm concerned about what's going on with this organization.

Couldn't get an appointment even for emergencies

Among the poorest medical practices in Cambridge, securing an appointment is nearly impossible, and even urgent cases are turned away with claims of being overwhelmed despite staff not actually being present. Other nearby practices respond promptly and efficiently, yet Cherry Hinton GP appears indifferent to patient welfare or severity of condition. While some delays during the pandemic were understandable, three years later the situation remains unchanged with continued unavailability and lack of responsiveness. It's unfortunate for Cherry Hinton residents who have limited alternatives for healthcare.

waited two hours just to hear no appointments

I would rate this zero stars if possible. This is by far the worst medical practice in Cambridgeshire I have encountered. The front desk staff display extremely unprofessional and discourteous behavior. They lack basic courtesy when interacting with patients. Whenever I attempt to schedule an appointment, I must call first thing in the morning, only to be put on hold for hours before being told no slots are available. It makes no sense to keep patients waiting if there are no openings. Just yesterday, I called at 8 AM and held until 9 AM, when they informed me all appointments were fully booked. The staff shows no regard for patient needs. I strongly advise others to avoid wasting their time at this practice. In short: "AVOID AT ALL COSTS"

Receptionist really helped me out

The visit went well, and the front desk staff was quite accommodating.

receptionists are great, but phone consultations fall flat

I find myself torn about this medical facility. Pros: The front desk staff are fantastic and consistently exceed expectations in their assistance. It's always enjoyable to interact with them. The nursing team is exceptional. Cons: Phone-based appointments are not effective. I haven't had an in-person visit with my physician, which makes me question whether they can accurately assess my condition. Certain physicians come across as though they believe you're taking up their valuable time.

couldn't get an appointment for four weeks

Don't waste your time! Four weeks ago, I attempted to obtain my prescribed medication from my former doctor due to internal stomach bleeding. I'm required to take this medication for 2 years. After relocating to Cambridge and registering with this practice, they refused to process my prescription refill without a doctor's consultation first. However, I've been unable to secure an appointment despite trying for four weeks straight. The staff at this surgery are completely unsuitable for healthcare work—it's absolutely appalling. The general consensus about this practice is that it's utterly ineffective, and now I understand why. I'm astonished they haven't faced legal action yet, as their negligence clearly puts patients at risk. I would never return.

They won't pick up the phone

This is the most terrible medical practice in the Cherry Hinton area of Cambridge. Staff members consistently fail to answer phones and neglect to make necessary updates to patient records. I strongly urge my fellow community members, particularly elderly individuals, to avoid this facility during urgent health situations. The team demonstrates a lack of accountability and responsibility. Their standard response to any concern is simply apologizing without taking action. When facing a health crisis, patients require immediate assistance and proper care, not just empty apologies. Thanks Blesson

Doctors are great but the appointment system's a mess

I've been a patient at this practice for under a year and have experienced both challenges and successes: On the negative side, the booking system leaves much to be desired. Calling at 8 am typically means waiting thirty minutes or longer. On one occasion, I phoned right when they opened at 8:00 but didn't speak to anyone until 8:49, only to be told all slots were full and I couldn't book for the following day either—I was advised to ring back earlier or visit in person. This was incredibly frustrating, as spending nearly an hour on hold naturally creates the hope of actually receiving assistance, particularly when you're anxious or in pain. The Doctorlink platform has some merit if your issue matches their offerings and you can clearly articulate your symptoms, but for the majority of our medical needs, it's simply not applicable. I'd appreciate an improved online option for sending messages that respects everyone's time, or alternatively, more staff to answer phones (though their recorded message about recruiting receptionists for 6-9 months seems questionable). There was also disappointment when I submitted a request for unrestricted access to my medical records in person (I had to leave work in my uniform since they wouldn't accept it from my partner) and received no response for several months. When I followed up, receptionists claimed they couldn't locate my application. This was upsetting given that my overseas doctors required specific information. That said, they acknowledged the error graciously and treated me with courtesy and understanding. The reception team generally demonstrates genuine warmth and compassion, which is invaluable when you're calling in distress. The doctors, however, deserve exceptional praise. Dr Kobes, Dr Walcott, and Dr Chapman, along with ANPs Mr Kazhanje and Ms Stevens, have been outstanding—genuinely caring, knowledgeable, dependable, and personable professionals with impressive clinical expertise. It's admirable how they maintain such kindness and patience amid their demanding workload. Thank you all for making me feel confident that I'll receive the care I need.

records disappeared when I switched practices

I had to switch medical practices after relocating, and despite my new practice repeatedly requesting my complete medical history, they've only provided a minimal overview. When my new practice contacted them again recently, they claimed my records had been deleted entirely. This is problematic because I require documentation from my surgeon detailing my condition in order to apply for a Blue Badge renewal. It shouldn't be this difficult to transfer medical files between healthcare providers. From what I've found online, there appear to be legal remedies available if records have been improperly destroyed, so pursuing that option seems to be my only recourse at this point.

can't get through before 8:30am here

The clinic advises calling at 8am sharp. You'll endure 2 minutes of automated messages outlining their services, followed by a 30+ minute hold time before speaking to someone. Attempting to secure a same-day appointment through this practice is utterly futile. Dreadful experience.

can't book an appointment anywhere here

This GP practice is utterly useless. Getting an appointment is nearly impossible. The reception staff are painfully inefficient—you have to spend at least thirty minutes on the phone just to try booking an appointment. Things have gotten even worse lately; after listening to two minutes of automated messages, callers are simply told their call cannot go through and are disconnected without warning. I had to visit in person to arrange an appointment, only to be told walk-ins aren't accepted. Their online booking system doesn't function properly. You're unable to book appointments more than a day or two in advance. The only option is to call at 8am for same-day appointments, except their phone lines aren't working today. According to their own staff, there's genuinely no viable way to book an appointment. Why does this GP surgery even bother staying open?

got a prescription within an hour

Outstanding experience! I utilized DoctorLink's online triage tool and received a prompt callback from the front desk staff. Within sixty minutes, I was able to consult with a physician, and my medication is now ready for pickup at my nearby pharmacy. The entire team was genuinely friendly and accommodating!

GPs refused my transition care needs

Extremely discriminatory toward transgender individuals - the medical staff decline to offer essential healthcare to trans patients and show a dismissive attitude toward psychological concerns. Appalling facility.

Kerry and her team made everything stress free

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Reception Leader Kerry Beggs and her reception staff for their efficient and courteous assistance throughout my ongoing health issues. They have consistently gone above and beyond to address all my concerns and ensure everything runs smoothly, all while managing considerable stress from the challenging circumstances we're all facing. I would also like to extend my thanks to Dr Chapman for his ongoing support and care. I truly appreciate everything you've all done.

nurse cancelled my appointment without asking

Arrived 10 minutes past my scheduled time due to traffic for a nurse appointment. I needed sutures removed following back surgery—a quick procedure taking less than five minutes. Yet this seemed irrelevant to her! She glanced at me sitting in the waiting area and instructed the front desk to cancel my appointment. Interestingly, when they themselves are running an hour behind, there's no apology or concern whatsoever.

Quick call backs made the difference

Outstanding customer support with genuinely friendly assistance and prompt responses. Much appreciated.

Calling five minutes late cost me 30 minutes

It's absurd that appointments require calling precisely at 8am. I phoned just five minutes late at 8:05 and was stuck on hold for half an hour! An older male physician came across as quite cold and indifferent. In contrast, a female physician on staff was far more accommodating and supportive.