Patient Experience Summary

Patients report a mixed experience with this practice, with significant challenges around appointment access and phone communication offsetting strengths in clinical care. Difficulty reaching the surgery by phone and lengthy waiting times for appointments emerge as persistent frustrations, with some patients describing weeks-long delays or inability to secure slots at all. Several reviews highlight concerns about limited in-person consultations and inconsistent appointment availability, which has prompted some patients to seek private healthcare alternatives. Reception experience varies considerably, with some praising courteous and helpful staff while others report privacy concerns about disclosing medical information in open waiting areas.

When patients do access care, medical practitioners and nursing staff frequently receive positive feedback for their compassionate, thorough approach and professional expertise. Patients describe feeling heard during consultations and appreciate the attentiveness of clinical staff. The practice appears to have implemented some service improvements, with certain patients noting better queue management and responsive follow-up care in recent visits. However, inconsistency remains an issue, with some reporting dismissive attitudes from certain staff members.

Underlying these experiences is a clear theme of resource constraints affecting service delivery. Multiple reviews acknowledge that staffing shortages and capacity pressures, partly driven by local housing development outpacing healthcare infrastructure, contribute to the difficulties patients face in accessing timely appointments and reaching the practice by phone. While the clinical quality remains valued, the booking experience and communication accessibility require substantial improvement to meet patient needs effectively.

Appointment

42.89 %
Poor

Reception

52.18 %
Average

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

58.76 %
Average

Respect

53.42 %
Average

Seen on time

48.65 %
Poor

Filter

MG

Mike G. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustratingly slow customer service at medical office

i'm baffled by the phone team's performance - waiting 30 minutes just to get a basic surgery email contact that should honestly be displayed on their website in this day and age. they consistently drag their feet when answering calls, and it's faster to physically walk across town than to get someone to pick up the phone. ironically, when you're actually inside the building, the phones seem to remain perpetually silent.

More Info
DA

Diana A. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring professionals who truly made a difference

Fernhouse medical practice demonstrated exceptional care during my husband's recent health issue. The general practitioner and district nurse were thoroughly professional, offering compassionate and supportive assistance. Grateful for their outstanding service.

More Info
RR

Retrodeejay R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating healthcare delays leave patient suffering

Underwent a blood test, but I'm unable to secure a phone consultation until June, despite being extremely sick and in urgent need of medical attention.

More Info
TS

Tina S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service and communication disaster

Repeatedly contacted my outdated phone line despite multiple requests to stop. After enduring a 4-week wait for a scheduled service, they attempted to reach me on the disconnected number once more. No attempt was made to reschedule or provide alternative communication, forcing me to restart the entire frustrating process.

More Info
NB

Neil B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Outdated facility desperately needs a complete overhaul

This outdated facility desperately needs demolition and rebuilding with a contemporary, efficiently run healthcare center that genuinely meets the community's needs. Currently, patients are facing unacceptable delays, with medical consultations scheduled approximately three to four weeks out.

More Info
AA

Andy A. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and zero patient care

Completely absurd. Unable to handle something as basic as printing a medical note. Their staff management is a shambles and the place is overwhelmingly packed. They desperately need to enhance their customer service, train their employees, and show more understanding towards international visitors. Truthfully, I wouldn't suggest this place to anyone, even if they offered me a fortune.

More Info
VA

Valerie A. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating healthcare experience with poor communication

Scheduling an appointment is impossible here. When you have abnormal blood test results, you'd expect the doctor or pharmacist to help adjust your medication. I attempted to book a consultation regarding my blood work, and the pharmacist called me instead. I'll try again, but today has been incredibly frustrating.

More Info
KS

Keeley S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Amazing receptionist saves the day at clinic

Claire, the receptionist, was absolutely fantastic, while the doctor fell short in providing assistance. However, the receptionist truly went the extra mile to support me. Given my challenging medical condition, she ensured I was quickly directed to the appropriate physician to address my needs. Without her intervention, I would have likely abandoned the entire medical practice. Her compassionate approach has restored my faith in the healthcare system, offering me a renewed sense of hope.

More Info
PW

Paula W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and complete waste of time

Completely useless information that provides zero assistance or value.

More Info
JW

Jenny W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care that truly makes a difference

The staff here consistently demonstrate exceptional care, with each medical professional showing genuine commitment to patient comfort. Nurse Demi, whom I've been seeing for more than two years, has a remarkable ability to make me feel completely relaxed during every interaction.

More Info
JD

Janet D. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Average!

Compassionate doctor who truly cares about patients

I stopped by fern house surgery today to consult with dr myat, and from the moment I arrived, I felt completely comfortable. He addressed all my questions thoroughly, paid close attention to every detail, and truly listened to my concerns. When I departed, I felt completely reassured - he was genuinely a BREATH OF FRESH AIR, JOHN ROWE.

More Info
DB

Diana B. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Great!

Efficient surgery with better patient communication now

My previous assessment has seen notable enhancements. Now, instead of enduring lengthy wait times, they'll contact you when it's your turn. During my most recent visit, the level of service was completely satisfactory and met all my expectations.

More Info
FG

Foteini G. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Devastating medical experience with zero patient empathy

Evidently, medical professionals are completely oblivious to their fundamental responsibility of patient care! A formal complaint is imminent They have utterly failed us! Zero empathy, completely disregarding critical health issues!

More Info
SH

Scott H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical experience ever terrible service

This medical practice is unquestionably the absolute worst I've ever encountered. Nearly all of the staff are completely incompetent in every conceivable way. One would expect doctors to offer assistance willingly when help is needed, but that's far from the case. STAY AWAY FROM THIS CLINIC AT ALL COSTS.

More Info
TG

Tom G. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical experience ever disappointing and frustrating

The surgical experience was abysmal, and they continue to avoid in-person consultations. Scheduling an appointment is an uphill battle, and their phone screening process is incredibly inconsistent. Moreover, the front desk personnel lack basic customer service skills and are far from accommodating.

More Info
MK

Michelle K. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating healthcare system fails deaf patients

Medical professionals are excellent when accessible, but there's a persistent lack of clarity around why in-person consultations remain scarce, with exceptions being extremely limited. It's incredibly challenging to manage a telephone consultation when one has significant hearing difficulties.

More Info
SG

Satya G. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great gp service with manageable wait times

Currently enjoying positive interactions with my general practitioner. The follow-up care has been excellent, and I've been able to secure appointments as required. While there are indeed waiting periods, you're effectively managed in the queue and will ultimately be connected. A phone consultation is typically arranged, which is convenient. I'm optimistic that the quality of service will be maintained and potentially enhanced moving forward.

More Info
JS

Jane S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and communication nightmare

Contacting them by phone is a nightmare! Absolutely ridiculous. I spent three entire weeks trying to schedule a simple doctor's appointment, and when I finally got through, the call dropped mid-conversation. They never bothered to reconnect, and now I've been stuck waiting on hold for over 40 minutes. This is completely unacceptable!

More Info
II

Innoluxe I. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical experience ever terrible service

Terrible surgical experience with endless delays and constant dismissal of my legitimate concerns. They repeatedly insisted my symptoms were standard, which was patently false. To make matters worse, I attempted to contact them today only to discover they were closed for staff training at 2 PM - who does that? If you claim to be open until late, why not schedule training during a less critical time? Absolutely appalling service.

More Info
LS

Lena S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service from an unhelpful medical practice

Sadly, my interactions with this general practitioner have been entirely negative. I cannot in good conscience suggest this doctor to anyone seeking medical care.

More Info

For practice staff

Respond to patient reviews

Monitor satisfaction trends

Generate CQC evidence reports

Claim & Manage Profile
Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
0.00%

Shows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.

About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01376 502108
  • Fern House Surgery 129 Newland Street Witham Essex CM8 1BH

Patient Experience Summary

Patients report a mixed experience with this practice, with significant challenges around appointment access and phone communication offsetting strengths in clinical care. Difficulty reaching the surgery by phone and lengthy waiting times for appointments emerge as persistent frustrations, with some patients describing weeks-long delays or inability to secure slots at all. Several reviews highlight concerns about limited in-person consultations and inconsistent appointment availability, which has prompted some patients to seek private healthcare alternatives. Reception experience varies considerably, with some praising courteous and helpful staff while others report privacy concerns about disclosing medical information in open waiting areas.

When patients do access care, medical practitioners and nursing staff frequently receive positive feedback for their compassionate, thorough approach and professional expertise. Patients describe feeling heard during consultations and appreciate the attentiveness of clinical staff. The practice appears to have implemented some service improvements, with certain patients noting better queue management and responsive follow-up care in recent visits. However, inconsistency remains an issue, with some reporting dismissive attitudes from certain staff members.

Underlying these experiences is a clear theme of resource constraints affecting service delivery. Multiple reviews acknowledge that staffing shortages and capacity pressures, partly driven by local housing development outpacing healthcare infrastructure, contribute to the difficulties patients face in accessing timely appointments and reaching the practice by phone. While the clinical quality remains valued, the booking experience and communication accessibility require substantial improvement to meet patient needs effectively.

Appointment

42.89 %
Poor

Reception

52.18 %
Average

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

58.76 %
Average

Respect

53.42 %
Average

Seen on time

48.65 %
Poor
Filter

Order By

Rating