Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this practice reflects a deeply polarised patient experience. Many patients praise the competence and compassion of medical staff, describing thorough examinations, good communication, and responsive care. Reception staff receive particular commendation in several reviews for warmth and professionalism. However, a substantial proportion of feedback highlights significant systemic challenges, particularly around appointment access and booking experience.

Patients consistently report lengthy waiting times ranging from two to three weeks for routine appointments, difficulty reaching the practice by telephone, and frustration with restrictive appointment scheduling windows. Reception experience emerges as inconsistent, with some patients describing courteous and helpful interactions whilst others report discourteous behaviour, lack of respect, and poor organisation. Communication breakdowns appear across multiple reviews, including issues with prescription processing, follow-up on referrals, and administrative failures. Several patients note that whilst individual doctors demonstrate clinical competence, the practice's organisational systems and appointment availability undermine confidence in accessing timely care when needed.

Appointment

32.67 %
Bad

Reception

38.45 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

62.18 %
Average

Respect

42.89 %
Poor

Seen on time

35.42 %
Poor

Filter

JL

Jo L. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Incompetent doctors leave patients in painful limbo

The most incompetent medical practice I have ever encountered. I'm giving one star because zero isn't an option. Coming from an excellent group practice in Torrington Park, I was shocked by the substandard care after moving out of their area. My initial visit was for severe groin pain, which resulted in a 40-minute back pain management talk at Finchley Memorial. A month later, I saw a physiotherapist who recommended Pilates exercises without any diagnostic imaging. Returning to the doctor, I was sent for a lumbar spine MRI, hip x-ray, and groin ultrasound. Nothing was found, and that was the end of their investigation. As my walking became increasingly difficult, I saw the most discourteous doctor imaginable who refused to order a hip MRI, claiming the NHS doesn't perform them. Desperate, I consulted a chiropractor who exacerbated my condition. Nearly immobilized, I saw Dr. Gibeon, the sole competent physician in the practice. An MRI revealed bone necrosis and complete cartilage loss, ultimately requiring a private anterior hip replacement. During recovery, I returned in December with perineum numbness and lower back pain. Their solution? A physiotherapy waiting list. Absurdly, I'm already receiving physiotherapy through my hip replacement package, making their waiting list utterly pointless. My advice? Regardless of your medical issue, this practice excels at one thing: putting you on physiotherapy waiting lists. Need help? Waiting list. Need reassurance? Waiting list. I must acknowledge the exceptional receptionists, particularly one young man whose competence and helpfulness are remarkable. Dr. Gibeon is also commendable. However, the remaining doctors are completely ineffective. Unless waiting lists are your primary medical requirement, avoid this practice at all costs. I'm changing my GP surgery immediately.

More Info
SG

Sergio G. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional service with a warm smile

Exceptionally kind and competent!

More Info
IA

Ilyas A. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Long wait times make healthcare frustrating

Getting an appointment at Heathfielde MC typically involves a waiting period of at least two weeks, which fortunately wasn't critical for my non-serious symptoms in the past. Today (November 5th), when I called to book an appointment, the receptionist informed me the earliest slot was November 26th, with an alternative of calling at 2pm for a same-day urgent appointment. Given my serious symptoms and the likelihood of either deteriorating or resolving independently by the proposed date, I decided to follow their suggested approach. My second call at 13:56 resulted in being instructed to call precisely at 2pm. Upon calling at 2pm exactly, the same receptionist stated they were only scheduling pediatric appointments - information she could have easily shared during my earlier call, saving me unnecessary waiting. Frustrated, I visited in person to remove myself from their patient list and noticed the facility appeared completely empty. It's truly disappointing because some of their physicians are genuinely excellent, but the extensive waiting times render their quality virtually meaningless.

More Info
SR

Szandra R. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible reception, but great medical care

Receptionist displayed an extremely discourteous attitude, proved entirely unaccommodating, and provided abysmal customer service. However, the medical professionals themselves were excellent.

More Info
KL

Kid L. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Average!

Decent doctor, hit-or-miss staff at this clinic

Dr. Simon Gibeon exemplifies the best of primary care and truly represents the NHS at its finest. The reception team can be pleasant and supportive when they're in the right mood... however, they can also become dismissive and condescending when they're not, which goes beyond mere straightforwardness (despite what they might believe about themselves). While somewhat inconsistent, the practice maintains a generally positive standard of care.

More Info
NR

Natasha R. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Amazing product that exceeded my expectations

Outstanding

More Info
RJ

Richard J. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Amazing doctor with heart of pure gold

With 15 years of experience in Customer Services, I can confidently state that Dr Gibeon is truly inspirational. He embodies the ideal medical professional, completely dedicated to enhancing his patients' health and lives. His listening abilities are exceptional, and his demeanor remains consistently professional - I've never witnessed him having a bad day. Throughout the years, he has welcomed my family into his surgery with remarkable passion and an infectious smile. His patient empathy is legendary. Managing a large practice with his colleagues demonstrates that customer service and patient wellbeing remain vibrant within the NHS. Dr Gibeon is consistently informative, up-to-date, and thorough. He explains medical terminology in an accessible manner and draws from extensive field experience, always generously sharing his knowledge. In my view, he is the most approachable doctor I've ever encountered. Being his patient provides a sense of medical security many can only dream about. I've seen a review that absolutely does not align with my extensive experiences. Attempting to criticize such an outstanding doctor seems miserable and petty. Heathfields is a thriving NHS practice characterized by professionalism, courtesy, and positivity. Throughout my years of interaction, I've never observed anything less than respectful treatment from the medical team. If all medical practices were as exceptional as this institution, the NHS would be incredibly patient-friendly.

More Info
RS

Rachel S. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate healthcare that feels like family support

I've been a patient at this medical practice for more than two decades. They are among the rare general practitioners who truly take the time to understand their patients as individuals. This deep understanding has been invaluable to me time and again. Whether I communicate via telephone, a hastily written note, or in person, I've always been heard and treated with genuine respect. As a nurse myself, I have high standards for healthcare, and this practice consistently meets them. The doctors and support staff have been instrumental in maintaining my children's health throughout their growth and have warmly embraced my expanding family. They demonstrate remarkable flexibility, readily accepting constructive feedback and skillfully navigating the challenging landscape of government healthcare reforms. Now that I'm in my 50s and managing more complex health issues, I feel completely confident in their care. The compassionate, experienced staff know exactly how to advocate for patients and make the healthcare system work effectively for me.

More Info
SS

Stepheng S. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Seamless healthcare with caring and efficient staff

Superb experience with a friendly and supportive front desk and medical staff. The digital scheduling and medication refill system works seamlessly. Despite booking a later-in-the-day slot, I was seen just moments beyond my designated appointment time.

More Info
NM

Narain M. Google 10 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care at its medical best

A compassionate healthcare facility with truly outstanding front desk personnel who demonstrate remarkable attentiveness and warmth. Narain Mittal

More Info
NL

Nicholas L. Google 10 years ago

Rating

Great!

Exceptional medical care with one terrible exception

More impressive than any medical clinic I've encountered in the United Kingdom. Apart from the temporary South African physician who stands out as an exceptionally unpleasant character. If one lacks the desire to assist patients in distress, what's the point of pursuing a medical career?

More Info
IS

Izabella S. Google 10 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and zero medical compassion

Absolutely the most terrible encounter imaginable! Getting an urgent same-day appointment seems completely unattainable, even after repeatedly calling during their operational hours. The front desk staff are incredibly unhelpful!! I'm convinced they're deliberately reserving appointment slots for certain individuals because it's utterly inconceivable that I've been denied an appointment multiple times in succession. They turned me away despite my previous unsatisfactory medical treatment and my urgent requirement for immediate medical assistance and antibiotics... Their sole recommendation is to visit a walk-in clinic! Absolutely absurd, shameful, and completely useless!

More Info
JS

James S. Google 10 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and unwelcoming staff at clinic

I visited this medical practice twice alongside my partner, and on each occasion, we encountered receptionists who were remarkably discourteous. Their demeanor was distinctly chilly and unwelcoming, giving us the clear impression that our presence was a burden to them. The staff demonstrated zero willingness to assist and displayed a complete lack of customer service. I strongly advise seeking out an alternative healthcare provider where patients are treated with basic dignity and respect. Moreover, their patient registration hours are rigidly structured, showing no consideration for working professionals who are typically employed during standard business hours.

More Info
SR

Sam R. Google 10 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service from rude receptionist and dr anderson

My encounter has been an absolute nightmare. Steer clear of the blonde, middle-aged receptionist; she's absolutely dreadful. Above all else: STAY AWAY FROM DR LISA ANDERSON. She's worse than horrible.

More Info
DK

David K. Google 10 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great service at top-notch medical centre

Top-notch healthcare facility. Staff are incredibly welcoming and supportive.

More Info
DS

Dennis S. Google 11 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Trusted healthcare excellence for decades at heathfield

Throughout my three-decade relationship with Heathfield, I've consistently experienced exceptional care characterized by the nurses' warm, considerate demeanor and the physicians' highly competent and dedicated medical approach.

More Info

For practice staff

Respond to patient feedback

Track improvement over time

Export evidence for CQC inspections

Claim your profile
Practice Response Rate
0.00%

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

About the GP

  • Verified GP
  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 020 84589262
  • Heathfielde Medical Ctr Lyttleton Road, Finchley Barnet London N2 0EQ

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this practice reflects a deeply polarised patient experience. Many patients praise the competence and compassion of medical staff, describing thorough examinations, good communication, and responsive care. Reception staff receive particular commendation in several reviews for warmth and professionalism. However, a substantial proportion of feedback highlights significant systemic challenges, particularly around appointment access and booking experience.

Patients consistently report lengthy waiting times ranging from two to three weeks for routine appointments, difficulty reaching the practice by telephone, and frustration with restrictive appointment scheduling windows. Reception experience emerges as inconsistent, with some patients describing courteous and helpful interactions whilst others report discourteous behaviour, lack of respect, and poor organisation. Communication breakdowns appear across multiple reviews, including issues with prescription processing, follow-up on referrals, and administrative failures. Several patients note that whilst individual doctors demonstrate clinical competence, the practice's organisational systems and appointment availability undermine confidence in accessing timely care when needed.

Appointment

32.67 %
Bad

Reception

38.45 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

62.18 %
Average

Respect

42.89 %
Poor

Seen on time

35.42 %
Poor
Filter

Order By

Rating