Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this practice reflects a distinctly mixed experience, with significant operational challenges contrasting sharply with positive clinical care. The most consistent concern across reviews centres on appointment access, with patients reporting persistent difficulties reaching the practice by phone at 8am, lengthy waiting times to connect, and rapid depletion of available slots. Reception communication has emerged as a particular area of concern, with multiple reports of unhelpful, dismissive, or discourteous interactions when patients attempt to book appointments or discuss urgent needs. Prescription processing delays and medication errors have also been highlighted as problematic, with some patients experiencing gaps in essential medications due to administrative failures.

Conversely, clinical care from doctors and nursing staff receives substantial praise, with patients consistently commending their professional expertise, compassion, and attentiveness. Many long-standing patients express confidence in the medical professionals and appreciate thorough explanations of their conditions. The practice environment is generally described as clean and well-maintained, and several patients note that once they secure an appointment, they receive responsive and supportive care. However, the significant barriers to accessing appointments and the administrative difficulties mean that for many patients, the quality of clinical care is undermined by frustration with the booking system and reception experience.

Appointment

28.67 %
Bad

Reception

38.92 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

68.45 %
Great

Respect

45.23 %
Poor

Seen on time

32.18 %
Bad

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MC

Michael C. yesterday

Rating

Excellent!

  • Appointment

    Excellent
  • Reception

    Excellent
  • Cleanliness

    Excellent
  • Care

    Excellent
  • Respect

    Excellent
  • Seen On Time

    Excellent

Very satisfied

I've been with them for years . They're not perfect, what is ? But I'd give them all a solid 9 out of 10.

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NS

Nicholas S. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating phone mix-up hurts my care

I misplaced my phone and approached the surgery, explaining that until I could afford a replacement, I wanted to use my partner's number. After a pause, they agreed. However, unbeknownst to me, they were attempting to contact me on my old number, which they hadn't updated. This led to me being penalized, restricted to collecting prescriptions only every 2 weeks. They claimed I was ignoring calls, despite my earlier request to use the alternative number. My first prescription was signed off 5 days late, the second 3 days late, and the issue persists. They emphasized medication importance, citing my previous heart attack. I'm disabled, blind in one eye, and suffering from spinal stenosis. My partner has endured two strokes, leaving them unable to communicate or walk effectively, which leaves me feeling isolated. Relying on a disability scooter, I must travel 2 miles to the surgery, as my local alternative is completely booked.

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JJ

Jason J. Google 11 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Kind staff made my day better

I'd like to express my sincere appreciation to the entire team for their incredible support and empathy during this past week.

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JB

Joy B. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Kicked out after decades of loyalty

I've been a patient at this medical practice for three decades, and suddenly I received a notice instructing me to find another healthcare provider because I'm outside their service zone! Here's the irony: I've actually been beyond their supposed catchment area for around 25 years, yet they never raised an issue until I requested a more convenient three-month prescription instead of monthly, given my difficulty accessing a pharmacy. Their behavior is utterly disgraceful.

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DD

Daria D. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Dr. Umo made my kids love checkups

I typically avoid medical visits for minor issues, but Dr. Umo is so charming that I might start finding excuses just to chat with him. Truly exceptional, he's an attentive listener who maintains utmost professionalism and integrity. His genuine concern for patients and top-notch guidance is remarkable. Since my children began consulting him, they've lost their fear of doctor appointments, and I completely trust his medical insights. I'd love to recommend him widely, yet selfishly want to keep him accessible for my family's care. Thank you, Dr. Umo, for restoring my confidence in the NHS and providing such wonderful healthcare xxx

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A

Anonymouse one year ago

Rating

Bad!

  • Appointment

    Bad
  • Reception

    Average
  • Cleanliness

    Poor
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Bad
  • Seen On Time

    Poor

it's a joke

I have encountered several challenges that I believe require attention and improvement. Firstly, the process of booking an appointment has been consistently difficult, often resulting in significant delays and frustration. This has made it challenging to access the care I need in a timely manner even with a new system implementation. Additionally, during consultations, I have felt that my concerns were not fully listened to or addressed. Effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals is critical to ensuring the best possible outcomes, and I feel there is room for improvement in this area. On one occasion, I also felt that the responsibility for unresolved issues was unfairly placed on me as the patient, rather than being collaboratively addressed. I understand that the demands on healthcare services can be immense, and I appreciate the hard work of the staff. However, I believe that improving the appointment system, fostering more open communication, and ensuring a patient-centered approach would greatly enhance the overall experience for patients like myself.

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MW

Michael W. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating wait at highwoods clinic

I recently utilized the services at Highwoods l, and regrettably, my encounter was deeply disappointing. The quality of care and professional conduct I experienced failed to meet even basic standards. Staff communication was inadequate, and I felt my legitimate concerns were entirely disregarded. It was truly demoralizing to be made to feel insignificant and unimportant, particularly in an environment where compassion and understanding should be paramount. Furthermore, the wait times were unreasonably long, with virtually no information or updates provided, which only intensified my growing frustration. The entire operational approach appeared disorganized and inefficient, resulting in me feeling considerably more anxious and distressed after my visit than when I initially arrived. I sincerely hope the leadership team takes meaningful action to rectify these systemic problems, as no individual seeking assistance should be subjected to such a substandard and demoralizing experience.

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TB

Tracki B. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Late and left hanging at the clinic

Completely frustrating experience. I arrived just slightly past my scheduled time and immediately received a cancellation text message. The receptionist was unhelpful and dismissive, insisting I would need to reschedule despite the fact that the entire medical office appeared completely vacant. Their inflexibility and poor customer service made the whole situation incredibly aggravating.

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EE

Emilia E. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating wait times and no blood tests

Getting a consultation here is incredibly challenging, and obtaining blood work for a comprehensive health assessment seems completely unfeasible.

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RR

Richard R. Google one year ago

Rating

Great!

A caring doctor who truly listens

My interactions with this medical practice have consistently been positive. The personnel have invariably demonstrated courtesy and professionalism. Dr Fadaly, in my assessment, stands out as an outstanding general practitioner and a truly valuable member of the healthcare team.

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MM

Millie M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book at 8:35 am

THESE ARE THE ABSOLUTE WORST MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS!!! Anyone hoping to secure an appointment should prepare for a nightmare. The reception team is incredibly discourteous when you call. Every single day you attempt to schedule a visit, only to be informed at 8:35 AM that they're completely fully booked. You explain your medical concerns, and they repeatedly tell you to call back, giving you the runaround each time. Moreover, when you contact them about x-ray results, they claim for weeks that nothing has been received, when in reality the documents were in your file the entire time you've been desperately following up! They seem completely disinterested in booking appointments or communicating test results to patients. STEER CLEAR OF THIS PRACTICE AND AVOID THEM AT ALL COSTS!!!

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OC

Ollie C. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Nightmare booking surgery after endless calls

Utterly disastrous medical procedure. Attempting to secure a consultation requires endlessly redialing, and even if you miraculously get through, the call disconnects while waiting, leaving you frustrated after 13 futile minutes with zero available time slots.

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JP

Jacek P. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude doctor ruined my whole appointment

During my most recent appointment, I've decided I won't return to this practice. The doctor, wearing glasses, was incredibly hostile towards me. When my phone unexpectedly rang, he reacted with an aggressive tone and terrible demeanor, declaring that I either needed to end my call immediately or leave the premises. I arrived already feeling anxious and dealing with elevated blood pressure, and this physician's unprofessional conduct only heightened my stress. I'm absolutely unwilling to accept such disrespectful treatment, especially considering the significant amount I'm paying for medical care. As a result, I'm promptly transferring my medical records to another healthcare facility.

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VS

Vali S. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible staff at this medical clinic

The front desk staff display an appalling lack of professionalism, and the medical practitioners seem woefully unprepared and inexperienced.

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SY

Stacks Y. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Suresh saved my health journey

Dr. Suresh is absolutely phenomenal, truly an exceptional healthcare professional who stands out from the rest. Her compassionate approach is unparalleled - she never makes you feel like an inconvenience and always gives her undivided attention. Every concern is met with genuine empathy and expert guidance. I cannot speak highly enough of her; she embodies the very essence of what a remarkable physician should be - attentive, kind, and incredibly skilled. Dr. Suresh is simply extraordinary 👌🥰 and represents the gold standard of medical care.

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MM

Mracecomics M. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Doctors helped me through knee and dizziness issues

Since relocating to Highwoods 15 years back, I've consistently experienced exceptional care. The front desk staff are delightful and welcoming. The physicians are top-notch, and the nursing team is incredibly supportive. I've battled knee issues for an extended period, and the medical professionals successfully arranged two surgical procedures for me. More recently, when I was experiencing severe vertigo, Dr. Fadaly was incredibly attentive, carefully listening to my symptoms and accurately identifying the underlying condition. Truly an outstanding medical team Absolutely no complaints whatsoever

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BP

Bhuvaneswari P. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Great!

Lifesaver doctor who explains everything clearly

I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Fadaly from High Woods Surgery. His medical knowledge, empathetic approach, and skill in articulating health matters distinguish him as an exceptional General Practitioner. Patients value his comprehensive explanations of medical conditions, making complex health information accessible to those without medical training. His patient-focused methodology is consistently commendable. During a challenging period of multiple health concerns, he was truly a lifeline, and I remain deeply appreciative of his care. Apart from the slightly inconvenient 8am appointment waiting time, the surgery provides excellent service to the community.

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IF

Irene F. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Uninterested doctor made my back pain worse

I visited the clinic yesterday due to severe back pain and extreme discomfort. The physician appeared disinterested and kept yawning throughout the consultation, giving me the impression that I was a nuisance. Her only advice was to go to the emergency room if the pain becomes unbearable. The interaction was far from professional, and she seemed completely disengaged, clearly eager to end the appointment and leave.

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CR

Carmen R. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating customer service at 8 pm

Every single time I was advised to contact them at 8 o'clock, they consistently failed to pick up the phone.

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HF

H F. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude doctor cut me off mid-sentence

Dr. Fadaly stands out as the most condescending GP I've encountered. He feigns interest in hearing my medical concerns but consistently cuts me off mid-sentence, completely disregarding my attempts to communicate. His approach is shockingly disrespectful and utterly unprofessional. Moreover, the surgery demonstrated complete indifference by rejecting my request for a basic health screening. Absolutely ridiculous.

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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

  • 01206 752010
  • Highwoods Surgery Highwoods Square Colchester Essex CO4 9SR

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this practice reflects a distinctly mixed experience, with significant operational challenges contrasting sharply with positive clinical care. The most consistent concern across reviews centres on appointment access, with patients reporting persistent difficulties reaching the practice by phone at 8am, lengthy waiting times to connect, and rapid depletion of available slots. Reception communication has emerged as a particular area of concern, with multiple reports of unhelpful, dismissive, or discourteous interactions when patients attempt to book appointments or discuss urgent needs. Prescription processing delays and medication errors have also been highlighted as problematic, with some patients experiencing gaps in essential medications due to administrative failures.

Conversely, clinical care from doctors and nursing staff receives substantial praise, with patients consistently commending their professional expertise, compassion, and attentiveness. Many long-standing patients express confidence in the medical professionals and appreciate thorough explanations of their conditions. The practice environment is generally described as clean and well-maintained, and several patients note that once they secure an appointment, they receive responsive and supportive care. However, the significant barriers to accessing appointments and the administrative difficulties mean that for many patients, the quality of clinical care is undermined by frustration with the booking system and reception experience.

Appointment

28.67 %
Bad

Reception

38.92 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

68.45 %
Great

Respect

45.23 %
Poor

Seen on time

32.18 %
Bad
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