Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with significant operational challenges alongside genuine appreciation for clinical care. Telephone access and appointment booking remain persistent pain points, with patients reporting prolonged waiting times to reach reception, difficulty securing appointments, and website booking systems that are either inaccessible or show no available slots. Reception experience varies considerably, ranging from warm and professional interactions to dismissive and discourteous encounters. Communication breakdowns between departments have resulted in service delays and patient frustration, particularly around prescription management and appointment coordination.

Where the practice receives consistent praise is in the quality of clinical care and staff compassion. Patients highlight attentive medical professionals who listen carefully, supportive nursing staff, and a welcoming environment during appointments. Several reviews note that same-day appointments are available and that the clinical team demonstrates genuine care, particularly during serious health concerns. The practice appears to manage urgent cases effectively when patients can access them.

The gap between clinical excellence and operational efficiency creates a frustrating patient experience. While waiting times in reception and on the phone are acknowledged as common across NHS services, the practice's booking systems and staffing levels appear insufficient to meet demand. Patients express concern about access to urgent care and note that communication failures have occasionally delayed treatment. Improvements to telephone infrastructure, clearer internal communication protocols, and enhanced reception capacity would likely address the most frequent complaints.

Appointment

38.15 %
Poor

Reception

45.20 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

68.40 %
Great

Respect

54.30 %
Average

Seen on time

35.80 %
Poor

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SN

Simon N. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Ridiculous wait times at this terrible clinic

Endured a staggering wait time exceeding 50 minutes for my scheduled visit! No prior warning was provided during booking, and staff appear completely unbothered by the delay! Definitely plan to allocate substantial extra time if you're considering coming here!

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LB

Luke B. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Welcoming healthcare and compassionate medical professionals

A welcoming medical practice with delightful and caring personnel

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KA

Katarzyna A. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Dangerous delay puts patient's health at risk

Absolutely worthless!!! I've been waiting for my prescription since June 20th! I'm now 5 days without my crucial medication, which poses a serious health risk, and the receptionist claimed she's powerless to help, merely suggesting I message the prescription team - something I've already done twice. So if any medical complications arise, I want everyone to be aware that the Kingsway surgery team bears full responsibility

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KS

Kim S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional healthcare with compassionate and dedicated staff

I've undergone multiple medical procedures for different health issues over time. Admittedly, the phone wait times can be lengthy. However, this is consistent across all NHS services, including hospitals. Having previously worked as a receptionist in Basildon Hospital's Admissions office for a couple of years, I understand firsthand how challenging that role can be. Despite the demanding nature, I found the work engaging and never experienced a dull moment. The care and service provided by the reception staff and medical team, including Patches, has been truly exceptional. As I consider relocating, I find myself wishing I could somehow bring Kingsway surgery with me.

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BW

Becky W. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Pleasant experience at my new local surgery

Recently started visiting this medical practice, and my initial impressions are positive. The front desk staff were courteous and quickly scheduled my appointment. The facility appears well-maintained and the parking situation is convenient. The nursing staff was equally friendly and professional. While I did experience a typical 10-minute wait time on the phone before connecting, this seems standard across healthcare providers nowadays.

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BJ

Byron J. Google one year ago

Rating

Average!

Busy clinic with long wait times and limited access

Yes, it's passable. The patient-to-physician ratio seems imbalanced. With merely two front desk staff, handling the chaotic morning surge of appointment booking calls appears challenging for both the receptionists and patients attempting to connect. Keep in mind that afternoon time slots are accessible, so consider calling between 1-2 pm. As for online scheduling, it's essentially futile since available slots are consistently nonexistent (as of March 2025), though one hopes this situation might improve.

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SB

Stephen B. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Smooth medical visit with exceptional care

Incredibly straightforward digital reservation process. Delightful and welcoming reception team. Dr Haverson demonstrates exceptional medical expertise.

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NA

Natalie A. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare service leaves patient frustrated and stranded

My mother-in-law requires a blood test, and the medical practice has referred her to Basildon hospital with no consideration for her transportation challenges. It seems she is simply expected to cover taxi expenses on her own. She consistently struggles to secure appointments, cannot reach anyone by phone, and finds the entire staff - from receptionists to medical professionals - utterly discourteous and unaccommodating. She is completely frustrated and has reached her breaking point.

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RP

Ric P. Google one year ago

Rating

Poor!

Terrible wait times ruin entire booking experience

Scheduled appointments seem pointless when you end up wasting more than sixty minutes just sitting around waiting.

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KB

Kevin B. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great service and quick appointments at kingsway

I'm thoroughly delighted with the exceptional care at Kingsway surgery. Their ability to offer same-day appointments is remarkable, and their callback system effectively eliminates the anxiety of being put on hold. The medical professionals and support team are consistently courteous and accommodating.

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JW

Jayden W. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service nightmare from start

Spent nearly half an hour on hold, got disconnected mid-call, and was eventually transferred to a physician after a frustrating wait.

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RW

Robert W. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service when health is at serious risk

I'm deeply disappointed with your service. As an immunocompromised patient experiencing respiratory distress, persistent cough, and chest congestion, I'm shocked that you're unwilling to examine me and simply redirect me to a pharmacy. Your lack of care is appalling. Additionally, when I finally managed to contact your office and was second in line, it still took an excruciating 11 minutes just to have my call answered. This level of inefficiency is unacceptable. What has become of the once-reliable Brickfields practice that used to prioritize patient care?

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TT

Tigzinsta T. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Warm welcome at this amazing healthcare facility

Warm and welcoming personnel!

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AC

Amber C. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating medical bureaucracy and poor patient communication

My partner was informed today to bring a urine sample for the doctor to test and was told he could not obtain a container from the surgery as they no longer provide these to patients. He was advised that any clean container would suffice and to drop it off before 4pm. He selected a thoroughly cleaned bottle which he carefully labeled with his personal details, already feeling uncomfortable with the situation. Upon arrival, he was not initially informed by reception that the container would be unsuitable. The receptionist accepted the sample and suggested placing it in the basket, indicating he would receive results via a call. Subsequently, he received a call after leaving, stating the bottle was inappropriate due to potential contamination and requesting he return to collect an official container from reception. When he sought clarification, the staff member was uncertain why the previous instruction was given and suggested he could obtain a container from the surgery or local pharmacy. He was repeatedly and persistently questioned about why he couldn't return immediately, implying he should "still be nearby". This situation has prolonged my partner's UTI by an additional day, primarily due to a significant communication breakdown between different departments regarding their service provisions. The dismissive and aggressive tone used when questioning his inability to return immediately was particularly offensive. I attempted to initiate the complaints procedure by contacting the practice manager, only to be informed they had finished work for the day and advised to call back tomorrow.

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DN

Dominic N. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service at medical office

The receptionist completely disregarded my serious medical situation and abruptly ended our call, leaving me frustrated and unheard.

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WR

Wayne R. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and helpful medical service at kingsway

While there's been widespread criticism of Kingsway lately, and some complaints seem valid, my personal experience was quite different. On a typically hectic Monday morning, I struggled for 20 minutes trying to connect via phone to schedule a doctor's appointment for a muscle-related concern. Eventually, I succeeded in booking a slot for the same morning. The entire process was remarkably smooth. The staff were courteous and helpful, both during the phone call and when I arrived at the medical center. I personally have never encountered any problems here. It's possible that the practice has made some positive changes.

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ND

Nick D. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Terrible service and broken pharmacy promises

Completely dissatisfied! I was assured my prescription would be dispatched to the pharmacy, but upon arriving at 6:00 PM closing time, it was nowhere to be found. Earlier, I was told it would take just 20 minutes. This kind of inefficiency is exactly why everything seems so dysfunctional!!!!

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JR

Jack R. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service destroying patient's hope and health

Navigating this medical process has been utterly overwhelming. Every effort to coordinate appointments encounters barriers, which leaves me feeling dejected and demoralized by the staff's apparent indifference. Their dismissive attitude only intensifies the sense of alienation and discomfort I experience during each encounter. Moreover, there have been repeated errors involving misdiagnosis and administrative mismanagement, resulting in the disappearance of critical referral documents. Consequently, I now confront an additional six-month delay in receiving a referral, which dramatically escalates the emotional strain and uncertainty surrounding my medical circumstances. I genuinely hope the surgical team will address these issues, as this feedback isn't merely a performative gesture for others experiencing similar challenges...

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JA

Jane A. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate doctors and staff save the day

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the reception staff and physicians who have been incredibly supportive during an intensely challenging and nerve-wracking period for my family! The reception team consistently demonstrates professionalism and compassion, and I interact with the surgery multiple times monthly - sometimes even daily! They invariably strive to assist in every possible way, with genuine kindness and efficiency. My observation is that they truly demonstrate empathy and concern for all patients. Their work is undoubtedly demanding, and they manage with remarkable dedication. I only wish I could personally acknowledge each team member. I particularly want to highlight my appreciation for Dr. Dev and Dr. Matthews, who have consistently displayed extraordinary care, empathy, and professionalism while addressing my family's medical concerns. They have genuinely exceeded all expectations. Heartfelt thanks from the Alexander and Bird family

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NT

Nck T. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare service with unprofessional attitude

Absolutely unacceptable service!!! I understand you might be overwhelmed and frustrated with bureaucratic constraints, but that's no excuse to mistreat patients. Being discourteous and dismissive is completely unprofessional and does nothing to improve the situation.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01245 321391
  • Crouch Vale Medical Cnt Burnham Road Chelmsford Essex CM3 5QP

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with significant operational challenges alongside genuine appreciation for clinical care. Telephone access and appointment booking remain persistent pain points, with patients reporting prolonged waiting times to reach reception, difficulty securing appointments, and website booking systems that are either inaccessible or show no available slots. Reception experience varies considerably, ranging from warm and professional interactions to dismissive and discourteous encounters. Communication breakdowns between departments have resulted in service delays and patient frustration, particularly around prescription management and appointment coordination.

Where the practice receives consistent praise is in the quality of clinical care and staff compassion. Patients highlight attentive medical professionals who listen carefully, supportive nursing staff, and a welcoming environment during appointments. Several reviews note that same-day appointments are available and that the clinical team demonstrates genuine care, particularly during serious health concerns. The practice appears to manage urgent cases effectively when patients can access them.

The gap between clinical excellence and operational efficiency creates a frustrating patient experience. While waiting times in reception and on the phone are acknowledged as common across NHS services, the practice's booking systems and staffing levels appear insufficient to meet demand. Patients express concern about access to urgent care and note that communication failures have occasionally delayed treatment. Improvements to telephone infrastructure, clearer internal communication protocols, and enhanced reception capacity would likely address the most frequent complaints.

Appointment

38.15 %
Poor

Reception

45.20 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

68.40 %
Great

Respect

54.30 %
Average

Seen on time

35.80 %
Poor
Filter

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