Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience at this GP practice, with notable strengths in clinical care and significant challenges in administrative operations. Many patients praise the doctors for their professionalism, compassion, and attentiveness, with several highlighting continuity of care and thorough consultations that instil confidence. Reception and administrative staff receive mixed assessments: some patients commend their courtesy and helpfulness, whilst others report persistent difficulties with appointment booking, long waiting times to connect by phone, and poor responsiveness to requests. The digital consultation platform is appreciated by those who have used it successfully, though some experience delays in receiving responses or follow-up calls.
Appointment access emerges as a significant concern across multiple reviews. Patients describe challenges securing timely appointments, with some reporting weeks of unsuccessful attempts, cancelled appointments without notice, and inconsistent communication about availability. Prescription handling presents another recurring issue, with reports of delayed processing, incomplete orders, and administrative errors that have left patients without essential medications. Reception staff interactions are polarised: whilst some patients experience welcoming and supportive service, others describe dismissive attitudes, rudeness, and difficulty reaching the practice by phone.
The practice environment and operational efficiency also feature in feedback, with some patients noting administrative chaos, disorganised systems, and staff appearing overwhelmed. However, several long-term patients express satisfaction with the overall service trajectory, and those who have successfully navigated the booking system and received prompt care report positive experiences. The variation in feedback suggests service quality may depend significantly on which staff member patients interact with and which location they attend.
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Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience at this GP practice, with notable strengths in clinical care and significant challenges in administrative operations. Many patients praise the doctors for their professionalism, compassion, and attentiveness, with several highlighting continuity of care and thorough consultations that instil confidence. Reception and administrative staff receive mixed assessments: some patients commend their courtesy and helpfulness, whilst others report persistent difficulties with appointment booking, long waiting times to connect by phone, and poor responsiveness to requests. The digital consultation platform is appreciated by those who have used it successfully, though some experience delays in receiving responses or follow-up calls.
Appointment access emerges as a significant concern across multiple reviews. Patients describe challenges securing timely appointments, with some reporting weeks of unsuccessful attempts, cancelled appointments without notice, and inconsistent communication about availability. Prescription handling presents another recurring issue, with reports of delayed processing, incomplete orders, and administrative errors that have left patients without essential medications. Reception staff interactions are polarised: whilst some patients experience welcoming and supportive service, others describe dismissive attitudes, rudeness, and difficulty reaching the practice by phone.
The practice environment and operational efficiency also feature in feedback, with some patients noting administrative chaos, disorganised systems, and staff appearing overwhelmed. However, several long-term patients express satisfaction with the overall service trajectory, and those who have successfully navigated the booking system and received prompt care report positive experiences. The variation in feedback suggests service quality may depend significantly on which staff member patients interact with and which location they attend.
Appointment
Reception
Cleanliness
Care
Respect
Seen on time
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Yelyzaveta R.
3 years ago
Bad!
Jeep registration nightmare for my family
I've never experienced issues with previous Jeep models, but with this one, I registered the entire family of five back in October, and to date, only one person has been successfully added. The weekly updates are a nightmare, and the staff's performance is absolutely terrible.
Darren B.
3 years ago
Bad!
Prescription nightmare left me without meds
Recently signed up with this medical practice post-holiday season. I attempted to refill my long-standing prescription, but encountered significant issues. Initially, my request seemed to vanish, and after persistent follow-ups, I only received one of the three medications I needed. Another medication was completely denied without clear explanation. I was forced to schedule a doctor's appointment after five days to understand the denial, but even the physician was unaware of who had blocked my prescription. This meant I was nearly two weeks without critical mental health medication - a potentially dangerous situation. As a result, I am preparing a comprehensive formal complaint, not just to the practice itself, but also to the local Primary Care Trust and Care Quality Commission.
Leah J.
3 years ago
Bad!
Receptionists ruined my daughter's health care
A truly dreadful medical practice with abysmal service. Getting through to their reception is an exercise in frustration, taking more than 60 minutes just to connect. The staff are discourteous and completely uncooperative when you finally reach them. My experience was so poor that I was forced to take my daughter to the emergency department due to a health issue that deteriorated because the receptionist flatly denied me an appointment and callously suggested I seek care elsewhere. This practice is an absolute nightmare, and if possible, I would rate them lower than the minimum star rating. There is not a single redeeming quality about this appalling healthcare facility.
Theresa C.
3 years ago
Bad!
Unfriendly staff killed my dining experience
Their service quality has drastically declined since the pandemic Seem disinterested in customer interaction and providing assistance
Koh K.
3 years ago
Bad!
Endless waiting for my blood test results
I've been waiting over a month for my blood test results, constantly phoning to follow up, but they continue to postpone and drag their feet. Every time I call, they claim they're swamped and can't pinpoint when the pathology lab will provide my results. The customer service is absolutely terrible! The front desk staff are completely uncooperative and unhelpful. I absolutely will not recommend this medical practice to anyone!
Margaret P.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Quick and helpful online care
Recently became a patient at this medical center. The front desk staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. I've utilized their online consultation service two times now, and each time received a response within two days, which eliminated the need for an in-person visit - a real time-saver! 😊
Maddy M.
3 years ago
Average!
Frustrating wait for medical care
The management lacks efficiency, and obtaining medical consultations in a prompt manner proves challenging.
Graham G.
3 years ago
Bad!
Terrible care after 47 years at lynks
This medical practice has significantly disappointed me. After being a loyal patient for nearly five decades, I am now actively seeking to transfer my care elsewhere. The Lynks practice has failed to meet even basic standards of service. Absolutely unacceptable.
Kim E.
4 years ago
Bad!
Phone calls and medical run-around
An update, it's been over two years since I became a patient here. I've only had one in-person consultation with a GP, with all other interactions being phone-based. The single GP seems more focused on finding potential issues rather than addressing my actual concerns. A joint pain has been dramatically escalated to potentially indicating a heart attack, resulting in a referral to a chest pain clinic I've never experienced, and I'm now undergoing my third round of blood tests in just a few months. I originally joined this practice after hearing about the exceptional service at the Mottingham branch from a friend. Unfortunately, I cannot offer any positive feedback about this particular location. The reception staff appear uninterested in providing assistance, the practice manager is perpetually unavailable, and my sole GP interactions have been telephonic, during which I was criticized for my previous doctor's lack of blood test orders before his retirement in 2020. Today's experience was particularly frustrating - I had to repeatedly dial over 30 times to connect, only to be told they couldn't provide advice and was directed to seek help elsewhere.
Elizabeth C.
4 years ago
Poor!
Frustrated by late-night e consult limits
I assumed an e-consult would be available when you need medical guidance... it's 9 PM, and I'm unable to schedule an appointment because their system indicates they're closed.
Peter A.
4 years ago
Average!
Doctors great, staff dropped the ball
From a medical perspective, the physicians are competent, but the administrative personnel leave much to be desired. They're eager to collect fees for paperwork yet demonstrate significant inefficiency in handling documentation. Predictably, they attribute their shortcomings to Covid, even though in my specific situation they misplaced a receipt and falsely claimed attempted communication with me (with no evidence of missed calls on my phone). The resulting postponement will directly impact my finances, and their sole response is a perfunctory apology.
Marion R.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Helpful doctors in a welcoming clinic
A neighborhood-focused medical clinic staffed by dedicated healthcare professionals and support personnel. The facility is contemporary and well-equipped. Street parking is accessible, though caution is advised during school drop-off and pick-up hours.
Blue_sus O.
4 years ago
Great!
Cluttered windows need some tlc
incredible general practice clinic, the waiting period is standard as expected, though it would be great if the windows weren't obscured by outdated, months-old papers. additionally, having a clear weekly schedule displayed would be helpful for patients to know the operating hours.
Sally J.
4 years ago
Bad!
Wasted walk for canceled nurse appointment
This medical facility is absolutely terrible. I trekked for 10 minutes to my nurse consultation, only to be informed upon arrival that the appointment had been abruptly canceled without any prior notification. No apology was offered, and the entire experience was a complete waste of my time and energy. I fully intend to escalate this matter by submitting a formal complaint directly to the practice manager.
Jason K.
4 years ago
Poor!
Pfizer vaccine call went badly
I previously held this GP Practice in high regard. However, I've discovered they consistently make communication challenging. I'm not suggesting all staff are problematic, but today's phone interaction was particularly frustrating. While attempting to inquire about my second Pfizer dose (as the text link provided no booking option and I wanted to schedule in advance), the staff member seemed intent on interrupting me. After explaining my situation, there was an uncomfortable silence. When I said "hello", she dismissively responded, "yeah wait a minute". Taken aback, I muttered "okay jeez". I genuinely don't believe I deserved such treatment. I rarely contact the GP, and on this rare occasion, they appeared irritated by my call. I've developed a genuine aversion to reaching out to them. Moreover, when I need assistance with something unsuitable for E-consult or excessively complicated through their app (which requires completing an entire questionnaire for a single query), they simply redirect me online. During COVID lockdowns, I was more understanding of such approaches. However, they continue to act as if taking a patient's call is an unbearable burden, which I find unacceptable as a registered patient. This experience is eroding my previously positive perception of the practice, which is deeply disappointing. As a patient, no one should feel like an inconvenience when seeking medical support. I'm genuinely frustrated by the recurring phone rudeness I've experienced.
Mohamed K.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Caring support from Yvonne at medical practice
I'm thoroughly impressed with the exceptional service delivered by the outstanding team at this medical practice, including both administrative staff and medical professionals. A special acknowledgment goes to Mrs. Yvonne, whose professional and compassionate approach to patient care truly stands out. Heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved.
Lovely R.
4 years ago
Bad!
Rude receptionists ruined my first visit
I received glowing recommendations about this medical practice and chose to register with them. Unfortunately, since becoming a patient, I've encountered terrible front desk personnel who are discourteous and dismissive! They demonstrate a complete absence of compassion and interpersonal skills. Attempting to communicate with them inevitably results in feeling condescended to! It's truly disappointing, as I initially held such high expectations for this practice!
Ms B.
5 years ago
Great!
Debbie helped me through tough times
Debbie, the Medications Coordinator, is absolutely outstanding and incredibly efficient! Despite the reception and administrative team being constantly swamped with work, they consistently demonstrate politeness and helpfulness. It's worth acknowledging the excellent work of the clinical team and staff, particularly during these challenging times - a sincere thank you to all of them.
P. B.
5 years ago
Bad!
Impossible to book an appointment online
Incompetent reception team. My partner has been attempting to secure an appointment for an extended period, and they persistently direct you to 'use the online system'. Fine. Your website suggests phone bookings are still possible, which implies you're deliberately avoiding work responsibilities. The pandemic isn't a justification for total inactivity. Are you trying to make yourselves redundant? He attempts to access the online system, attempting to reset his password, but repeated reset attempts yield no link. Calling the surgery again, he explains the technical barrier preventing account access. Their response: "You must do this online." How is that possible when your online portal is fundamentally broken? Why can't you facilitate appointment bookings when your webpage explicitly states phone bookings are available? Meanwhile, he's been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and has been unable to consult doctors for months. Visiting the 'Contact Us' page on the Links Medical Practice website, he follows the complaints procedure directing him to contact the practice manager in writing. However, clicking through only reveals phone numbers - no email contact option. Clearly, they're unwilling to perform basic professional duties. The inevitable next step: another phone call, only to be told again 'we're not booking appointments'. I've suggested calling to speak with the practice manager and lodge a complaint, but reception's responsiveness seems dubious. These glowing reviews are transparently written by staff members. Patients should seek alternative medical practices unless they enjoy dealing with monumentally unhelpful reception staff. I eagerly anticipate these employees facing job market challenges given their abysmal approach to patient care.
Paul L.
5 years ago
Excellent!
Friendly doctors who really care about patients
An Exceptional Medical Practice! I am thoroughly impressed by the outstanding service from the reception team and physicians. Their approach is proactive, warm, courteous, considerate, encouraging, and quick to address concerns. Even during peak hours, the staff maintain remarkable professionalism when interacting with patients and swiftly handle any inquiries or problems. The medical team demonstrates genuine commitment to patient health. Dr. Chavvakula, in particular, shows remarkable dedication to her patients and possesses extensive expertise in her specialty. Links Medical Practice Downham truly stands out as a top-tier healthcare provider!