Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this GP practice reveals a deeply divided patient experience, with significant concerns dominating the overall picture. Appointment access emerges as the most persistent issue, with patients reporting extreme difficulty securing consultations through both online booking systems and telephone contact, often involving extended wait times and system failures. Reception experience varies considerably, with some patients praising courteous and helpful staff while others describe dismissive, unhelpful, or hostile interactions. Communication challenges are widespread, including unresponsive follow-up, poor information provision, and difficulties reaching the practice by phone.

Medical care quality shows marked contrast, with many patients commending professional and compassionate doctors, nurses, and dispensary staff, while others report inadequate clinical assessments, lack of responsiveness to urgent needs, and insufficient follow-up care. Specific concerns include delayed diagnoses, reluctance to provide face-to-face appointments, and gaps in continuity of care. Facility issues such as parking difficulties and cleanliness concerns are noted by some patients.

Positive feedback highlights efficient service through alternative booking methods, professional medical staff, and supportive reception teams in certain interactions. However, the volume and consistency of complaints about appointment availability, reception courtesy, communication responsiveness, and follow-up care suggest systemic operational challenges that significantly impact patient experience across the practice.

Appointment

28.91 %
Bad

Reception

32.18 %
Bad

Cleanliness

35.00 %
Poor

Care

45.62 %
Poor

Respect

36.27 %
Poor

Seen on time

31.54 %
Bad

Filter

BB

Bridget B. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and convenient online medical consultation

I was new to Patchs, but today's experience was seamless. I easily logged in, provided details about my medical concern, and received a response from a doctor in approximately 10 minutes. The physician promptly sent a prescription to my local pharmacy. The entire interaction was incredibly straightforward and efficient.

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CO

Christine O. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Great!

Compassionate care through challenging medical journey

Throughout a deeply concerning four-month period, the medical professionals at Longfield have provided me with exceptional care and reassurance. While scheduling appointments can sometimes be challenging, their availability is comparatively better than other local practices.

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JC

Jason C. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible patient care and frustrating appointment system

An absolute nightmare of a medical practice with a scheduling system that only compounds the frustration and inefficiency of their already subpar service.

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LC

Lewis C. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating healthcare system with terrible booking process

Their appointment system is frustratingly restrictive, allowing bookings solely on the same day with no advance scheduling. This approach creates a chaotic and inefficient process that negatively impacts patients, who must endlessly redial to connect and then wait in lengthy phone queues exceeding 40 minutes. Such a method not only inconveniences patients but also unnecessarily burdens the practice's staff with additional administrative challenges.

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LC

Luke C. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible medical practice with zero patient care

Completely terrible medical procedure, impossible to schedule a consultation. The front desk staff are discourteous and provide zero assistance whatsoever.

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LC

Lynn C. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional care when i needed help most

Today, I reached out to Longfield Medical Centre to register as a temporary patient while experiencing significant health challenges during my stay in the area. I am incredibly grateful to the staff who helped me through this process. The Secretary I initially spoke with was exceptionally accommodating, ensuring my registration was smooth and considerate of my medical condition. She processed everything quickly and efficiently. The Receptionist who followed was equally helpful, guiding me expertly through the administrative procedures. I genuinely wish I knew their names so I could properly commend them for their compassionate and respectful approach to my situation. While I'll refrain from naming the specific physician, the doctor who contacted me was thoroughly professional. They listened attentively and asked thoughtful, detailed questions to fully comprehend my symptoms. As someone with 40 years of experience in the NHS, I recognize excellent healthcare practice when I encounter it, and Longfield Medical Centre demonstrated precisely that today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire team for their outstanding support and care.

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SF

Stella F. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare leaves patient in desperate pain

Absolutely appalling service. My sister Rebecca underwent a critical surgical procedure and was forced to endure an entire week without adjusting her pain management. The general practitioner was meant to reach out regarding her postnatal care, yet we remain in limbo. Heavens help us! This situation is deeply troubling, and I'm utterly dismayed that rural patients are experiencing treatment far inferior to those in metropolitan areas!

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JL

Joy L. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Compassionate care from a wonderful locum doctor

Saw a substitute physician on a weekend afternoon. The experience was absolutely delightful, and I extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Dowler.

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JW

Janet W. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating nhs booking system kills early morning hopes

Can't comprehend the claim about being open all day for appointments without the early morning scramble? I've been attempting to secure a slot all week, desperately logging in at precisely 8:00 AM, only to find by 8:01 that every single appointment has vanished!!! While I'm certain the staff are giving their utmost effort, it's clear the healthcare system is fundamentally dysfunctional.

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MM

Mona M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service at longfield surgery avoid at all costs

Have you ever pondered why the Longfield surgery appears deserted at 10:30 am? The apparent lack of permanent medical staff is striking, contradicting the receptionist's claim of having doctors present. Longfield seems to underestimate their patients' intelligence. The Patch AI service is completely non-functional. This general practice should be downgraded to a mere clinic and relocated to St Peters, sparing local taxpayers from funding a practice that barely operates. The quality of care is so poor that it pales in comparison to medical services from the 1960s, when patients were actually seen by fully qualified doctors, not just "physician's assistants".

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HG

H G. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy online booking saves the day

Delighted to discover the medical practice has now implemented an all-day appointment booking system. Thanks to this improvement, my son and I both had excellent interactions with the clinic during our recent visits last week.

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LO

Lester O. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care from a dedicated local practice

I have been a patient at Longfield and experienced three notably significant health events in the past 24 months. Without exception, they have consistently provided suitable medical attention and necessary referrals. My experience has been that when I approach the staff with politeness, they respond with genuine helpfulness and compassion. I'm well aware of the documented challenges facing the NHS and GP practices, which are systemic issues beyond their individual control. Moreover, I've been equally impressed with the support from all medical personnel, extending well beyond just the general practitioners. We're navigating an era of constant transformation (just look at the disappearing bank branches on our main streets), and while things are undeniably changing, it's crucial to recognize that different doesn't automatically mean inferior.

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JB

Jo B. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Negligent care led to life-threatening medical emergency

I experienced a terrible ear infection and requested antibiotics, but the medical staff denied my request. When I returned days later with significant head swelling, they claimed they couldn't identify the issue and suggested I look it up online - something I could easily do at home. Eventually, I required emergency treatment, undergoing 5 brain surgeries and 3 facial procedures. The doctors at Broomfield confirmed that these extensive interventions could have been prevented if Longfield had simply prescribed antibiotics during my initial visit. The care was absolutely horrendous, and I strongly advise against this facility. The nursing staff clearly lacks the competence to maintain a medical license.

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SE

Steve E. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Nhs fails elderly patient with terrible care

The NHS is in shambles, and this clinic epitomizes its failures. My aging mother is perpetually unable to secure a medical consultation, enduring an endless wait for a Urologist referral while suffering intense pain. They've essentially abandoned her, recommending mere paracetamol for unbearable discomfort. Booking an appointment is virtually impossible - they insist on pushing elderly and vulnerable patients towards a PATCHS app that's incomprehensible even to me, and continue sending text messages despite our repeated explanations that she cannot comprehend them. While the receptionist seems pleasant and I sympathize with her difficult position, it's clear this practice is fundamentally incapable of providing the standard of care we rightfully expect from our tax contributions.

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P

Pmd one year ago

Rating

Bad!

  • Appointment

    Bad
  • Reception

    Bad
  • Cleanliness

    Poor
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Bad
  • Seen On Time

    Bad

Exceptionally negative experience

For older patients this practice is 100% unhelpful. Follow up care is non-existent. Never get to see same GP twice. ..if you get in at all. They use 111 option way too much. Hospital follow up care directions NEVER followed. Letters lost. Staff ALL disinterested in older patients… GPs even less. Exceptionally hard to get appointment. I was with them until 2024 until I thought I might get seriously mentally ill with frustration and total lack of care and any follow up so left…am now with excellent practice. I would NOT recommend this practice to my worst enemy. It is a truly negative , vile and mentally exhausting expereince to try and get even their poor standard of “health care” !!! Truly hateful place.

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PP

Pappy207 P. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical office ever terrible service

Scheduling has become so frustratingly impossible that I've completely given up trying. Absolutely repulsive.

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BE

Ben E. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Incompetent pharmacy fails to deliver essential medication

The service was utterly deplorable, showing zero empathy for the patient's needs. The pharmacy dragged out my medication dispensing for over a week, when it should have been completed in just a few days. Their staff were completely unhelpful, refusing to take responsibility for their error and robotically repeating "call 111" regardless of my concerns. Their lack of customer care is shameful and unacceptable.

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J(

Jan (. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service for patients with disabilities

Transferred to this medical practice on April 24. I cannot emphasize enough how poorly patients are treated here. I struggle with significant visual, auditory, and movement impairments. The online system and patches are completely inaccessible to me. Telephone communication is impossible, leaving me in a state of extreme distress. The administrative staff demonstrates complete indifference!

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U-

User -. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great local surgery with caring staff

The medical staff here are exceptionally courteous and always go above and beyond to assist patients in urgent situations. I've been a patient at this practice for over half a decade, and their responsiveness during critical times has been consistently impressive.

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DE

Daisy E. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst customer service ever total nightmare

Absolutely frustrated with this place - if there was a way to rate lower than one star, I'd do it. Their scheduling system is completely dysfunctional, with online appointment requests left hanging for what feels like an eternity.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01621 876433
  • Longfield Medical Centre Princes Road Maldon Essex CM9 5DF

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this GP practice reveals a deeply divided patient experience, with significant concerns dominating the overall picture. Appointment access emerges as the most persistent issue, with patients reporting extreme difficulty securing consultations through both online booking systems and telephone contact, often involving extended wait times and system failures. Reception experience varies considerably, with some patients praising courteous and helpful staff while others describe dismissive, unhelpful, or hostile interactions. Communication challenges are widespread, including unresponsive follow-up, poor information provision, and difficulties reaching the practice by phone.

Medical care quality shows marked contrast, with many patients commending professional and compassionate doctors, nurses, and dispensary staff, while others report inadequate clinical assessments, lack of responsiveness to urgent needs, and insufficient follow-up care. Specific concerns include delayed diagnoses, reluctance to provide face-to-face appointments, and gaps in continuity of care. Facility issues such as parking difficulties and cleanliness concerns are noted by some patients.

Positive feedback highlights efficient service through alternative booking methods, professional medical staff, and supportive reception teams in certain interactions. However, the volume and consistency of complaints about appointment availability, reception courtesy, communication responsiveness, and follow-up care suggest systemic operational challenges that significantly impact patient experience across the practice.

Appointment

28.91 %
Bad

Reception

32.18 %
Bad

Cleanliness

35.00 %
Poor

Care

45.62 %
Poor

Respect

36.27 %
Poor

Seen on time

31.54 %
Bad
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