Longfield Medical Centre

Terrible healthcare experience with patchs medical system

The medical staff here are incredibly incompetent, and the PATCHS system is absolutely terrible. I've submitted three separate requests but haven't received a single callback, leaving me in excruciating pain. Despite the hospital forwarding my medical information, they've completely ignored it. They continue to send hostile emails about a missed appointment from over three months ago - an appointment that was originally scheduled during my work hours without any prior notification or confirmation. It seems like they're just going through motions to avoid formal complaints. While I recognize the NHS is struggling, these doctors are by far the worst I've ever encountered. The entire practice should be shut down and replaced with a more comprehensive medical facility in Maldon. I will say that some staff members, particularly those in administration, have been genuinely helpful and professional.

Frustrating and impossible online booking system

Attempting to schedule an appointment at Longfield Medical Centre through their Patches system has been incredibly frustrating. For two consecutive mornings at 8am, I've encountered repeated login issues, with the system repeatedly telling me to retry at 12:45pm. It's clear that this appointment booking platform is fundamentally broken, either due to overwhelming patient demand or inadequate infrastructure that cannot handle the current volume of users.

Terrible service and unbearable wait time

Incredibly discourteous staff. Additionally, endured an excessive wait time exceeding 90 minutes just to interact with the front desk personnel.

Frustrating booking system ruins potential great healthcare

Amazing medical professionals... assuming you can actually schedule a visit. [updated] Their online booking system is a nightmare. Attempt to book at 8am, and it claims no slots are open. Try again at 12:45, and it redirects you back to 8am. Navigating the PATCHS software is an exercise in frustration. As a developer, I can confidently say this might be the most poorly designed software I've ever encountered!

Frustrating healthcare experience with zero customer support

The customer service here is utterly abysmal. I attempted to schedule a doctor's consultation, only to be met with ridiculous obstacles. They flatly refused to book an appointment in person, insisting I use a dysfunctional app or call at 8 AM - a time when they conveniently never pick up the phone. This clinic epitomizes the current failings of the NHS: a complete farce that seems content to watch patients struggle without offering any meaningful assistance.

Terrible service from unprofessional medical staff

Steer clear of getting sick at this workplace; the management is entirely unprofessional and untrustworthy.

Terrible healthcare service that fails patients completely

Patchs is an absolute disaster. Their communication system is completely dysfunctional, with wait times stretching to an unbelievable 140 minutes just to reach a receptionist (heaven help anyone facing a critical health emergency). The entire setup appears deliberately designed to obstruct patients, deflect genuine concerns, and prioritize staff convenience over patient care. Gone are the days of simple, straightforward healthcare access where one could calmly wait to be seen. The NHS should seriously consider shutting down this practice for the benefit of everyone involved.

Smooth morning checkup at friendly clinic

Prompt booking recommended due to limited parking, but the service is impressively swift and professional. Arrive early to secure a spot, and you'll experience top-notch assistance. Highly recommended! 👍

Misdiagnosed and dismissed for ten frustrating months

I battled a devastating stomach infection that plagued me for an extended period. My symptoms were debilitating - fainting spells, intense nausea, complete immobility, and an inability to consume food or water. The illness forced me to take medical leave from work. I repeatedly visited the doctor's surgery, desperately seeking someone to listen to my concerns. Despite undergoing numerous tests, medical staff consistently reported my results as negative and normal. After an excruciating 10-month journey, I was finally referred to an endoscopy at another hospital. Remarkably, within just five minutes of the procedure, they definitively diagnosed my stomach infection. I was left questioning why it took an entire decade for healthcare professionals to provide a proper diagnosis, especially when staff who barely knew me could quickly identify my condition. Adding insult to injury, every male doctor I encountered obsessively questioned my menstrual cycle, baselessly accusing me of pregnancy and refusing to renew my essential period pain medication. The number of pregnancy tests I was forced to undergo, both during and outside my menstrual cycle, was absolutely ridiculous. The sole bright spot in this medical nightmare was the female doctors, who demonstrated genuine compassion, truly listened to my concerns, and provided honest, helpful care. Notably, I only received meaningful medical interventions and hospital referrals from these female healthcare professionals.

Heartless receptionist ignored my painful medical emergency

I've submitted an official grievance. The manner in which the receptionist addressed me and handled my situation following a severe fall and my plea for assistance was absolutely appalling. I'm certain that in any other establishment, like a retail store, I would have been met with empathy and support. I know Tesco's, for example, demonstrates genuine customer care during incidents. Instead, all the receptionist did was repeatedly yell that I needed to go to A&E, emphasizing there was no help available for me. The very place that should offer support after a serious accident essentially abandoned me. They simply shouted "A&E" at me, causing public humiliation while I stood in a crowded waiting area. I am thoroughly disgusted by their complete lack of compassion and professionalism!

Great service despite nhs challenges

Achieving a perfect rating for surgical procedures is challenging given the current NHS circumstances, but this medical practice stands out positively. Their digital scheduling platform is user-friendly, and the front desk staff provide a welcoming and supportive experience during visits.

Terrible medical care that could cost your life

If you're seriously unwell, steer clear of this medical facility. They'll simply recommend pain patches, leaving you to deteriorate until you're critically sick or deceased. The front desk staff appear grossly overpaid and incompetent. An utterly appalling healthcare practice.

Terrible service and zero compassion from reception staff

The front desk staff are incredibly uncooperative and completely unwilling to provide any assistance. Their sole response is to direct patients to 'PATCHES' without further guidance. I am utterly appalled, as I have never encountered such abysmal customer service from a healthcare provider. The entire system requires a comprehensive review, and the reception staff desperately need comprehensive training to understand the fundamental concept of empathy and patient care.

Frustrating healthcare system fails patient miserably

My assessment of the NHS is that it has completely collapsed. Securing an appointment is futile, and my repeat prescription was erroneously delivered elsewhere. I am now wasting valuable time attempting to resolve this administrative blunder. They insist on following specific protocols, yet fail to adhere to their own guidelines... I am thoroughly frustrated. While the medical and nursing professionals are competent, accessing their services is an insurmountable challenge. I am now preparing to escalate this matter by writing to my Member of Parliament.

Worst customer service ever terrible experience

Scheduling an appointment here is completely unfeasible, the service is utterly abysmal, I would gladly rate this zero stars if I could

Terrible online booking system wastes precious time

The online booking platform for Patchs is utterly useless, as it consistently kicks you out after struggling to navigate through it. After seven unsuccessful tries, I'm now forced to drive to the Colchester Urgent Treatment Centre. They mentioned a potential telephone consultation in two weeks, which might be an alternative option. It's clear that this is a persistent problem, and based on other customer feedback, it appears to be an ongoing issue that the company is completely ignoring and failing to address.

Disappointing decline from once good medical practice

The initial experience with this surgery in 2021 was positive. However, the introduction of the online Patchs booking system has led to a decline in service quality. It would be beneficial for the surgery to engage with patients like myself to understand their performance. Maldon currently has only two medical practices, and the alternative option wasn't significantly better when we first arrived. The area would benefit from a new, energetic surgery that prioritizes NHS patient care and avoids relying on Physician Associates. On a positive note, the internal Dispensary staff remain extremely helpful and supportive.

Worst medical experience ever avoid this doctor

You'd be better off six feet under than setting foot in this medical practice...

Nhs appointment system fails vulnerable patients completely

This service for obtaining an appointment is an absolute travesty. Even attempting to access the booking system reveals that all slots vanish instantly. I'm not even seeking same-day availability; a future date would suffice. I plan to involve local media and contact my parliamentary representative regarding this matter. In today's world, the inability to secure an NHS appointment for a disabled and vulnerable patient is shameful. There are genuine concerns that people might perish due to this appalling system, as other complaints have highlighted. This facility must be held accountable for this debacle, and I intend to escalate these issues at the local level, potentially involving national media if no resolution is found. I am utterly enraged. I have submitted a formal complaint to the NHS complaints service via email. For those wishing to lodge similar complaints, I have shared the appropriate contact details below. Regrettably, I had to inform the vulnerable and disabled gentleman I was attempting to help that securing an appointment is impossible. The most vulnerable continue to be overlooked. It's deeply disheartening. Mid and South Essex ICB By post: Complaints and Concerns Team NHS Mid and South Essex ICB Phoenix Court Christopher Martin Road Basildon Essex SS14 3HG Complaints [email protected] Local MP Sir John Whittingdale is now involved, and they are seemingly ignoring him as well. This establishment must be shut down immediately.

Terrible service destroying patient health and hope

I would gladly rate this zero stars, as the entire system is completely dysfunctional. It's utterly impossible to schedule an appointment, even when attempting to use their Patches system. I've also had multiple people try to book an appointment for me, all without success. Being disabled, vulnerable, and a pensioner, the overwhelming stress of this situation is seriously damaging my health. A colleague assisting me has already written formal complaint letters to the NHS and has reached out to my local Member of Parliament to intervene. If substantial improvements aren't made soon, I shudder to contemplate the potential consequences for elderly and vulnerable patients like myself.