North Chelmsford NHS Healthcare Centre

Terrible customer service at its worst

The receptionist I interacted with displayed a dismissive attitude, repeatedly giving me the same unhelpful response. If you're unable to provide proper assistance to customers, perhaps it's time to consider a different career path.

Unexpected gem of a gp practice

Despite initial reservations due to negative online feedback, I decided to try this GP practice as it was the nearest to me. I'm genuinely surprised and want to share my positive experience. I registered myself and my two children, expecting a lengthy wait. Surprisingly, we received confirmation texts within days. When I called to schedule my son's vaccinations, we secured an appointment the following week with a friendly nurse. At 5:30pm, I dropped by to book a personal appointment. The helpful receptionist informed me of an available slot at 6:40pm. I returned at 6:30pm and was called precisely at 6:40pm - a refreshing change from typical long waiting times. Dr. Ahmed was exceptional. She listened attentively, making me feel truly heard. She arranged blood tests and suggested some medication options, encouraging me to research and follow up if interested. While I understand the NHS is struggling and others might have had different experiences, I'm thoroughly impressed with the care I received and delighted to have found Dr. Ahmed.

Terrible medical practice avoid at all costs

I'll keep my critique brief: steer clear of this place. Look for alternative healthcare providers. The general practitioners and front desk staff are completely incompetent. If you're unwell, you're better off heading to the emergency room, as these professionals clearly have no idea what they're doing. Let's hope the new Beaulieu facility opens soon, and these ineffective staff members are not transferred there.

Disappointing decline of once great medical practice

What used to be a top-notch medical practice has now become a complete disappointment. Based on numerous recent reviews, I'm clearly not alone in my frustration. To summarize briefly, their level of care has drastically declined. After initial triage, they send generic text messages that show no personal attention to individual patient concerns. When attempting to follow up by phone, I was redirected to complete another form. The hospital's handling of test results was equally abysmal - it took over three weeks for them to acknowledge they had my results, which weren't even properly entered into their system. When I filed a complaint, the manager's response was to accuse me of being rude simply because I pointed out their incompetence. It's truly disheartening, as I once enthusiastically recommended this surgery to others. Over the past year, their service has deteriorated dramatically.

Terrible service and dismissive medical care

The quality of this medical practice has deteriorated significantly in recent months. My child received the HPV vaccine at school on Tuesday, and by Wednesday was experiencing multiple nosebleeds. I contacted 111 that evening, given that my child has never had nosebleeds before, and they advised me to speak with our GP the next morning. I received a dismissive text stating that nosebleeds are common in children, which I understand, but this occurred directly after vaccination and is unprecedented for my child. Additionally, in the same week, my adult daughter was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, and the surgery informed her that test results would take up to five days. This practice, and frankly the entire NHS, seems completely inadequate. I will definitely be hesitant about future vaccinations, as I have no confidence in receiving proper medical support if complications arise.

Terrible service that wasted my time and money

If I could give zero stars, I absolutely would. I am extremely dissatisfied with the staff. I had an appointment last week for my wife, who doesn't speak English and can't drive, and I have two young children aged 2 years and 3 months old. I took time off work last week and again today, paid for babysitters twice, and they cancelled my previous appointment at the last minute. Today, they claimed I was late by 7 minutes, which is completely false. I was present, but their self-check-in system has been malfunctioning for three weeks, and they're blaming the parents. I typically wait 20 to 40 minutes past my scheduled time and understand delays, but it's unacceptable to cancel an appointment for a 4-minute delay. The receptionist was incredibly rude. I am thoroughly frustrated and request a note be added to my future appointments that I will not tolerate waiting beyond my booked time. They sent a text message but failed to mention the specific details I've included in this review. They lack adequate staffing and consequently blame the patients. I am absolutely not satisfied at all.

Exceptional care and quick service from amazing clinic

I have absolutely no complaints about this medical practice... shortly after sending in my paperwork, I received a prompt call scheduling an in-person consultation. During the examination, they precisely identified my requirements and provided the appropriate prescription. The entire team - from physicians and nurses to the front desk personnel - are incredibly welcoming and consistently eager to assist. I am immensely grateful for the exceptional support and care you offer to both myself and my child during our most critical moments.

Terrible service and zero communication from practice

I've found this medical practice to be completely ineffective throughout my entire time registered with them. Each consultation with a different doctor has been frustrating, and they consistently fail to keep me informed about my test results or medication updates. Without a doubt, this is the most poorly managed general practice I've ever encountered.

Amazing healthcare service with friendly staff

I've exclusively encountered excellent interactions at North Chelmsford Healthcare, where the front desk team is welcoming and their appointment scheduling process is incredibly straightforward and user-friendly. The medical professionals - both nurses and physicians - are truly exceptional, and I have absolutely no criticisms to share. Gratitude!

Worst medical service ever painful shoulder nightmare

If I could award this medical practice the lowest possible rating, I absolutely would. I'm suffering unbearable shoulder agony from a rotator cuff injury and over five weeks ago submitted a request for a cortisone injection. Today I followed up, suspecting they'd overlooked my initial request, only to be told, "We received your request on November 15th - just wait like everyone else, regardless of your pain level!" I've been completely sleepless for weeks due to this intense pain, and this health centre demonstrates zero compassion. They persist in offering only telephone consultations, and unless you're literally on the brink of death, you won't receive an in-person appointment! This facility is utterly incompetent, and I strongly advise against registering as a patient unless you're in absolute desperation or have no concern for your personal healthcare. STEER CLEAR STEER CLEAR STEER CLEAR

Terrible customer service at medical center

Personnel display a highly discourteous attitude. They refused to permit us to complete the necessary paperwork during our medical procedure.

Heartless surgery admin disregards cancer patient's needs

The administrative department of the surgery billed me for a letter to the council, fully aware it was a recommendation letter for a cancer patient and part of their standard service. Shockingly, their treatment shows no empathy or consideration for clinical needs. It's not about the cost when everyone else is demonstrating compassion, but having one's own registered surgery treat a patient like a bargaining transaction is utterly unfair and heartless. I consulted with Macmillan Cancer Charity, and they were equally appalled. In this situation, money isn't the issue; instead, the surgery is causing additional distress to an already sick patient by acting in such a callous and penny-pinching manner.

Frustrating healthcare with poor communication and delays

Accessing medical care has become increasingly challenging. The new patient triage system requires completing a form to secure a doctor's appointment, which often proves inconvenient. Additionally, patients must then contact the surgery to reschedule if needed. I'm planning to switch to a different medical practice this week. My blood sugar reading was 1.5 mmol. I sought a blood test recommendation from my doctor and was advised by 111 to have another test, but received a text from a nurse stating my blood sugar level screening isn't scheduled until February 2024! The quality of this medical practice has significantly deteriorated since I first registered in 2018.

Worst medical experience ever avoid at all costs

If I could award zero rating points, I absolutely would! Anyone concerned about their overall wellness should steer clear of this surgical procedure! Dealing with medical professionals is challenging enough, but this establishment has generated such overwhelming anxiety around seeking medical assistance and support. As an individual navigating the complex journey of obtaining a mental health diagnosis - a situation that inherently makes one feel vulnerable - the staff here demonstrated zero compassion, empathy, or willingness to help. I've been reduced to tears repeatedly, and even after escalating my concerns to the practice manager, I was met with complete silence. They dragged their feet for 8 weeks on a referral that should have been processed in mere days, consistently dismissing my concerns and making me feel like the problem. Eventually, I discovered the delay stemmed from a doctor who had already left the practice and would never have completed the referral. I have never experienced such profound lack of support. Their procedures are convoluted, inaccessible, and in many instances, entirely unnecessary. I sincerely hope they undergo significant improvements because their current standard of care is not just unacceptable, but dangerously close to negligent.

Caring staff but administrative follow-up needs improvement

The staff here consistently demonstrate professionalism and courtesy. The front desk team is approachable and treats patients with respect. The physicians have always provided excellent care. I'm truly satisfied with my decision to switch to this medical practice. Update: June 2023 - I'm deducting a star because after NHS 111 advised me to request a same-day GP callback, which I did, the surgery promised to contact me but never followed through. I had to pursue the matter the next morning. Update: July 2023 - I'm removing another star due to the prolonged and frustrating process of obtaining a fit note. It took a week and five follow-up attempts while I was recovering from surgery, and the staff repeatedly asked about the note's purpose despite my initial detailed explanation.

Frustrating booking but excellent service overall

I was hoping to award a perfect rating, but I'm constrained to three stars due to the challenging appointment scheduling process. This isn't a criticism of the personnel, but rather stems from the fully digital booking system. Despite this frustration, the actual treatment received is truly exceptional.

Great surgery with helpful staff and timely care

I'm astonished by the comments I've read, as I've been a patient at this medical practice for a decade. While I acknowledge that I've been fortunate to require minimal medical attention, my recent interactions have revealed exceptionally supportive receptionists and a well-organized clinic. Based solely on my personal experience, I feel fortunate to have consistently secured appointments promptly whenever necessary.

Terrible service and impossible to get an appointment

This general practitioner is absolutely terrible, as attempting to contact them throughout the day often results in no response and zero chance of securing an appointment. It's crucial that someone takes action to enhance the quality of service at this practice, which would significantly help the community and, most importantly, the patients who depend on their care.

Compassionate care during my family's difficult time

I'm updating my rating from a single star to the full five. During a difficult time of loss, the North Chelmsford NHS staff demonstrated exceptional compassion, empathy, and understanding towards my personal circumstances. Although our relationship has not always been smooth, I now deeply appreciate the support provided by this healthcare service. Warm regards, Mr. Evans

Terrible healthcare experience for my struggling child

Completely worthless service. Got a phone consultation for my toddler who's struggling to breathe. The national healthcare system here is an absolute joke and total waste of resources.