Rivermead Gate Medical Centre (Chelmsford)

Awesome customer service that truly delivers

The reception staff are incredibly supportive and efficient whenever I encounter a problem, consistently ensuring I receive precise help. Even if I miss the initial morning call window, I can easily reach out later in the day, and they're always flexible and ready to assist me.

Smooth surgery booking with nhs app

Excellent medical procedure, and I highly recommend using the NHS app to schedule consultations. I've had a smooth experience with booking and haven't encountered any problems securing an appointment.

Terrible service and incompetent staff at clinic

If I could give this place -2 stars I would. Receptionist is atrocious, discourteous and utterly incompetent. The environment is filthy, depressing and thoroughly unpleasant; moreover most elevator buttons are non-functional. I was incorrectly diagnosed today by a "paramedic" who took 4 hours to have a GP sign my prescription, which I was told would take an hour to "prepare" the prescription (how is this individual qualified to operate as a GP and prescribe medicine) so I went for a second opinion in Broomfield A&E. The GP there provided a correct diagnosis without the need for medication, as it was viral and not bacterial. The overwhelming stench of bargain basement cologne on the paramedic was repulsive and the receptionist's tone of voice is embarrassingly unprofessional. Reception desperately needs interpersonal training on how to handle unwell people. (It's simple - be positive, constructive and actually demonstrate care for your patients) I'm changing my GP ASAP! 5 star reviews on this forum are clearly from friends or family because it's a deplorable service. 2024 update - Unfortunately, unless we go private we're compelled to use the same doctor surgery due to our location, so here we go again. Imagine calling at 08:01 and being 24th in the queue. Wait on the phone for 17min to get to number 14 and have the line drop. Call back and you are put to the back of the queue, 24 again. The system is prehistoric and honestly it's fundamentally unfair!

Fantastic gp surgery with caring doctors and quick appointments

I'm puzzled by the numerous negative reviews this GP has received! My experience has been nothing short of exceptional, possibly the best medical practice I've encountered in my entire life. My partner and I have been patients here for a year, and they consistently offer same-day or next-day appointments. The doctors are incredibly compassionate - something I'm not accustomed to experiencing. They genuinely show concern for your health concerns. I've consulted two female doctors about women-specific issues, and both were incredibly supportive, thoroughly explaining the available treatment and support options. While the receptionists might seem somewhat detached, this is practically standard across UK general practices, so it's hardly surprising. As a medical facility, I wholeheartedly award them 5 stars!

Terrible customer service with endless waiting times

When faced with a frustrating "queue is full" message, I recommend heading straight to the Emergency Department. At least there, you'll interact with actual human beings instead of being stonewalled by an impersonal automated system that prevents you from getting the help you need.

Decent surgery with friendly and attentive staff

The surgical experience was predominantly positive. Based on accounts from acquaintances, it appears this medical team performs notably well relative to other providers.

Useless service that fails everyone completely

Utterly pointless and a total drain on public funds.

Efficient and reliable nhs healthcare service

They consistently provide me with consultations within a timely manner, and considering the typical delays in NHS scheduling, I am entirely satisfied with the care I've been given.

Fantastic local gp with speedy and friendly service

It's unfortunate that typically only dissatisfied patients post reviews, so I wanted to highlight my positive encounter with this medical practice. I registered and received instant confirmation of my enrollment on the same day, secured an appointment within three days, and found the nurse to be incredibly welcoming. The wait time was minimal, and I was seen promptly. The healthcare advice was excellent, and all my concerns were effectively addressed. Compared to my previous general practice in London, this experience has been significantly superior!

Terrible medical centre with zero helpful service

This medical facility is utterly ineffective and frustrating. They continuously summon you for repeated visits without offering any meaningful resolution. Scheduling an appointment is incredibly challenging, and their staff consistently make errors. Attempting to voice concerns is futile, as they uniformly defend each other's incompetence.

Amazing service from a top-notch company

These folks are absolutely top-notch. A perfect rating from me. They've consistently delivered excellent service that I've always appreciated.

Persistent care finally delivers hope for patients

The support services have undergone significant enhancement. After a prolonged period of waiting, I'm finally receiving assistance, largely due to Dr. Singh's dedication in helping my son and me. The overall improvement in their services is truly heartening. I found it necessary to lodge a complaint with NHS, as it seems doctors do submit referrals, but NHS direct had previously rejected my scans, diagnosis, endoscopy, and assessments last year, resulting in financial strain and a serious health predicament. Additionally, the quality of care appears to vary depending on which professional you encounter. The receptionists are commendable, demonstrating diligence and efficiency. Same-day appointments are accessible, but only if you manage to call between 8 am and 9 am; otherwise, booking becomes a more time-consuming process.

Terrible gp surgery with zero patient care

This GP surgery is genuinely terrible. While most medical practices struggle with delays, River Mead Gate sets a new standard for incompetence. I've been battling a persistent shoulder problem since September that's seriously impacting my daily life and might require surgical intervention. Their dishonesty regarding referrals is shocking. They claim to have submitted referrals when they haven't, forcing me to personally verify with intended recipients and uncovering their deception. My referral has supposedly been sitting with an apparently ineffective secretary for three weeks. They constantly try to deflect criticism by emphasizing "cancer referrals take priority" - which of course they should, and according to NHS guidelines, should be processed immediately. However, this doesn't justify leaving non-urgent referrals pending for over three weeks. The receptionists are unprofessional, mockingly laughing during phone calls, deliberately unhelpful, and consistently untruthful. The GP provides minimal consultation, rushing through appointments in mere minutes and perpetually running late. This practice is a complete disaster that urgently requires thorough investigation and accountability.

Exceptional healthcare with compassionate and attentive staff

Registered in a snap, they were super helpful when I was scheduling my consultation, managed to secure a same-day slot, the front desk staff were incredibly welcoming, and the doctor was excellent. Over the years, dealing with my ongoing health issue, I've been consistently impressed by the entire practice team. From doctors to nurses to administrative staff, everyone has been outstanding. My primary physician has been particularly remarkable, consistently providing top-notch care, offering precise guidance, and ensuring I receive appropriate specialist referrals. I'm truly grateful.

Terrible experience with subpar customer support

Subpar experience, fell short of expectations

Challenging healthcare but quality care when available

Accessing healthcare services at local clinics has been challenging over the last ten years, yet once you manage to secure an appointment, the medical professionals consistently provide excellent care.

Compassionate care from a truly exceptional medical team

Over the past decade, I've consulted numerous general practitioners, but for the last three years, I've been consistently impressed with this medical team. They stand out particularly for their exceptional collaboration, with Dr. Singh being especially noteworthy. He personally went above and beyond to support me through my health challenges, and I'm genuinely grateful for their care.

Worst medical experience ever with unhelpful doctor

I visited the clinic with my ill child, and the physician claimed there was no issue, failing to conduct even a basic examination before promptly ushering us out. This general practitioner's practice deserves shutting down—it's appalling how incompetent the medical care is. The staff member in room 1 on 24/10/23 is clearly unqualified and demonstrates a complete lack of professional competence.

Dangerous doctors killing patients with negligent care

This undoubtedly ranks as the most appalling general practice not just in Essex, but potentially the entire United Kingdom. The appointment booking system is a nightmare, and even when you miraculously secure a slot, the doctors are shockingly dismissive, rushing through consultations in mere minutes with zero concern for patient well-being. Recently, my son developed a chest infection and was prescribed antibiotics that seemed as ineffective as children's pain medication, providing no relief. When his condition worsened and we sought follow-up care, the doctor hastily recommended a spacer with an inhaler, scheduling a follow-up in two weeks - despite apparently knowing he had pneumonia, which could have become critically dangerous if left untreated for that long. Within a day or two of using the spacer, I noticed my child was significantly unwell, prompting an urgent A&E visit where tests and X-rays confirmed pneumonia. Rivermead Medical Practice should absolutely be considered only as an absolute last option. From the reception staff to the medical professionals, the lack of professionalism is utterly disgraceful. There's a complete absence of empathy, compassion, or willingness to genuinely listen to patients' concerns. I am definitively removing my family from their care before they potentially cause irreparable harm or, worse, contribute to a preventable tragedy.

Terrible healthcare experience with dismissive doctor

The general practitioners seem rushed and disinterested, failing to provide attentive care. During my most recent appointment, I was struck by their distinctly unprofessional demeanor and lack of genuine patient engagement.