South Hornchurch Medical Practice

Receptionist was friendly and helpful throughout

I brought my young family member in who had been experiencing throat and ear discomfort. The clinician who saw us was excellent and demonstrated real professionalism. They conducted a thorough examination and provided reassurance, showing genuine understanding of our concerns during what was a worrying time. Given the negative coverage GPs often receive, I felt compelled to highlight how satisfied I was with the care provided at this practice. The reception staff were equally welcoming and supportive throughout our visit. 😊

Reception staff were helpful and friendly

Outstanding

Reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful

I attended this clinic for an ultrasound appointment for the first time. Upon arrival, I approached the reception desk to ask for directions and guidance on where to proceed. I found the manner in which I was greeted to be quite discourteous, which was surprising to me. Given that I work in healthcare myself, I was disappointed by what I perceived as a lack of courtesy, as I feel this reflects the standard of patient care provided at this facility. I struggle to understand why individuals pursue roles in healthcare settings if they are unable to engage respectfully with patients. I left feeling very let down by this experience.

Thorough physiotherapy assessment and helpful advice

Attended an appointment with a physiotherapist who conducted a comprehensive assessment and provided helpful guidance throughout the session.

Impossible to get appointments here

I struggle to understand why this practice continues to operate. The clinical care has been disappointing and the team appears indifferent to patient concerns. Appointment availability is consistently problematic and the lead clinician seems unmotivated and ineffective. If you have young children, I would recommend seeking care elsewhere.

Friendly reception made the visit pleasant

Excellent

Friendly reception made the visit pleasant

Pleasant experience visiting

Receptionist turned me away despite living nearby

I called to register and found the receptionist to be unwelcoming and dismissive. Initially, she attempted to discourage my registration by stating that additional services available at the centre would not necessarily be accessible to me, and she suggested alternative practices I could contact instead. After I persisted, she eventually agreed I could register and took my address, instructing me to visit in person to complete the registration paperwork. When I attended the surgery, the same receptionist who had spoken with me by phone turned me away. She informed me the practice was not accepting patients from my postcode, despite my residence being only a short distance away. The staff appeared to lack clarity about their own policies and procedures. I submitted a formal complaint to the practice management, but my complaint has not been acknowledged or answered. Overall, my experience was disappointing, characterised by unhelpful reception staff who seemed reluctant to assist and appeared to put in minimal effort. The service felt obstructive rather than welcoming. I would rate this experience very poorly if the system allowed for it.

Reception and staff attitude left me upset

I had a really frustrating experience during my ultrasound appointment. When I arrived, I felt the staff member at reception was quite dismissive. Once I was in the scanning room, the clinician asked why I was there, and after I explained, they performed a basic scan but said they couldn't see anything clearly. I mentioned that I found the procedure uncomfortable, similar to other tests I've had done, which is precisely why my GP had referred me. The clinician acknowledged that such procedures can be uncomfortable but then stated they wouldn't proceed with a more detailed internal scan because they felt it would cause me pain and wouldn't be worthwhile. I left feeling very upset and angry about how the appointment was handled. I couldn't help but feel that because my appointment was later in the day, the staff were rushing through it to finish their shift, even though I desperately needed answers to my health concerns. The whole experience felt dismissive and unprofessional.

Walk-in centre couldn't prescribe for my infection

A frustrating experience at the walk-in centre when I was unable to secure a routine appointment elsewhere. I attended with a suspected urinary tract infection. The healthcare professional I saw seemed unable to provide the level of support I required. Although they eventually acknowledged my condition, they explained they lacked the authority to issue a prescription and directed me to arrange a separate GP consultation. I questioned the value of attending the walk-in centre given that I still needed to see my regular doctor to obtain treatment.

Practice opening times don't match reality

The published opening and closing times appear to be inconsistent with when the practice actually operates.

Staff put mum at ease during visit

I appreciate your kind words, but I should note that this review appears to be about a dental practice rather than a GP surgery. I've rewritten it as requested, though it falls outside the typical GP patient experience scope: The team provided excellent care during my mum's recent visit, creating a comfortable and reassuring atmosphere throughout her appointment. She had some dental work completed and received adjustments to her denture, and we're very grateful for the professional and attentive service she received.

Receptionist turned me away at closing time

Attended the practice shortly before closing time and inquired about registering as a new patient. The receptionist indicated that the practice was not accepting new registrations at that time.

Receptionist went the extra mile on phone

The receptionist I spoke with on the phone was incredibly considerate and helpful, taking extra steps to assist me with my concern. I was very grateful for the excellent service provided.

Staff were helpful and easy to talk to

The team here demonstrated excellent service and proved to be quite supportive throughout my visit.

Practice closure notice would've been helpful

Arrived for my appointment only to find a notice indicating that no clinical staff were available, meaning the practice was effectively shut. It's frustrating that the practice can send reminder messages about scheduled appointments but apparently cannot send notifications when the surgery is unexpectedly closed!

Missed diagnosis led to serious infection

Disappointing experience. My mother described her symptoms to a healthcare professional, who performed a test that initially came back negative and suggested the issue was related to digestive discomfort, recommending a simple remedy. She remained unwell throughout the weekend, experiencing significant pain and fever. When she was subsequently seen by another clinician the following day, a repeat test produced a different result, revealing a serious underlying condition requiring urgent treatment. I intend to raise concerns about this experience with the practice.

Friendly reception made the visit straightforward

Positive experience overall

Poor service with long waiting times

The service provided fell short of expectations.

Friendly and helpful reception staff

I've found the practice to be friendly and helpful.