The Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery

Quick care after triage saves the day

During a recent phone inquiry, the receptionist claimed a nurse couldn't assist with a prescription (which was incorrect, as they would involve a doctor), and unhelpfully suggested going to an emergency room without even knowing its location. This was frustrating, especially when I specifically wanted to see a nurse. With the first available appointment being weeks away on 11 September, I completed an online triage form at 8am and impressively received a 9am appointment text by 8:15am. The paramedic who saw me was exceptionally knowledgeable and professionally handled my injury. Having been a patient at this surgery since 1985, I've observed how the massive population influx in our town and surrounding villages is clearly overwhelming their capacity. The staff remain talented and hardworking, but their workload has dramatically increased. My key observation is that new residents urgently need to familiarize themselves with local geography - not knowing basic location details significantly undermines professional credibility and creates unnecessary complications.

Unhelpful doctors fail to address my serious health concerns

These medical professionals offer no real solutions, merely nodding along to patient concerns. They'll order basic tests like blood work and heart scans, then declare everything normal. When standard metrics like blood pressure or cholesterol are elevated, they simply hand out medication, but remain clueless about addressing more complex medical issues. In my case, I've been enduring intense leg pain and hip numbness for a quarter of a year, and their only response was to prescribe painkillers and dismiss my condition. My leg continues to deteriorate, with the pain progressively intensifying. As a result, I'm currently on medical leave, facing professional challenges and significantly restricted in my work capabilities due to this persistent, debilitating pain.

Disappointing and rundown medical practice in town

I was shocked when I dropped off a prescription for a family member today - coming from London, I've never encountered such a dilapidated facility being used as a medical practice - everyone I spoke with agrees that the clinic seems poorly administered. It's disappointing for a developing community. They desperately need new leadership, and at the very minimum, some basic maintenance and care for the building and surrounding area would make a significant difference.

Neglected storefront screams avoid this business now

The exterior of this establishment immediately reveals the abysmal quality of their service. Massive weeds, towering around 6 meters high, encroach the building's perimeter. The entrance canopy is in a state of disrepair, with a gaping hole in the woodwork and paint that's desperately clinging on and peeling away. Discarded large cans are scattered haphazardly across the cramped parking area, and the entire premises exudes an air of neglect. I've encountered urban slums that appear more meticulously maintained than this sorry excuse for a business.

Fast friendly service saves the day

Immense gratitude to the prescription team - called earlier today, and by midday the medication was ready at Boots. I'm incredibly appreciative of their swift and efficient service.

Reliable local surgery with caring medical professionals

Having lived in Halstead for almost four decades, I've consistently had a positive experience with this medical practice. The staff have always been accommodating, and their triage system functions effectively. It's been extremely uncommon for me to encounter difficulties securing an appointment when needed. Unfortunately, those who have given low ratings due to being newcomers and struggling to book appointments fail to recognize that Halstead has experienced significant expansion over time, with Braintree district council seemingly neglecting the area's infrastructure requirements. The medical team - doctors, nurses, and administrative staff - have perpetually been courteous and professional, and they certainly do not deserve the harsh criticism they receive, whether in person or online. I am genuinely grateful for the exceptional care I've been provided and cannot identify a single fault with their service. It's worth noting that people are typically much quicker to voice complaints and broadcast negativity on social media platforms, yet rarely take the time to express gratitude or share positive experiences.

Terrible service and unresponsive medical practice

Terrible medical service. Spent an eternity on hold, initially stuck on line 1, where I eventually gave up and hung up. Tried again, transferred to line 8, and found the entire communication system completely ineffective. It seems like they have zero interest in responding or providing assistance. The physicians are equally problematic, taking days to review diagnostic findings. This town desperately needs a new healthcare facility with a more professional approach.

Overworked surgery still provides excellent patient care

Many are quick to disparage the triage approach, yet overlook that Halstead has experienced significant population growth from new housing developments, with this being the sole medical practice serving the town. I've consistently secured a triage appointment when needed. The medical staff are consistently welcoming and attentive. Whenever I've requested referrals or tests, they've been promptly arranged. At this stage, I have no complaints whatsoever. Individual experiences will naturally vary, but it's crucial to recognize that Halstead lacks the necessary infrastructure to support its expanding population, and Elizabeth Courtauld is likely struggling to manage the increasing patient demand. If you're a recent arrival to the area and criticizing the service, then I'm afraid you're inadvertently contributing to the strain on the healthcare system.

Terrible service and complete communication breakdown

This is absolutely a terrible first impression. As a newcomer to the area, seeking a non-urgent but important medical appointment, I'm already frustrated. The triage form claims maximum submissions have been reached (at 9:15am), blocking my online access, and the phone lines are impossible to connect to. After finally reaching someone, I was instructed to submit the triage form the next morning, which I did promptly, requesting a callback by midday, understanding some of us have schedules to maintain. Unsurprisingly, no contact came through. Now I'm forced to disrupt my entire afternoon by visiting the surgery in person. The inefficiency is infuriating and emotionally draining. It's clear this practice has zero consideration for patients. The reception staff's attitude was equally dismissive. Apparently, the phone representative who previously assured me I could request a specific callback time was fabricating information. The form's callback request section is completely meaningless, with staff calling whenever they feel like it. Am I meant to feel apologetic about their workload? When told 36 other patients are waiting, I'm not sympathetic—I'm convinced this surgery is fundamentally incompetent and unfit to provide medical care.

Terrible healthcare experience with negligent gp practice

General practitioners here are completely negligent in reading patient records, leading to missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. When initial tests fail to reveal an issue, they refuse to pursue further investigation and essentially abandon patients, claiming it's the patient's responsibility. Attempting to get information results in receptionists claiming ignorance and forcing unnecessary additional appointments. They arbitrarily discontinue critical ongoing medications, even during supposed medication reviews. I wouldn't recommend this practice to anyone. I've retained an email from management promising to train doctors to review patient notes before consultations - something that should be mandatory before allowing them to handle patient care. Their claim that 64% of patients are satisfied seems like manipulated statistics. The level of care provided is absolutely appalling. The Care Quality Commission should thoroughly investigate patient records instead of simply accepting the surgery's digital documentation. Patients should be warned that filing complaints is futile, as the practice deflects criticism and turns blame back onto the patient. Their lack of compassion and professional responsibility is shocking.

Terrible healthcare experience with no doctor available

can't secure an appointment with a physician, and when I finally got a slot, I was redirected to a nurse I had no interest in seeing, but that's the current state of affairs, unfortunately. if there was an option to rate lower than the lowest score, I absolutely would

Worst healthcare experience ever avoid at all costs

Prepare yourself for a challenging experience if this is your primary care physician's office.

Frustrating medical journey of endless misdiagnosis

My medical issue has persisted for more than two years due to sheer medical negligence. Initially, I was patronized like a child when the first doctor presented a single treatment option that I rejected for health-related reasons. Subsequently, another physician spent my entire consultation staring at a computer screen without engaging with me. The original doctor claimed she couldn't comprehend my situation, despite having my complete medical records, and then proceeded to examine me for an unrelated condition. As a result, I've been referred for a scan, which will ultimately burden taxpayers because of their failure to address this problem two years ago. Today, I was once again brushed aside and informed that no medical professional would see me until after the scan, meaning more lost work time and continued personal discomfort. I have completely lost confidence in this medical practice, and with no alternative options available, I'm increasingly tempted to suffer in silence rather than seek their so-called medical assistance.

Exceptional healthcare service with swift and friendly care

Scheduled a consultation, arrived and was promptly attended to, with a remarkably efficient and welcoming staff from the front desk to the medical professional. Received my diagnostic findings rapidly, along with a prescription and helpful guidance. The entire medical facility was truly exceptional.

Missed appointment nightmare at overcrowded medical center

Scheduled an appointment for our 3-year-old with suspected conjunctivitis. Arrived at the car park at 10:20 with my 3-year-old and heavily pregnant partner, only to have a staff member on break blocking our path. Joined the queue at 10:22, hindered by a single broken check-in screen. With just one person working the front desk and an extremely long line, my pregnant partner finally reached the receptionist at 10:25, only to be told we were too late. To make matters worse, we received a text at 10:26 stating we missed the appointment. The staff member also mentioned that the person we were supposed to see had gone on break. They subsequently called to reiterate that we missed our only chance and would have been called just once at the precise appointment time, suggesting we need to reschedule. A friend in the waiting room confirmed they never heard our child being called at 10:20, contradicting the receptionist's claim. Multiple people who hadn't attended their appointments were being seen, indicating available medical staff. Yet, the personnel seemed to take perverse satisfaction in emphasizing our missed opportunity. The service was absolutely appalling.

Terrible product waste of money and time

Total waste of time and money. Completely ineffective and not worth your effort.

Frustrating wait for a rushed medical visit

Arrived at the medical office by 8:30 for what was supposed to be an 8:45 appointment, already running over 15 minutes behind schedule

Excellent service with speedy and helpful team

Consistently welcoming personnel make scheduling appointments a smooth and hassle-free experience

Terrible hospital experience with endless paperwork

Absolutely terrible medical experience, drowning in paperwork before even catching a glimpse of a physician. The facility seems critically understaffed, leaving patients feeling neglected. What happened to the fundamental healthcare principle of prioritizing patient well-being and providing attentive care?

Worst medical service ever experienced by frustrated patient

I'm utterly astounded by the abysmal service and their misguided belief in an effective patient triage system. 1) Why restrict form submissions to office hours? It's a digital platform - there's no reason it can't accept submissions around the clock. Computers are designed to operate continuously. 2) Their practice of shutting down the contact form midday, with no alternative communication method, is ludicrous. They seem to assume medical issues conveniently arise only within a narrow 4-hour window. This approach clearly prioritizes the surgery's convenience over patient needs. When I shared these frustrations with 111, they were so incredulous they actually burst out laughing at the absurdity of the system.