Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a deeply divided patient experience with significant challenges in core service areas. Phone communication and booking access emerge as persistent problems, with patients reporting difficulty reaching the surgery, lengthy wait times on calls, frequent disconnections, and appointment availability constraints. Reception experience is frequently cited as problematic, with accounts of discourteous, dismissive, and disorganised staff interactions. Communication failures extend to medication management and referral processes, where patients report unclear instructions and lack of coordination between the practice and pharmacies. The triage system receives mixed responses, with some patients finding it effective while others describe it as ineffective and frustrating.

In contrast, positive feedback highlights compassionate medical professionals, supportive doctors, and efficient prescription services when accessed. Some patients report seamless appointment booking through online systems and prompt clinical care. However, these positive experiences appear less frequent than negative ones, and several patients note inconsistency in service quality across different staff members and visits.

Broader concerns include practice environment issues, with reports of inadequate facilities and poor building maintenance. Patients also describe feeling deprioritised, with some expressing concerns about access to care and the practice's capacity to manage demand. The overall pattern suggests systemic organisational challenges affecting appointment access, communication reliability, and reception courtesy, though individual clinical encounters sometimes receive praise.

Appointment

25.67 %
Bad

Reception

28.92 %
Bad

Cleanliness

35.50 %
Poor

Care

42.18 %
Poor

Respect

32.15 %
Bad

Seen on time

31.42 %
Bad

Filter

CW

Claire W. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating customer service with inconsistent support

It's frustrating how inconsistent their customer service can be. Occasionally, you might encounter a genuinely supportive staff member, but more often than not, you're left navigating an endless phone maze that ends in disconnection. Scheduling appointments is incredibly challenging, and their overall approach lacks any real customer support.

More Info
JJ

Jools J. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Disappointing and frustrating healthcare experience for family

The medical treatment my daughter has endured is shockingly inadequate. Securing an in-person consultation seems unattainable. On the two instances when a physician contacted us, their demeanor was dismissive and patronizing. Our National Health Service should demonstrate far more compassion at a community level. This situation deeply distresses me, particularly given that two of my own daughters work in healthcare - one as a qualified nurse and the other as a trainee - both of whom served tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More Info
AS

Alyson S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great service at my new local surgery

I've recently transferred from an excellent medical practice in Braintree to this one, and I'm completely puzzled by the negative feedback I've seen elsewhere. In my experience, the staff have been incredibly compassionate, supportive, and competent, and my transition to this new surgery has been remarkably seamless. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to the entire team.

More Info
SC

Shaun C. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service with zero medical expertise

Constantly misdiagnosed, their medical expertise seems to be on par with a quick internet search. It feels like their staff might as well just consult Google rather than actually examining patients thoroughly.

More Info
MR

Maddison R. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical experience ever, completely unprofessional

Completely unacceptable medical professionals with nonsensical procedures and hostile, unhelpful personnel.

More Info
SB

S B. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional healthcare with caring and attentive staff

I genuinely can't comprehend the abundance of negative reviews for this healthcare provider. Whenever I contact their reception or administrative staff, they consistently demonstrate helpfulness and empathy. During my medical appointments, I'm always given full attention by doctors and nurses. They provide referrals when medically appropriate and thoroughly address any inquiries I have about my current symptoms. I frequently receive prompt follow-up calls regarding my health condition, with clear explanations of the recommended next steps.

More Info
HP

Heinrich P. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Great!

Quirky doctor's visit with unexpected entertainment

I'm not particularly fond of this medical facility, given the general atmosphere of illness, but when I've needed medical attention, it serves its purpose. After all, this is where healthcare professionals operate. I'll be frank about the reception area: the music was absent, the television only displayed local business advertisements, and when I requested to switch to "Homes under the hammer," the receptionist seemed uninterested. This rejection stung my pride. To cope, I retreated to the children's play area, somewhat disappointed by the limited toy selection—particularly the lack of Hot Wheels—but found solace in solving number puzzles. When called by my surname, I momentarily felt important, only to later realize this was standard procedure for everyone. Another blow to my ego. Despite this, the doctor was genuinely qualified (which I confirmed) and successfully treated my medical concerns. A satisfactory outcome.

More Info
AM

Abbie M. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Unorganized and rude doctor's office reception service

Don't waste your time trying to share feedback on Facebook - they'll quickly block you from commenting and have likely removed their review section. 😂 The phone service is absolutely dreadful. I was told by one receptionist that they aren't qualified to provide medical guidance after I called to understand why another receptionist previously denied me a vaccine during my pregnancy, claiming I wasn't far enough along. My midwife, pharmacist, and the NHS website all confirm I'm eligible, yet the surgery's receptionists seem to arbitrarily decide what's acceptable. I'm continuously experiencing problems with my repeat inhaler prescription. I genuinely wish I could switch healthcare providers. While I can't criticize the qualified medical professionals, the reception staff are disorganized, predominantly discourteous, and constantly interrupt before letting me complete my statements. I'm not someone who typically complains, but they desperately need to address these issues immediately!!

More Info
ES

Elle S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible medical care that lacks basic compassion

This medical facility is a complete disaster. The phlebotomy staff are especially terrible, consistently making errors like overlooking necessary tests, misplacing blood samples, and losing patient results. While a few of the nursing staff are compassionate - typically the temporary employees - the permanent ones are shockingly unprofessional. I was particularly appalled when one nurse dismissively claimed my physical pain stemming from psychological trauma was imaginary and told me to simply "get over it." The overall environment feels deeply unsafe and unsupportive. I'm absolutely planning to transfer my medical care elsewhere and strongly advise others to do the same.

More Info
TJ

Tommy J. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst customer service ever stuck in phone purgatory

I reach the front of the line, first in queue, and become trapped in an endless cycle of a robotic female voice expressing regret about being unable to handle my call. Frustrated, I disconnect and attempt to reconnect, only to encounter the identical unresolved situation.

More Info
VL

Vincent L. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical office ever avoid at all costs

Would it be possible to award negative ratings? And those suspiciously glowing 5-star reviews? (I actually find them amusing!) The receptionists' terrible demeanor and complete inability to handle even the most basic responsibilities—like returning calls or processing prescription requests—is absolutely inexcusable. These are literally the TWO primary tasks in their job description! I'm tempted to launch into an extensive rant about this nightmarish establishment, but after skimming through other reviews, I realize everything I wanted to say has already been perfectly articulated!

More Info
MS

Mel S. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service harming vulnerable mental health patients

You are despicable. My friend's mental health has deteriorated, and I hold you directly responsible for your failure to schedule appointments.

More Info
DJ

Deano J. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional medical team exceeds all expectations

Exceptional team, thorough and attentive service.

More Info
JS

Jessica S. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service with zero communication

The phone service here is absolutely frustrating - it's impossible to reach anyone, and when you do request a callback, it takes an eternity. Their communication is unacceptable, and this company seriously needs to improve their customer support system.

More Info
DJ

Dan J. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great customer support exceeds expectations

Satisfied with the assistance provided

More Info
CC

Cute C. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service that completely disappointed me

Terrible telecommunications support. Incompetent front desk staff. I have zero confidence in their abilities.

More Info
SL

Steve L. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Overwhelmed by potential surgery center chaos

Deeply anxious about this medical procedure..... There's an urgent need for a comprehensive evaluation of the arrangements. What's the projected housing development in this region? Anticipating a two-hour wait on the telephone and an equally lengthy morning queue for entry. I implore you to seriously address the feedback in these reviews, or at least give them thoughtful consideration, rather than disregarding them. I'm not someone who habitually raises complaints, and I believe most people share this sentiment.

More Info
SL

Sheila L. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Great!

Challenging visit for a patient with multiple conditions

I visited my GP surgery today for a blood test, dealing with multiple chronic conditions including kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and COPD, which already makes me quite frail. Upon arrival, I was handed a wipe to clean the seat I'd just occupied before my appointment. The task was incredibly challenging given my difficulties with breathing and mobility. I was instructed to dispose of the wipe in a bin that requires standing on one foot, which nearly caused me to lose my balance and fall. I searched the entire area but found no hand sanitizer available, though fortunately I had brought my own. When I expressed my frustration to Molly about this inconvenience, she simply responded that they need to maintain the surgery's cleanliness. While I understand the importance of hygiene, I believe this burden shouldn't fall on patients, especially those who are already unwell and struggling. It seems that nowadays, only the most seriously ill patients even get to see a healthcare professional. Overall, I left feeling thoroughly disappointed with the experience.

More Info
AA

Andor A. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Great!

Compassionate care at its finest

Excellent leadership, incredibly supportive doctors who provide top-notch care.

More Info
JN

Joshua N. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Nightmare medical experience with endless administrative errors

Disastrous medical procedure! Constant administrative mistakes that extend anxiety and suffering due to their inability to handle a simple referral correctly.

More Info

For practice staff

Respond to patient reviews

Monitor satisfaction trends

Generate CQC evidence reports

Claim & Manage Profile
Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
0.00%

Shows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.

About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01787 475944
  • Elizabeth Courtauld Surg Factory Lane West Halstead Essex CO9 1EX

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a deeply divided patient experience with significant challenges in core service areas. Phone communication and booking access emerge as persistent problems, with patients reporting difficulty reaching the surgery, lengthy wait times on calls, frequent disconnections, and appointment availability constraints. Reception experience is frequently cited as problematic, with accounts of discourteous, dismissive, and disorganised staff interactions. Communication failures extend to medication management and referral processes, where patients report unclear instructions and lack of coordination between the practice and pharmacies. The triage system receives mixed responses, with some patients finding it effective while others describe it as ineffective and frustrating.

In contrast, positive feedback highlights compassionate medical professionals, supportive doctors, and efficient prescription services when accessed. Some patients report seamless appointment booking through online systems and prompt clinical care. However, these positive experiences appear less frequent than negative ones, and several patients note inconsistency in service quality across different staff members and visits.

Broader concerns include practice environment issues, with reports of inadequate facilities and poor building maintenance. Patients also describe feeling deprioritised, with some expressing concerns about access to care and the practice's capacity to manage demand. The overall pattern suggests systemic organisational challenges affecting appointment access, communication reliability, and reception courtesy, though individual clinical encounters sometimes receive praise.

Appointment

25.67 %
Bad

Reception

28.92 %
Bad

Cleanliness

35.50 %
Poor

Care

42.18 %
Poor

Respect

32.15 %
Bad

Seen on time

31.42 %
Bad
Filter

Order By

Rating