Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience with significant variation in service quality across different areas of the practice. Appointment access emerges as a persistent challenge, with many patients reporting difficulty booking consultations, limited availability, and restrictive same-day calling systems that require early morning contact. Reception experience is similarly inconsistent, with some patients praising courteous and attentive staff, whilst others describe dismissive and unhelpful interactions, particularly regarding prescription refills and referral follow-up. Communication and responsiveness issues are frequently cited, including delays in referral processing and unclear guidance on booking procedures.

In contrast, clinical care receives substantial positive feedback, with patients consistently highlighting compassionate doctors, professional expertise, and attentive medical professionals who dedicate time to listening and explaining treatment options. Several patients specifically commend the warmth of their consultations and the continuity of care provided. The practice demonstrates strength in its clinical delivery and patient-focused approach during appointments, with many expressing appreciation for the expertise and empathy shown by medical staff.

The disparity between clinical excellence and administrative challenges suggests that whilst the medical team provides high-quality care, operational improvements in appointment availability, booking systems, and reception courtesy would significantly enhance the overall patient experience. Some patients have sought private healthcare alternatives due to access difficulties, indicating that service improvements in these areas could better support patient confidence in the practice.

Appointment

42.50 %
Poor

Reception

48.75 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

65.42 %
Great

Respect

54.17 %
Average

Seen on time

55.00 %
Average

Filter

AP

Alison P. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Dr. Voke Made Me Feel So Comfortable

I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for Dr. Voke, who is an exceptional healthcare professional. During each of my consultations, she demonstrates remarkable attention to detail, creates a comfortable environment, and carefully walks me through every aspect of my care. She truly represents the highest standard of medical practice at this clinic. When I inquired about her long-term status, she mentioned she was currently covering a maternity leave position, and I genuinely hope she will continue working with us afterwards.

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NG

Nik G. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Dr Rizvi Truly Saved My Health Journey

Dr. Rizvi stands out as an exceptional healthcare professional. Compassionate, extremely competent, highly professional, and genuinely caring. The absolute finest general practitioner I've encountered in the United Kingdom. The reception team is equally delightful and supportive. I am deeply appreciative of the outstanding care provided. What a remarkable medical practice! My gratitude knows no bounds.

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OP

Olivia P. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate Doctor Who Really Listens

Dr Kirkland stands out as an exceptional physician at the river surgery, embodying compassion, genuine concern, and remarkable empathy. Her approach is truly outstanding - I consistently feel heard and understood, and she demonstrates unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care and support.

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DC

Dr C. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring Team Helped Our Son Quickly

Excellent experience. We sought assistance for our child, and the staff at the reception and medical team were outstanding, providing thorough follow-up care. I can sincerely express my gratitude for their help, support, and compassionate approach.

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AA

Aarons A. 2 years ago

Rating

Poor!

  • Appointment

    Average
  • Reception

    Bad
  • Cleanliness

    Great
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Bad
  • Seen On Time

    Bad

danger to elderly

dr rizvi and dr tanner leaves a 96 year old in pain for 4 months and does not even get help from specialists stay away from this surgery

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HN

Howard N. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Great!

Friendly staff saved my morning appointment

A typical, run-of-the-mill medical practice within the National Health Service. Nothing particularly remarkable or outstanding about this healthcare facility. Standard service, standard environment, standard experience that you'd expect from a local GP office. Meets basic healthcare needs without any special frills or exceptional qualities.

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ZA

Zakariya A. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Dr Rizvi's Compassionate Care Made My Day

Dr Rizvi once more demonstrated exceptional care during today's consultation. His expertise and professionalism are remarkable, and he has an incredible ability to put patients at ease during examinations. The entire practice team continues to impress me with their outstanding service. The reception staff are consistently courteous, and I was particularly appreciative when one staff member quickly stepped in to help me check in while another was handling a phone call. These small, considerate actions truly distinguish this medical practice from others. Having previously experienced a surgery with skilled doctors but discourteous front desk staff, I can confidently say that The River Surgery breaks that negative stereotype. Their staff maintain the same high level of politeness whether on the phone or in person. I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who works so diligently to maintain such excellent standards of patient care.

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HW

Helen W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Endless Trips for a Simple Blood Test

The receptionist was incredibly unhelpful. You can expect to squander countless hours and only make progress if you're either deceased or suffering from a chronic condition. I was redirected to 3 different locations attempting to schedule a straightforward blood test, with each attempt failing, forcing me to return to the surgery for another form. I received both a phone call and a text requesting me to collect the form that day. Upon arrival, Tracy at reception merely reprinted the old form and adamantly claimed it was what I required. When I informed her that the doctor had emailed a new form, she flatly refused to check the emails, stating the inbox "is only for receiving, not sending". She insisted I return on Monday when her colleague would be available, rather than assisting me immediately. Having already made 5 trips solely to BOOK a simple blood test, I was unwilling to invest more time in this bureaucratic nightmare. This surgery is recommended only to those with an abundance of free time and infinite patience.

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JL

Jeton L. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly Staff Always Saves the Day

Throughout my lengthy association with this medical practice, I've consistently experienced exceptional staff performance. The front desk team has been incredibly supportive, consistently demonstrating a willingness to assist both myself and my kids with remarkable dedication and care.

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CP

Chenu P. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring doctors helped us through tough toddler times

Exceptional care for my child from day one through her second birthday. The medical team consistently goes above and beyond, especially during unexpected health challenges. I'm truly appreciative of the physicians at this practice.

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LB

Leah B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Follow-up Appointment with Caring Team

10 May 2023 Returned for a follow-up consultation with a different physician, yet the continuity of care remained seamless. All pertinent medical information was readily available and current. The appointment felt unhurried, with my input actively sought regarding future treatment plans. The entire staff demonstrated exceptional kindness and support. Sincere appreciation to the River Surgery Team. 10 April 2023 Another positive interaction with River Surgery's staff, including the front desk personnel and the locum doctor I consulted on 06 April 2023. Many fail to appreciate the immense daily pressures faced by this medical team, particularly in the aftermath of Covid-19, which has created significant backlogs and unmet healthcare needs. Despite these challenges, they continue to manage everything with remarkable composure and patience. Heartfelt thanks to all. 31 December 2022 Exceptional service from the reception team, who arrived early to cover staff illness and ensure patient access from 0800, and outstanding care from the clinical staff member I saw - all accomplished just before the New Year bank holiday. Their intervention prevented potential holiday-period illness. Profound gratitude to the River Surgery team and best wishes for 2023. Hoping the challenges ahead do not become more overwhelming for staff or patients. 15 September 2022 Another outstanding experience at River Surgery. The entire team consistently demonstrates maximum effort, flexibility, and accommodation, especially considering the escalating difficulties facing GP practices in recent years. They navigate extremely high public expectations with remarkable professionalism. Sincere thanks to everyone for delivering an exceptional service during challenging times. Previous review: Two remarkably patient-focused interactions with The River Surgery. Drs Tanna and Tanvir displayed exceptional helpfulness, combining genuine human empathy with robust clinical expertise. The administrative and reception staff were equally impressive in their front-line service. Exemplary customer care throughout. Gratitude to Dr Moss and the entire team. It's unfortunate that satisfied patients rarely share their positive experiences.

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JB

Jonathan B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Unhelpful Receptionists Blocking My Care

I'm frustrated with the reception staff due to my inability to consult with a GP. During both interactions, the receptionists appeared dismissive and unenthusiastic. Last week, I called about a sudden health issue, seeking medical guidance and a potential referral. The offered appointment was two weeks away, with the suggestion that diagnosis and treatment would take even longer. Considering the urgency of my condition, I rejected this timeline and subsequently sought a private physiotherapy consultation within two days. Today's call was to request a GP referral for x-rays and scans. However, I was informed that no appointments were available, future bookings were impossible, and I should persistently call at 8am tomorrow in hopes of securing a slot. This contradictory guidance is perplexing: can future appointments be made or not? What options will be available from May 15th?

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SR

Stray R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick Morning Appointment Worked Like a Charm

Excellent medical procedure. Exceptional treatment. The entire staff, from the front desk to the physicians and nursing team, consistently provide top-notch service for me and my loved ones. Just be aware that if you want same-day scheduling, you'll need to call first thing in the morning as appointments fill up quickly!

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ND

Norma D. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring doctor and friendly staff at clinic

Exceptional care and attention. The welcoming front desk team creates a warm atmosphere, and Dr Moss is thoroughly dedicated to monitoring my medical well-being. Heartfelt appreciation goes out to the entire staff at The Surgery.

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CM

Clair M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Trusted Family Care for Over Two Decades

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire medical team at River Surgery, who have been caring for my family and me for more than two decades. I truly believe this is an exceptional healthcare facility. Additionally, I must acknowledge the wonderful reception staff who consistently provide outstanding assistance - they are simply delightful. A special thanks to everyone, and a particular shout-out to the wonderful Debbie. Thank you all. Clair Miller

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SF

Susan F. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring Doctors, but Frustrating Appointment Process

This review stands in stark contrast to previous ones. Securing a standard appointment has become nearly impossible, and I can't comprehend why the practice's operations remain so restrictive, seemingly permanently altered by Covid. While the receptionists have traditionally been pleasant, the constant stream of frustrated patients appears to have negatively impacted their demeanor, to the point where I'm considering seeking care elsewhere. Despite the fact that society has largely returned to normal with people freely mixing, the surgery maintains unnecessarily rigid protocols - even though mask-wearing is now minimal, their approach remains unchanged. Nonetheless, I genuinely appreciate this surgery. The staff are exceptional, offering a much more personalized experience compared to large, impersonal clinics. The doctors are compassionate and treat patients as individuals rather than mere statistics, which transforms what could be an uncomfortable medical visit into something surprisingly bearable.

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UO

Under O. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Doctor who truly cares about patients

Dr. Tanna is exceptional, genuinely attentive to my concerns and following up personally to ensure my well-being. She demonstrated true compassion. While the front desk staff could use improvement, the physicians themselves are outstanding.

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SS

Samantha S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst GP Practice Ever, Zero Compassion

STEER CLEAR AT ALL EXPENSES. You'll struggle immensely to secure an appointment, and obtaining a referral is an even more daunting challenge. The general practitioners demonstrate a severe lack of professionalism. Their demeanor is consistently dismissive, with zero empathy towards patients. During every interaction with a GP, I've been made to feel like an inconvenience, and they appear overwhelmingly impatient, unwilling to genuinely address my medical concerns. I was informed that this is a training medical practice, which supposedly explains the constant rotation of physicians.

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JF

Jordan F. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Deadly Slow Prescription Refills at This Clinic

If you're seeking quality medical care, steer clear of this practice as you'll likely expire before receiving your medication refills. Completely terrible and proceed with extreme caution, as this place will worsen your condition rather than improve it!!

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TT

Thomas T. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Doctors were incredible, but admin staff disappointed

The medical professionals here are truly exceptional - providing some of the most outstanding healthcare I've encountered. Unfortunately, the administrative team falls short of the doctors' exemplary level of service. While I recognize their job can be demanding, basic courtesy should be universal. Moreover, discriminatory language is absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances.

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For practice staff

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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

  • 020 85047364
  • The River Surgery 16 Rous Road Buckhurst Hill Essex IG9 6BN

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience with significant variation in service quality across different areas of the practice. Appointment access emerges as a persistent challenge, with many patients reporting difficulty booking consultations, limited availability, and restrictive same-day calling systems that require early morning contact. Reception experience is similarly inconsistent, with some patients praising courteous and attentive staff, whilst others describe dismissive and unhelpful interactions, particularly regarding prescription refills and referral follow-up. Communication and responsiveness issues are frequently cited, including delays in referral processing and unclear guidance on booking procedures.

In contrast, clinical care receives substantial positive feedback, with patients consistently highlighting compassionate doctors, professional expertise, and attentive medical professionals who dedicate time to listening and explaining treatment options. Several patients specifically commend the warmth of their consultations and the continuity of care provided. The practice demonstrates strength in its clinical delivery and patient-focused approach during appointments, with many expressing appreciation for the expertise and empathy shown by medical staff.

The disparity between clinical excellence and administrative challenges suggests that whilst the medical team provides high-quality care, operational improvements in appointment availability, booking systems, and reception courtesy would significantly enhance the overall patient experience. Some patients have sought private healthcare alternatives due to access difficulties, indicating that service improvements in these areas could better support patient confidence in the practice.

Appointment

42.50 %
Poor

Reception

48.75 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

65.42 %
Great

Respect

54.17 %
Average

Seen on time

55.00 %
Average
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