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

JJ

Jade J. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service at the pharmacy desk

The front desk staff exhibited a dismissive and condescending attitude, making my interaction extremely frustrating. When I reached out regarding a prescription refill, I was met with zero assistance or cooperation. The entire experience left me feeling thoroughly dissatisfied and disheartened.

More Info
AM

Abdul M. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible GP Surgery with Impossible Appointment System

If you're relocating to this area and seeking a medical practice, STEER CLEAR. The quality of care is inconsistent across GPs and reception staff. While some demonstrate genuine concern and a drive for improvement, others are frustratingly indifferent; receptionists can be outright discourteous, and doctors seem more focused on bureaucratic processes than patient needs, delaying referrals until they've exhausted every possible alternative, regardless of time wasted. My wife and I were compelled to seek private healthcare (fortunately covered by our employers), and each specialist we saw emphasized we should have sought help much earlier. Attempting to schedule an appointment is an exercise in futility - they've eliminated advance booking, forcing patients to call on the day and endure an endless busy signal or prolonged hold times between 8.00-8.35, only to be informed no appointments are available and they won't even consider scheduling for the following day, instead instructing patients to retry the next morning. Medical staff turnover appears remarkably high - I've encountered six different GPs during my brief time with this practice.

More Info
DM

Dee M. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Awful Care at Local Surgery

Zero stars would be an overstatement! The medical staff and front desk personnel radiate pure job dissatisfaction! The level of indifference is astounding, with virtually no chance of receiving clear information or appropriate referrals. My personal journey has been marked by worsening skin allergies, incorrect steroid prescriptions, and a complete absence of meaningful antenatal support. This medical practice demonstrates zero patient empathy or human compassion - potential patients should absolutely steer clear. The sole professional I hold in any regard is the nurse. Otherwise, avoid at all costs, unless you're seeking to further deteriorate your health. Thankfully, my employer provides private healthcare, which consistently rescues me and my family from the persistent failures of this NHS surgery. Such substandard care is unacceptable. While I'm entitled to quality NHS medical services, this particular practice consistently undermines that fundamental right!

More Info
CN

Catherine N. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Not Worth the Trouble at All

Utterly shameful

More Info
VB

Vince B. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Sweet Midnight Treat

It's a delightful compact sweetener

More Info
MC

Ms C. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible Reception Ignored My Husband's Injury

Absolutely Abysmal! Complete indifference from the front desk personnel following Dual appointments! Squandered a week of our time, with my suffering husband enduring excruciating pain from a dislocated shoulder, desperately awaiting physiotherapy referral. Disgraceful behavior. They couldn't be bothered to make a simple phone call to inform us that he had been arbitrarily removed from their system for not being "sick enough" during previous years! They callously discarded the paperwork in a drawer, and we'd have remained oblivious if we hadn't attempted to schedule an urgent consultation today. YOU WOULD SERVE SOCIETY BETTER FLIPPING BURGERS AT MC DONALDS

More Info
OB

O B. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly care with Dr Sonya Saleem

Extremely satisfied with this medical center, the team consistently demonstrates warmth and competence, and scheduling appointments is hassle-free. A heartfelt appreciation goes out to Dr Sonya Saleem for her exceptional service.

More Info
SS

Susan S. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Doctor's Neglect Puts Mom at Risk

The care facility where my mother resides has a physician who seems indifferent to her medical needs. Despite her recurring falls, this doctor has been dismissive and unwilling to recommend additional medical intervention or support services.

More Info
JN

J N. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring Doctors at River Surgery

The medical team at River Surgery consistently provides me with exceptional, attentive care that meets the highest standards of professionalism.

More Info
SG

Samraj G. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick morning visit with Dr. Moss

I scheduled a consultation earlier today after making a phone call this morning. The front desk staff were courteous and attentive. Dr. Moss greeted me warmly and dedicated ample time to listening to my medical concerns. He demonstrated extensive expertise and thoroughly explained the findings of my blood test results. I would enthusiastically recommend this medical practice to anyone seeking quality healthcare.

More Info
MM

M M. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Receptionist Ignored Calls While on Personal Phone

The customer service here is absolutely abysmal, with staff displaying complete ignorance and disrespect. They flatly reject following up on referrals and test results. During my visit, I was appalled to witness a receptionist engaged in a personal phone conversation for more than 10 minutes. It's deeply disappointing that taxpayer funds are being squandered in such an unprofessional environment. This medical facility urgently requires thorough investigation and swift corrective measures.

More Info
CW

Carly-jo W. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to Book Appointments with Kids

Attempted to schedule a consultation with a female healthcare professional, but was informed no appointments could be booked at all, only available on specific days! As a parent of three children, I lack the flexibility to repeatedly call up to 30 times around 8:30 AM or physically visit the clinic at that time, risking my kids being tardy for school. This system is completely unacceptable and prevents patients from effectively accessing medical care :-(

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

  • 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
Filter

Order By

Rating