Longfield Medical Centre
TT
Tina T. 3 years ago • From Google
Excellent
Used the Patchs system at 10am after missing the 7am slot again today due to health issues, ironically. However, I logged my issue and indicated preference for phone or face-to-face appointment, receiving a quick response confirming an appointment at Longfields Surgery today. I find the midnight online booking system frustrating as GP slots are extremely limited, often with fewer than 3 appointments available that vanish within seconds. Sometimes the only available slot might be with a doctor you're not comfortable with, causing hesitation and resulting in the appointment disappearing. Patchs is definitely a valuable addition to the surgery. Each time I've used it, the experience has been excellent. I appreciate the ability to provide comprehensive background information for the GP/team to review, ensuring they understand the context when seeing or speaking with you. They occasionally offer a 10am slot for booking, though this varies daily. The doctors are consistently great. I have my preferred physicians and a couple I personally didn't connect with, but that's normal - we're only human after all, and I've heard they're excellent with other patients. Despite online reviews criticizing the receptionists, I've found them friendly and helpful over 8 years, with only one exception years ago. I believe everyone can have a bad day, and treating people kindly usually results in positive interactions. I like Longfields Surgery, understanding they're managing an overwhelming patient load with fewer GPs entering the profession. The nurses are particularly impressive - caring, friendly, and highly competent. I wish Longfields would revert to pre-booking appointments for non-emergency consultations. My current appointment could have been scheduled in advance, but that option isn't available, necessitating an on-the-day booking. Patchs is the optimal solution, as getting online typically secures same-day appointments. Medication review waiting lists seem prolonged, and occasional online record errors occur, but these are human oversights that can be corrected when pointed out. I'm hopeful today's appointment will be as positive as previous ones. It's a good medical center simply dealing with systemic pressures, and their appointment system could benefit from review - often, people resist changing established processes. Despite appointment limitations, I remain a satisfied patient, with the added benefit of potentially being seen at their Heybridge branch.
Ben E.