Hedingham Medical Centre - Halstead

Tasha

I had an incredibly frustrating experience with the receptionists at this facility. Their attitude was appalling; they completely disregarded the urgency of my request and were rude, shouting, and even hung up on me. Specifically, the conduct of Justine, Connie, and Linda was unacceptable.

I firmly believe that receptionists should be replaced with trained medical staff who can effectively assess patient needs. It's unsafe to have non-medical personnel triaging patients, as it can lead to critical delays in care and potentially dangerous situations. This experience has raised serious concerns about patient safety and the quality of care provided. Immediate changes are necessary to ensure that patients receive the attention and professionalism they deserve.

Noreen M.

A big thank you to receptionist J who I spoke to late yesterday morning (7th August). She was so lovely, very helpful and understanding. GP receptionists have a tough job - carrying out instructions from above and desperately trying to help patients where they can. They cannot magic appointments from thin air and often take alot of flack and abuse from patients. It's not easy I know, I was in that position years ago! However J was so kind and I am grateful. Thank you.

caroline S.

Last year I moved from Halstead Surgery to Hedingham Medical Centre and I think the staff and Doctors are excellent. The receptionists are friendly and helpful, the doctors and nurses attentive and professional. My mother has been particularly poorly and they have gone above and beyond to help her with advice, treatment and referrals. They don't rush you through an appointment and they listen to your concerns. I've always been able to get an appointment on the same day, however if your in for a long wait to make one, there's a call back service...and they do call you back. As far as i'm concerned they knock spots off the Elizabeth Coultard surgery.

Loulabelle

How is it possible to call bang on the dot of 8.30 and then to hear you are 31 in the queue 🤔 🤬 then to be told NO APPOINTMENTS!!
This surgery has a ridiculous system that is completely flawed . The receptionist have no medical training but want to give you their opinion !!! Can't get a face to face appt and forget trying to get a referral.done. Forget it 🙄 . I'm in absolute agony ..really worried and still waiting for a scan referral . Not that i was ever seen in person . Let's hope it's nothing sinister then 🙏 I've already had to pay MYSELF for a scan in the past due to not getting referals ..or getting in to a doctor in the first place . The receptionists are such gossips and there is absolutely NO confidentiality. 🤬🤬

Samantha B.

Made over 100 calls to get an appointment - eventually saw a doctor who put me forward for a physio appointment, they 'booked it' handed me a slip with the date and time of a phone call... shock horror, they never called and couldn't make a repeat call for another 2 weeks. Receptionist was utterly useless. Good thing it's only a trapped nerve and searing pain.

Jol T.

Worst surgery ever. Haven't been able to get a face to face appointment with a GP since before COVID. Still cannot. Staff are unbelievably rude and patronising, yet defensive too. They repeatedly give contradictory information. 1 staff member outright lied to my face. Most of the time they answer their phones with the immediate intention to get you off the phone. They make presumptions about your reasons for calling rather than actually listening to you, just to speed things along. The GPS are equally poor. They don't listen and treat you like they don't believe you. I have no faith in them whatsoever. Terrible, just terrible.

Anne B.

Thursday 6th April I was in the second week of covid, no cough but very breathless on antibiotics and steroids. I urgently needed to collect my asthma inhalers before the Easter break. As I had been allowed to do last year with covid, I stood ten feet away from the surgery door, masked, no cough, rang reception and asked if somebody could please leave my medication on the door step and as soon as they shut the door I could pick it up. However a young member of staff who came out "gave me a right telling off" saying I had no right to come near the surgery!!!But my understanding was that I was not near the surgery, no different than people who live in the square walking about from their houses. I did not deserve to be spoken to the way that I was, I am almost 70 years old and to be "told off" by a young girl is not nice particularly that if I had not got my inhalers would have probably had to spend the Easter holiday sitting in A and E. If last year this was acceptable for me and others what has changed please tell me.

Simon D.

What used to be a great practice has deteriorated dramatically after a merger. It would be difficult to now find anything positive to say about this place and its staff. If you’re looking for the ability to book appointments in advance, forget it. To book appointments at all, only if you’re extremely lucky, or are referred (by 111, e.g). Pick up prescription? Not if you want them the same week. Helpful, polite staff? I’m not even going to comment.
I’m fortunate that I need these things infrequently. Others are not, of course, and suffer. I’ve given up with them now, and even get prescriptions privately. It means I have no way of accessing any advice over any concerns I have that don’t warrant A&E, though.
Just appalling.