Chigwell Medical Centre - Ilford

Katie R.

I feel like previously this surgery has had a bad reputation where it's been a struggle to get through on the phone, make an appointment or see a doctor face to face. However, my experience more recently has been excellent, the receptionists have been helpful and friendly, the phone is answered in good time, I've always been offered an appointment, often in person, and the GPs that we've seen have all been helpful, supportive and empathetic and have answered our concerns effectively. I'm really pleased that we didn't move to another practice when things were bad, and hope that this positive change can be sustained. Thanks

G B.

While I have no complaints about the doctors or nurses, who have always been professional and attentive, I am very disappointed with the behavior of the reception staff. Unfortunately, they come across as super rude, unprofessional, and lacking the basic communication skills needed to interact with patients, particularly over the phone. Their demeanor often feels as if they are overwhelmed or having a difficult time, but this should not affect the service they provide to patients.
The current team, especially the female receptionists, have consistently shown poor behavior, which has made it difficult to feel comfortable reaching out to the surgery for help. I urge the practice manager and the GPs to address this matter, whether through further training or staffing changes, to ensure that the reception team reflects the high standards.

Artemis P.

Probably the worst GP if you are pregnant do not use this surgery! I asked for a referral for an emergency scan and I was refused this instead I was told to go to walk in at Queens which is further away and wait there for 5 hours just to be told I have to book an emergency scan which is only available in 2 weeks time! All I asked was to refer me to an emergency scan at whips cross where I could’ve got a scan there and then. I could be going through a miscarriage but because Chigwell surgery refuse to help I have to now wait 2 weeks to go to Queens again out of my way to find out if my baby is ok or not. I’m disgusted. If you are pregnant go private rather than through this surgery or go to another surgery!

Kim O.

Chigwell Medical Centre - my husband and I are patients. I could not thank Dr Aktar and his team enough for the the excellent and swift referral to King George and St Bartholomew's Hospital. There is good communication between the hospitals and surgery, with every test, appointment and operation carried out within 6 weeks.
I must also add that we have also noticed that since Dr Aktar took charge of the surgery, things have been running very efficiently. Communication has been very good and effective.

Kim O'Neill MBE.

Sara J.

Our family have been with the practice for 37 years, we have always found the Doctors, Nurses and staff to be helpful, caring and supportive. We also appreciate the pharmacy that is attached to the medical centre, who are also helpful and caring. We feel extremely lucky to have this Medical practice so close to home. Thank you Dr Aktar and all your team. 👏👏 Sara, Estelle and Johnnie.

Christina L.

Appalling customer service, the receptionist is so rude and unprofessional, they hung up on me when I was just about to enquire something. Doctors at the surgery are fine, I have no complaints.

Birt

This GP epitomises everything that is wrong with our society. I have tried unsuccessfully to arrange morning and afternoon appointments several times over the past several months, but I have never managed to see my GP. In over a year, I have still not met my Dr, imagine that!

The reception staff have zero customer service skills, or have the inclining, desire or motivation to listen to feedback in order to help improve the service. They are simply programmed to respond in a way that frustrates patients. We recently also tried to register our newborn daughter with the GP, and were told that we must register for her birth certificate first before she can be seen. This is despite being told by the hospital and by our midwife that they should provide a service for newborn babies due to a backlog at the birth registration offices. However, this GP has no sense of compassion or understanding, and have simply lost that human touch.

J F.

They never ever run to time - whenever I come I always have to wait at least 30 mins over my scheduled appointment time. I’ve sometimes waited 2 hours for my appointment, because my GP’s car broke down!!