Hoddesdon Health Centre - Hoddesdon

Mitali S.

I had a blood test here this morning, it was super efficient - my appointment was at 9.40am, I arrived at 9.35am and was out by 9.38am! The nurse was super warm and friendly, and had a lot to say about my pretty nails 🤩🎉

Alican K.

I am utterly shocked and deeply disappointed by the treatment I received at my recent blood test appointment. I was refused service solely because I was 5 minutes late, which is completely absurd and unacceptable. The sheer lack of understanding and empathy displayed is staggering. It is especially unacceptable considering that you are paid to provide care to patients—your role is to assist and support, not to dismiss people for minor delays.

On that day, I was carrying my 8-month-old baby in heavy rain, navigating all the difficulties that come with traveling with an infant in such conditions. Instead of receiving basic understanding or even a moment of patience, I was turned away as if my situation did not matter at all. The stress and frustration this caused me and my baby were immense and entirely unnecessary.

What makes this even more outrageous is that I have been waiting for over one and a half months for my cholesterol test, a test that is vital for my health. Cholesterol levels are not trivial—they are directly related to the well-being of the heart, long-term health, and even life-threatening conditions. Being denied this crucial test after such a long wait is not just unprofessional, it is reckless, negligent, and potentially dangerous.

The person directly responsible for this completely unacceptable behavior was Sandra Maher. Instead of demonstrating any form of professionalism, understanding, or compassion, she chose to act with cold indifference and rigidity. Her behavior was entirely inappropriate for anyone working in healthcare, let alone someone entrusted with the well-being of patients.

Healthcare is supposed to be about care, compassion, respect, and the dignity of patients. It is not about rigid rules, bureaucracy, or punishing those who encounter minor delays. To refuse a patient access to essential, medically significant care, under challenging circumstances, is inexcusable.

This experience has left me not only stressed and upset but also seriously questioning the competence, professionalism, and humanity of the staff involved. No patient should ever be treated with such disregard, especially when they are trying to take care of their health and the well-being of a young child.

I sincerely hope this review is taken seriously by the clinic management, and I demand that actions are taken to ensure that no other patient or family has to endure such humiliating, careless, and harmful treatment in the future.

Aras D.

I am writing to raise a formal complaint regarding the unacceptable behaviour I experienced at Hoddesdon Health Clinic on 04/09/25.

When I arrived for my scheduled blood test appointment, I was only 5 minutes late due to the challenges of attending with my 8-month-old baby. Despite my efforts to explain the situation, I was refused my test by a staff member named Sandra Maher.

What was most distressing was not simply the refusal, but the manner in which Ms. Maher addressed me. Her attitude was unnecessarily rude, dismissive, and left me feeling disrespected. I also could not help but feel that her behaviour carried undertones of racism, which is deeply concerning and unacceptable in a healthcare setting where all patients should feel safe and supported.

I held myself together as best as I could, but the experience was extremely upsetting—I was close to tears, and even my baby felt the distress caused by this horrible interaction. No patient, especially a parent with a young child, should be made to feel this way in a place that is supposed to provide care and support.

This incident has left me extremely disappointed and unwilling to return to Hoddesdon Health Clinic. I expect staff to treat patients with dignity, understanding, and professionalism—particularly when caring for parents with young children. I believe Ms. Maher’s conduct should be investigated thoroughly.

I will be taking this matter further if necessary, but I would first like to hear how the clinic intends to address my concerns and prevent other patients from experiencing similar treatment.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Carol H.

I had a blood test today and informed the male phlebotomist that I have a massive feat of needles. He was so attentive and considerate and made me feel at ease that I didnt feel the needle going in. Honestly would recommend him enough, he is a true gent. Thank you 🙂

Jo C.

I had a blood test this afternoon. A gentleman took my blood who Iv never seen there before. I’m quite nervous because I always seem to have problems due to my small veins! He was amazing , hardly knew he did it . Very relieved. Thank you .

Agne M.

We met very nice and polite nurses today at the centre. It was my daughters first time giving blood and she came out with a smile. Thank you ladies for a great job you are doing!

Christine B.

I booked s blood test here last week and after sitting in the waiting room for 15 mins was called through to another room to have my test

As soon as I walked in I had a box if masks presented to me as I was not wearing one
I explained that I was exempt and was asked what my exemption was and was abruptly told I would only have to wear one for two minutes!!

I explained that I had taken a lateral flow test that morning which was negative, but the male nurse still insisted that I put one on

Not wanting to be refused a blood test I put the mask on under protest and told him it was making me panic and feel very anxious. His reply was he would rather that happen than he get COVID

I think the practice manager at this clinic should educate this chap about the NHS guidelines in that masks are mandatory unless you are exempt.
Exempt means exempt. I will certainly not go back there again

S M.

This place has always been very badly run and still has not improved. They told my elderly, disabled mother to wait in the corridor where she waited, standing for 10 minutes whilst she heard them laughing with the door shut. She finally knocked to ask if they could take her blood and they told her off for knocking and told her it was now too late as they finish at 1.45!! Firstly they are supposed to be open until 2pm according to the website and secondly even if they did shut at 1.45 she had arrived at 1.35 and was left waiting! My mum was so distressed at the rude uncaring way they treated her that they finally agreed reluctantly to do their actual job and take her blood then told her they were doing overtime!!!
I have raised these issues several times before and it seems will have to do so again to a higher body. How are they still getting away with this lazy, uncaring attitude Someone needs to address these issues urgently.