Constable Country Medical Practice - East Bergholt Surgery

We've had issues registering with a practice with each one saying I was out of area but the staff here have been truly amazing, so helpful at getting us registered. They have processed everything so quickly and really helped as we were going away and had to be registered to be able to get the proof of vaccinations etc, so impressed with our first impressions of the staff.

The econsults and call backs from doctors have worked well and have resulted in a face to face appointment when needed. The staff are all friendly and helpful. At the moment there does seem to be a crackly telephone line which makes hearing what is being said more difficult but can't be sure if the issue is with their system.

For me the triage system works well and you get an appointment when you need one. I've had no problems getting my regular INR appointments either. Staff are all good and I don't have any issues with the practice.

I find the surgery good and have always got a same day appointment when I've needed one. The triage system also works well for me, the only thing is that I'd like to be able to see one doctor as at times seeing different doctors for the same issue means you get told to do different things as they have different approaches.

I feel that at times there is limited flexibility in the system and one size does not always fit all. Having underlying health conditions I tried to get a face to face appointment for something on the face of it is fairly innocuous but with my conditions could become serious but was told by a doctor it wasn't necessary. However when I did see another health professional for one of my conditions they asked why I hadn't had the issue looked at. I just feel that each case should be looked at individually but that professionals also need to listen to patients too. Other than this the care is normally good and I've felt supported.

The surgery has been great throughout the pandemic, I've not had a problem getting appointments even for my regular INR blood tests. I've been really happy with everything.

The surgery did really well with the covid vaccinations they did. Mum and Dad both had them done at the surgery and it went really smoothly. They were contacted by the surgery as neither have a mobile phone and got their appointments quickly.

I called at 3pm on a Monday to report that I had a severe UTI and needed antibiotics straight away (I have a very low kidney function). Was told there were no appointments, I said I didnt need an APPOINTMENT, just the prescription. I am more than well acquainted with my condition and know when I need antibiotics straight away. Receptionist told me that if I didn't want to ring again in the morning, then to phone NHS 111.

After wasting many hours on the phone etc. I was told that my turn up time at Ipswich Hospital was 9.45 pm. I eventually got at home at 3.30am the following day. More than 12 hours had gone past where I was untreated. I have spoken to a consultant who was deeply concerned and said it was a very serious infection and I was very lucky that it had not caused permanent damage. I will not bother contacting the surgery. All I will get is a lot of platitudes.

I have never come across such uncaring, difficult and rude doctors. Everything at this surgery takes for ever even trying to get through on the phone and you are constantly having hurdles thrown in the way. In can takes over a week just to get a medication review even if you have no meds and they are needed urgently. I have absolutely no faith in this practice. Look elsewhere for your GP if you can.

Promptly seen by a nurse practitioner who was knowledgeable, efficient and kind.