Constable Country Medical Practice - East Bergholt Surgery

Happy that I've been able to get appointments and so far recently its been good. I don't get to see the same GP but that's been okay and not a problem as staff have been good. The update to the signage is really good, it looks smart and by moving the check in screen to the lobby area is much better and has improved the confidentiality at reception as other patients could see your details before. There is still the issue of confidentiality when speaking to reception but that is much more challenging to address. Reception staff have been very helpful but I am concerned that there is so much new housing being developed locally.

It's been perfect to arrange appointments and it works well with good explanations from staff. Booking and arranging blood tests at the surgery has also been easy to do.

The end of life care that we received was both traumatic and hurtful. Nothing was joined up and when doctors visited they didn't know why they were even coming to see us. I had to go through all the history each time and was show little care or compassion. At one point the doctor just bluntly said you need to go to hospital but when I replied how they just said drive but I couldn't even get them downstairs. Because there is no continuity with GPs when I asked for something to be done , it just wasn't. The receptionists do all they can but the clinical side is lacking.

Mostly when I've needed an appointment I've been able to get one and staff have been ok but they could do better by not chatting among themselves when patients are looking for support. I've had two incidences where I've been contacted by staff to arrange appointments which have already been done, so the system doesn't seem up to date.

The nurses here are lovely and they are great at taking my blood, which can be tricky. Blood tests are easy enough to arrange here or at Capel but to be able to arrange a face to face with a doctor seems to mean you have to ring on the day.

We've had no issues getting our granddaughter an appointment today, it all happened very quickly after we called this morning. At time mobile reception has caused issues when receiving call backs but that is difficult to address.

There are some issues when trying to access care. I find the lack of continuity and not seeing the same GP each time a problem as the advice can differ. It has, at times, been difficult to get appointments and then when you have to wait by the phone all day to receive a call back from a doctor its difficult as I find it hard to hear what is being said. On one occasion I missed the initial call, then we I did speak to the doctor the line was poor and the doctor hung up but when I called the surgery back I was told the doctor would not speak to me again even though the issue hadn't been addressed and I'd have to arrange another appointment. The receptionist is lovely and the nurses have also been good. I would also prefer to have the appointment with the doctor I booked to see rather than it changing by the time I have the appointment.

I saw a GP in person on Friday and they arranged for me to come back to see them today (Monday) which has been good. I don't mind seeing different doctors and the reception staff are lovely. I prefer to call the surgery to arrange appointments and that has worked well although the phones can be a bit busy.

I was able to arrange my 6 week postnatal check easily with no issues and have been happy with care provided.

I was first in the queue on the phone today and received a call back from the doctor quickly and was then offered an appointment at the surgery soon after. The discussion on the phone and during the appointment covered all bases and I was pleased I was seen so quickly as this hasn't happened in the past