Constable Country Medical Practice - East Bergholt Surgery

Not always able to get an appointment. Felt that they are slow to react with more urgent situations and it would be better to have more advanced appointments available.

I have been meaning to change surgery for a few years but still haven't. I tend to use the walk-in centre in Colchester if I need to see someone as there are only generally "same day" appointments with one particular GP - and I find them very rude. Nurses and reception are OK

All staff, both clinical and non clinical were friendly and clearly wanted to do their best to help.

My granddaughter had an appointment for lung function test. Took her out of high school early and arrived at East Bergholt. As we were unable to book in electronically, I spoke to a member of staff who told us we had been booked in and to take a seat and wait. After 35 mins of waiting I returned to the desk and queried the delay only to be told the staff member who carries out the tests was away and all appointments cancelled and I should have received a message. I was extremely unhappy that 1. I did not receive any message, 2. That a member of staff booked us in and told us to wait, even if she had only just arrived and hadn't been told, this was extremely bad communication and 3. the fact that my granddaughter had to miss lessons at an important time for no reason - she has exams next week-. Every time I visit the surgery there is information on how many patients fail to turn up for appointments, how about how many patients waste their time turning up for cancelled appointments.

Doctor asked me to have a blood test the same day I saw them but the surgery couldn't fit me in and I had to go to the riverside clinic.

Generally good to get appointments. Staff are usually helpful but could be more accommodating at times and less abrupt. Getting blood tests is normally ok when having at the surgery.

Feel that there has been an improvement in getting through in the morning on the 'phone and getting an appointment is much easier plus I can see the doctor of my choice. There has been an improvement in how you are dealt with by staff, no longer feel like a burden on them. Don't often wait too long. As I don't visit regularly, I can see the difference between now and a couple of years back.

In 2016 they removed a family member from the patient list without telling them because they didn't attend for so long. Then, due to staff training, they wouldn't see a family member so when a couple of hours later, they came back to surgery and were seen she was rushed to hospital but she had deteriorated too much and later died. She should have been seen earlier or given other options of seeing someone. This has affected how I feel about the surgery.

It's a local service which is good with friendly staff. Getting an appointment is very difficult. I've phoned two days running to have an appointment with a GP after being advised by the nurse. The nurse then booked me an appointment with a doctor herself. I won't see one doctor because she is so rude and has been to other members of the family. Responses are blunt and rude and I now will not see her again.

Not always easy to get appointments especially with specific doctors as I get good follow-up and continuity with my condition is very important to me. The locum I see is very thorough and checks everything. very happy to wait if doctor needs longer with another patient. Personally never had a problem.