Constable Country Medical Practice - East Bergholt Surgery

The new appointment system is much better compared to what was previously in place. Recently I had a minor operation which needed regular dressing changes, the nursing team have been fantastic.

Four stars

I was told to have a blood test but the doctor did not say I needed to fast. Staff can be a little abrupt at times

Couple of GP's not good at treatment explanation and very dismissive.

4 Stars

Been an improvement in how I'm received at the surgery, great

Today I popped into the surgery at 810am just to ask a quick question. The surgery was empty and there where members of staff chatting when I said excuse me I was totally ignored. When I asked for help they carried on talking and googling and went into the office. Leaving me there. I had to ring the bell to get some assistance to be told oh I thought you where checking in on the screen. My query di not get sorted out because it was only a 2 minute question I wanted to ask a nurse. I was offered an appointment which was totally not necessary. Funny how they can blatantly stand and chat and giggle but not give a patient 2 minutes of their time.

Appointments always seem to run behind in the past I've booked early morning (8.30) appointments but they are regularly behind even at that time. If you can't prebook it makes it difficult, Always have to wait on the phone when booking appointments. If I can't get an appointment I have used the walk in clinic in Colchester. mixing work, access to transport and children can make getting appointments very difficult. If my children are unwell I would be confident that they would be seen on the day by a doctor.

The nurses explain things very well but the doctors don't as well as they tend to skip over things. The reception staff are good and are often in a difficult position. It seems that doctors rather than staggering their time off tend to take it off at the same time.

Appointments are difficult to get the phone is always engaged so use redial for at least 10 mins. A call waiting system would be good to tell you where you are in the queue. Late evening appts for those who work would be beneficial with afternoons reserved for older people. I don't mind the on the day booking but pre booking appointments would be useful. The practise has had to use locums a lot but they don't seem to care as much as permanent staff. I would prefer to see the same doctor if possible but understand that it is not always possible. It appears that maybe the surgery is not moving with the times and meeting patients expecting

I did appreciate being added on to the end of the surgery appointments list today. In the past it had been a bit more difficult to get appointments.
A triage system to just talk to a doctor would be beneficial and a good idea to stop unnecessary visits to the surgery.
A booking system with flexibility would be better to allow people to plan ahead.
The practice letters to the Parish Magazine are helpful & keep patients up to date with any changes happening at the surgery