Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery - Halstead

Drone M.

Wow dropped of a prescription for a relative today - I come from London and have never seen such a run down building used as a surgery - when speaking to people they all seem to say the practice is badly managed. Shame for a growing town. Maybe in need of new direction surely a little TLC on the building and grounds is the least you could do

Shabby S.

After a phone call yesterday answered by a receptionist (obviously) we asked if a nurse was available (in the absence of a consultation with a GP) she said that if a script was required the nurse wouldn’t be able to write one (not true as they would ask a doctor to sign the script) and she suggested going to the nearest “emergency room” but she didn’t know where the nearest one is 😳, we asked if she meant A&E - for us 18 or 25 miles. I wanted to see a nurse as they absolutely rock but the first appointment was on 11 September, so I filled in the triage on line form this morning at 8am and at 8.15am received a text with a 9am appointment. I saw a paramedic who was seriously knowledgable and competent and my injury has been attended to. I have been with this surgery since 1985, unfortunately the town and outlying villages are enduring a massive influx of newbies and it seems blatantly clear that this surgery is not big enough to cope with the massive load that is being asked of them. They are good, talented and hard working people whose work load has increased immensely. Also newcomers to the area who are employed really need to gain local geographical knowledge really quickly imo. Not knowing the area does not inspire confidence.

Angela

There is no treatment, they only listen to complaints. They can prescribe a blood test and a cardiogram, say that everything is fine. If the pressure and cholesterol are high, they prescribe pills, but they do not know how to treat more serious problems (I have been suffering from severe pain in my legs for 3 months, numbness in my hip, they prescribed painkillers and that's it!) my leg is not getting better, but the pain is only getting worse. I am on sick leave. There are problems at work, and I am limited in my work because of the pain.

Oh F.

As a resident of Halstead for nearly 39 years I have never had a problem with the surgery. I have always found them helpful and the new (not so new) triage system works well. It’s been very very rare I’ve never managed to get an appointment when required.

Sadly, those that have rated low scores about being new to the area and unable to get an appointment, Halstead has grown massively in sizes over the years and Braintree district council have never considered the infrastructure for the area.

The doctors, nurses and administrator staff have always been pleasant and polite, they do not deserve the abuse they get whether it’s face to face or online. I’m thankful for the care I’ve received from the surgery and can’t fault them at all.

Remember people are quick to complain and post this on social media or the internet but never as quick to post thanks and give positive feedback.

David J.

You just have to look at the outside of the building to judge how terrible the service is. There are weeds 600 cms tall growing around the building edge. The canopy above the main door has a big hole where the woodwork is broken, and the paint is peeling off. Empty larger cans are strewn across the small car park, and the whole place looks run-down. I have seen inner city slums looking better managed.

Clare S.

Well this is NOT a good start. New to area, have never used this GP before but need non urgent but important appointment…
Triage form states maximum forms completed already (its currently 9.15am) so I can’t use that system but can’t get through on phone. So what am I supposed to do?
Finally got through on phone to be told to do triage form the next morning. So I have done first thing and asked for contact by midday as some of us have things to do. And guess what? No contact whatsoever. So now I have to change my plans and go in person to surgery this afternoon. Such a waste of time and energy and really, really upsetting. This surgery clearly doesn’t give a shit.
The woman behind the desk put me right. Apparently the lady who told me on the phone yesterday that I could request a call time was a figment of my imagination. And the box on the form for that purpose is completely ignored by staff…they just call whenever. Am I supposed to feel guilty that they’re busy? Am I supposed to apologise when told there are 36 other people waiting for calls? To me, it simply suggests that this surgery is not fit for purpose.

Matthew D.

Booked appointment for 3 year old we suspect has conjunctivitis. Arrived with 3 year old and heavily pregnant partner at 10:20 to the car park. A staff member on break slowly wandered blocking our access. Joined the queue at 10:22 as the only check in screen was broken. As the queue was loooooong and they had 1 single person working the front desk my pregnant partner got to the receptionist at 10:25 to be told too late and to rub salt into the wound received a text saying you missed the appointment at 10:26. Also told the person we were to see had now taken a break instead. They then called shortly later to again say you missed the appointment and would've been called only once at the correct time of the appointment, that was your only chance and you will need to book another day. We had a friend in the waiting room with their children who said they never heard our 3 year old being called at 10:20 so when the receptionist said they were aware and you'd be called anyway were fibbing. There were numerous people called who hadn't attended their appointments so there were nurses or doctors that were available but they seem to take pleasure in telling you that you missed your only chance. Disgusting service

Christian M.

People are quick to criticise the triage system, but aren't mentioning the fact that Halstead as a town is vastly over populated due to new builds and this is the ONLY local surgery in the town.

I've always managed to get a triage appointment when requested. The doctors are always friendly and responsive. I've always been given a referral or tests when requested. Can't fault them at this point.

People will have different experiences but you have to consider that Halstead doesn't have the infrastructure in place to cope with all the people and Elizabeth Courtauld are probably struggling to meet demand.

If you've just moved to the area and you're complaining about the service, then sorry to say you are part of the problem lol.