Wivenhoe Surgery

Wivenhoe Surgery Feedback

1. Going downhill rapidly

   I’ve had a mixed experience at Wivenhoe Surgery. While the nursing staff have been exceptional – especially Mark, providing excellent care and support, I’ve been disappointed with some of the doctors (some are good but clearly constrained in referrals they can make do to more senior guidance). Unfortunately, I’ve found that some doctors lack the knowledge and expertise needed to effectively diagnose and treat certain conditions.

   I’ve had to seek medical attention elsewhere on multiple occasions, only to have the issue confirmed by another medical professional. This has led me to question whether the practice follows NHS treatment protocols consistently.

   One issue that concerns me is the reluctance to run basic tests, such as blood tests. While I understand the need to manage resources, I’m worried that cost considerations may be prioritised over patient needs.

   My experience with Dr. ****** was particularly poor. I found her bedside manner to be rude and dismissive, making me feel like an inconvenience. I’ve heard similar concerns from others about their interactions with this doctor.

   Despite the excellent nursing staff, my overall experience at Wivenhoe Surgery has been marred by these issues. I hope the practice will take steps to address these concerns and improve the quality of care provided to patients, but I doubt it. As others have indicated, it seems like complaints are made and the dismissive attitude towards patients continues.

   The only area I would disagree on is anima. While I acknowledge some patients find this challenging, especially the elderly, I’ve found it has made accessing health care easier. The difficulty is that this system was rolled out without any training or support provided, especially to the elderly and disabled. A new system like that should come with more support and there should be flexibility for those who do not have computers or cannot use anima easily.

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2. Abysmal

   I have been a patient at this surgery for almost my entire life. Wivenhoe surgery has become ever more disorganised and difficult to deal with during my lifetime. Until Anima came in. Since then it has gone from difficult to almost impossible to deal with.

   My mother-in-law (who is 83) struggled and became both confused and anxious when they kept telling her she had to book an appointment online. All she wanted was an appointment. While she did manage to get an appointment the experience has left her reluctant to even try and contact the surgery in future.

   Patients are supposed to be able to book online, by phone, or in person – but the reality is that what you are told by some of the reception staff is very different.

   Getting through to them by telephone requires you to listen to messages along the lines of ‘if you need a doctors appointment, hang up and use Anima’ – which is disgusting.

   The NHS is supposed to be accessible to all, but this surgery is actively making it difficult and awkward for people who are not ‘online’ to access NHS services.

   Even if you can use their ridiculously convoluted booking system, you have to make sure that you get your request in early in the day or you simply get a message on-screen that they are closed and to come back tomorrow.

   While I appreciate the challenges that GP surgeries face, the fact is that trying to force everyone into an online-only system is not only unethical – it is discriminatory.

   Wivenhoe surgery needs to look very closely at its processes and how they are handling patient enquiries – because many people in Wivenhoe are choosing to remain unwell rather than try to deal with these systems.

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3. Terrible. Utter chaos

   unbelievably disorganized. have to waste hours on phone and anima to get an appointment. they need a new practice manager..

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4. Pregnant, suicidal, kicked out of the surgery

   It’s New Year’s Eve and I’ve had a lovely call to say I’m being kicked out of the surgery due to a document with a different address on. I will only be at that address for the next 20 days as it is temporary. I’ve been with the surgery since I was born 30 years ago and they have decided to call me now, to say that I’ve got 30 days to find a new doctors, despite my baby being due to be born in just 46 days. I’ve tried to explain my severe mental health issues and the fact I am due to give birth any day now but they won’t listen. I’ve also tried to take it higher, to the practice manager and she is not taking it seriously either. I will now have no choice but to go to CQC and the parliamentary and health service ombudsman. I am so disgusted with the way I am being treated and the undue stress and anxiety they have caused me at a time I’m trying to stay calm for my unborn baby. Now I will have to wait to hear back from the ombudsman with my due date iminent. What kind of practice abandons their patient at a time when they need them the most?! Appalling service and they should be ashamed of themselves.

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5. Receptionist

   Doc told me on last visit should symptoms return must see her as referral would be required. Receptionist says no you will see Matron or nothing. Used NHS 3 times in my 50 years and cant get help when I need it.

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6. worst surgery i have been to

   This has to be the worst surgery i have came across throughout the many countries i have visited, even Cambodia, Vietnam, and Ethiopia were much better. Some individuals are very unhelpful, and sometimes they lack profer information, also i have found this surgery does not follow what the NHS website states in terms of processes and how to deal with things. Very disapointed one doctor was very rude and nothing was done about it after complaining about it. I have risen 3 complaints and still nothing happens, which speaks for itself. Also I find the current appointment system a shambles. Other surgeries i have been to don’t operate this type of system. You struggle to get an appointment and you can’t book more than a week in advance as i was told by the receptionist which does make any sense. Its pure luck if you get an appointment. Majority of the time its easier to go to walk in centre in Colchester as its quicker and much much better service, but this is obviously what the surgery’s tactic is. Also complaints are just are never rectified, it seems once they reply to the complaint thats it their word is final and just say if your not happy go complain elsewhere type of attitude. If another surgery was opened up in Wivenhoe this would be empty. It only seems to be this one like this in the area, as i have been to a few others and they were good especially the Great Bently one which was very professional.

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