North Colchester Healthcare Centre

North Colchester Medical Centre has to be the most inadequate, poorly run and least empathic service ever run.The receptionists are rude and argumentative and the staff find any reason not to see you. Whilst I appreciate there is more than one service ran from this building they are all as equally inadequate as each other.There website states that you can be seen by a doctor of your choice within one week I have never known this to happen.When I failed to get a doctors appointment at the surgery I presented myself as a walk in patient with a swollen knee. I was referred to A&E where I was told I don't meet there criteria, returned to the walk in centre, I don't meet there criteria and was told to book a GP appointment which I can't get for 10 days. I returned to the walk in centre in considerable a few days later where a receptionist asked me what I wanted them to do about it after reading walk in paperwork and I should wait to see my GP. I left frustrated and decided to return where another reception said they could see me, only for the original receptionist to become argumentative with me and leave a note on my record that I was rude - which absolutely was not the case, she was foul tempted and argumentative from the offset.Once I was finally seen after a 3 hour wait the nurse was more concerned about the note the receptionist left on my record that I was rude and proceed to tell me they were busy and I don't meet certain criteria and to take pain relieve and that as my injury was now old they couldn't treat me. The injury was old as no service wanted to ownership for seeing me! All of which are run from that building by those same receptionist.I would advise anyone to steer well clear of the walk in and register at a different surgery, not there's. I think the service here should consider if this was there mother, daughter or loved one, would they consider the treatment acceptable - I believe not!

3 days in a row called up, expected wait time is 3minutes" half hour later still no one answers the phone

Went yesterday as a walk in patient, I had never been before. All staff where so very lovely and professional. They all were more then willing to help with any question I had. For a Saturday an hour to wait, be seen, get my leg dressed and prescription given, I didn't think was bad at all considering both waiting rooms where full with people. I'd just really love to praise every worker there, you are all doing a top job, and thank you so much for everything you have done for me and the community.

Efficiently run, clean and no waiting around. Friendly NHS staff and Doctors

It started great with helpful staff and reasonable opening hours then the service continuously deteriorated. Now the waiting time for an appointment is 4 weeks, unless you call at 7am and stay on hold for 15-25mins to get a same-day appointment.One cannot help but wonder who would call to see a GP because of an illness and wait 4 weeks?I appreciate the enormous pressure on the service, which doubles as as a walk-in clinic, but this is not at all reasonable.WRT GPs and the nursing staff, it has mostly been a good experience. Many of them have been very caring, sympathetic, and professional, except for a single incident with one (luckily he left) who was quite condescending.I am always grateful for the service they provide under current pressures, but appointment times need to be looked at.

Seen immediately on arrival the care was fantastic everything was explained so that I understood what was going on

The doctors and nurses are friendly and helpful. However, almost impossible to get to one as their reception staff are awful. Spent 20 mins listening to hold music and then when the phone rings they let it ring off. Usually takes an hour of trying to get through to someone who talks to you like you're an inconvenience NOT the whole purpose they are employed . You send an email and they never reply, and they don't provide the information for the self service prescription website when you ask if it would be easier for them.

It was excellent. I didn't have to pay for parking & was seen by the doctor on time.

This morning I called the surgery. I waited an hour and 11 minutes before I decided to hang up. I proceeded to call back to be greeted with the voice mail of someone called Tracy. I understand fully that the surgery can be busy, but this is not acceptable. There is no indication on the phone of any sort of waiting time and I am constantly assured by the automated voice that my call will be answered shortly. There is no call back service and now I can only reach a voice mail.

I am really speechless for the kind service I received today. The staff are really nice and helpful and make sure you are receiving the best service. Heather is an angel holding my hands during the surgery and calming me down. Dr. Salim is a skillful doctor who made the whole process easier and faster than I'd imagined. A big thank you to all nice people working at this centre.Bless you!