Deal Tree Health Centre Blackmore Road, Doddinghurst, Brentwood CM15 0HU

"It’s not the worst , but it’s certainly not the best either ( but then , where is nowadays?). It’s a pleasant looking surgery with car park and I find receptionist are as helpful as they can be under such busy conditions. The problem is the system . Even if you have private cover you can’t avoid having to have an nhs gp . I find it very controlling quite frankly & condescending. Generally I will avoid it like that he plague whenever I can & go through Babylon or we care . When you do have to go to the gp it’s awful. You walk in the room and they haven’t got time to look or listen to you . They give off that aura of “ what do you want” and make you feel uncomfortable for being there . I have found lately because they don’t know you (and clearly have no time to research your past history) they are simply triaging you . They grab onto symptoms and will start with ruling out the most nasty of illnesses ( I think unnecessarily) and put you through horrible invasive tests and worry In order to cover themselves !! If you are dying they’ll be ok, then they’ll take action . imo if you’ ve got something not considered life threatening you really aren’t going to be dealt with unless it’s simple tablet dishing out etc . I learned a few years back now, that’s it’s always best to actually get a copy of your own results and actually look at them . They’ll always tell you ‘ no further action required ‘ however whenever I have looked at my results in recent years I’ve found there are things in the reports which need addressing . For eg blood tests with ranges above or below range they don’t mention it . When I’ve questioned them on it , the response is “ oh it’s only slightly out , no real worry ‘ . Well I’m afraid if you’ve got symptoms and out of range results you need some assistance . I also had a ct scan done that showed up an incidental finding with my heart !!! No one even rang me - I found this out myself by requesting the copy of the ct report . When forced to investigate as advised by radiographer they did the most basic tests and threw me out again . I’m afraid this leaves me with very little faith in a system that used to be so good . It’s very sad but very serious too . Somebody needs to stand up and admit the system is broken and it can’t cope anymore because this is peoples health and lives on the line ."

"Have been a patient here for around 6 years. Always find them very helpful, thorough and caring. Large car park too which is unusual in this day and age. Has its own pharmacy as well. I never have a problem getting an appointment and it is rare to be kept waiting. My only criticisms are getting through on the phone and that they shut for lunch."

"7 years and still haven’t seen a Doctor at Deal Tree Surgery, I either get ‘go to the hospital, or see the nurse’ Today the ‘emergency paramedic’ told me to just take ibuprofen for my sore foot .. the whole consultation lasted for around 60 seconds (I have a lump and I was finally persuaded by friends to call the surgery because I can’t walk) . While there, I asked if she would look at my shin (on the same leg and I was wearing shorts) where I have a weird skin condition that hasn’t gone away after an accident.. She said ‘sorry I can’t look at this as it’s a second problem so you need to make another appointment’ I just walked out… Today proved to me that as a 40-something male, you shouldn’t ever go to Deal Tree Surgery, because it’s impossible to see a GP so just go to the hospital when something really goes wrong (hopefully not for a few years yet) . Free up the practices’ time for others.. I may try again in another 7 years …"

"Badly run surgery, Rude receptionists, GPs could not care less… seen the same dr 3 times for varying issues and every time she stated “oh well you could go private if your that worried?” I witnessed a poor lady having a panic attack in the surgery waiting room last year and the receptionists were talking and sneering about her “ oh my god what does she think she is she doing?” Disgraceful"

"If your thinking of registering at this practice, dont bother. I live very close to this practice but struggle to get an appointment. There are 2 types of appointment available here, if its an emergency you need to spend at least 30 mins constantly calling on the phone. if you are lucky enough to have a conversation with an abrubt & rude receptionist, she might let you have one. The other option is a routing appointment and you will have to wait at least a month. The front desk staff must also be doctors or nurses here because they diagnose your problem over the phone and sometimes say "its not an emergency and daily appointments are only for emergency" Such a shame, doctors and nurses are very good when you can see them. I have now left this practice and attend another much further from where i live. Partners in this practice need to address the rude front desk staff as its not acceptable. They have a massive attitude!"