"Highest standards of care with friendly and..."

I have been with the Broomfield Park Medical Centre since 1999, when it was based on Albany Road. Several of the staff are still working at the practice, which I think speaks for itself. This continuity really helps this practice stand out above the rest. The practice is efficient and all the GPs/staff work incredibly hard. The practice has recently been extended and updated to a modern, relaxing and pleasant environment for patients and staff. With a check in, seating, weighing/BMI machine, blood pressure unit and toilet in the reception area. I would encourage the practice to consider high backed/extra cushioned chairs. These are excellent if you suffer from chronic pain. I would also think that the seating might be too small for some bariatric patients. I would also love to see a water and/or drinks machine. I really think that patients would benefit from this. The practice could get an outside contractor to fit and maintain it.

I see the same GP each time I visit the practice, but you need to plan ahead especially with my GP only who works three days at the practice. I was using Patient Access to book appointments, however when I log on now, there is generally no or a few appointments, whereas before there were plenty available. I find that now if you need to book an appointment especially with the same doctor you need to wait 10 days or so for a single appointment. Or you need to get a "book on the day". I would encourage the practice to put more appointments online and allow more appointments to be booked in advance. The "book on the day" is good however if you become very unwell and need urgent attention.

I go every month for an appointment, as I have multiple health problems and regularly use telephone appointments too. However the wait to have one with my GP has increased significantly. The GP is kind, caring, attentive and listens. She always does what is required promptly and has gone above and beyond for me. I find her extremely knowledgeable and very current on new approaches to medicine. I would like to thank my GP for her outstanding support through a very difficult time in my life.

I have found in the past, that one of the male GPs has a tendency to write things off as stress or depression and therefore not take action. I later discovered I had been hypothyroid for years and had specifically asked for this to be looked into. However he is kind, caring and otherwise knowledgeable. I now believe that he was using an old set of ranges. It was only when I changed GP within the practice, who used the new ranges that I was diagnosed and treated. I would encourage all GPs to read the latest research for "optimal" not "within range" for all conditions were symptoms are present.

Overall I think its the best practice in the area and probably one of the best in the country. I would like to thank all the staff for working tirelessly to achieve the highest standards of care. I am truly grateful.