GPs have been feeling the pressure since the pandemic put the NHS under strain and people are wondering how their surgeries are performing.
Fortunately for people in Basildon, the city does not have any of the worst-rated GPs in the UK as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rates all of them ‘good’ overall, except one which 'requires improvement'.
However a new study by solicitors Simpson Millar, while it did not point out any Basildon surgeries, has found there is a disconnect between official CQC ratings and patients' own reviews.
Nearly all GP surgeries the solicitors analysed in England have been rated either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding by the CQC.
However, online reviews left by patients on Google told a different story with the average score coming out at just 2.81 out of five – which may be considered only ‘satisfactory’ or ‘OK’.
Read more >>> Best and worst rated GPs in Southend area according to patient reviews
We have looked at the best and worst ranked GP surgeries in and around Basildon, according to Google reviews, and how they compare with their CQC rating.
Clayhill Medical Practice in Vange
This GP surgery is the only one in Basildon which ‘requires improvement’, after it was reviewed by CQC in September.
The practice specifically ‘requires improvement’ in its handling of patients experiencing poor mental health, which includes people with dementia.
And with a 1.5 rating based on 57 Google reviews, it appears some patients agree with the CQC report.
Langdon Hills Medical Centre
This surgery is one of the best rated on Google in the Basildon area.
It holds a a 3.1 rating based on 28 reviews, with many patients praising the doctors and nurses at the centre.
These opinions are reflected in its overall 'good' CQC rating, from its last inspection in 2016.
Aegis Medical Centre in Basildon
This GP practice was considered ‘good’ overall in all areas when it was inspected by the CQC in 2017.
But it is one of the worst rated GPs in the Basildon area according to Google reviews.
It holds a a 1.8 rating based on 39 reviews - with many complaining of difficulty to book an appointment.
However, one cancer patient was full of praise for the surgery, which she says "couldn't help her enough" when she was ill with Covid.
Knights Surgery in Basildon
This GP is another one of the best rated on Google, as it has had mainly positive patient reviews with a rating of 3.7.
This reflects its overall 'good' rating from CQC when it was reviewed in 2016.
There were just five one star reviews out of 18, while most gave it five stars.
Ballards Walk Surgery in Basildon
This is another low reviewed GPs in the town on Google, with a 1.9 rating based on 50 reviews.
Many of the patients leave good reviews for the doctors at the surgery, but complain about finding it hard to book an appointment over the phone.
However, the GP was considered ‘good’ overall by CQC when it was inspected in 2016.
The London Road Surgery in Wickford
This GP has a 2.3 rating based on 52 patient reviews on Google.
Some patients leave five star reviews praising the doctors while others have trouble booking an appointment.
However, it was considered ‘good’ overall by CQC when it was reviewed last year.
The Knares Medical Practice in Lee Chapel
This GP practice was considered ‘good’ overall in all areas when it was inspected by the CQC in 2018.
It also holds a Google rating of 2.2 based on 10 reviews - while its main doctors have overall ratings of 2.5 and 5.
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