Richford Gate Medical Centre

A recent, as usual very helpful and constructive, appointment with my doctor enabled me to congratulate her on the excellence of the team that she has been assembling over the last few years. The doctors continue, and indeed improve on, the high standards that we have come to expect from the Richford Gate Medical Practice. Mindful of the limited time allowed they take a great interest in their patients to try to identify the real issues that may be in the patients best interests and as far as possible address these (not limited to what the patient actually came in for). The doctors are supported by an excellent medical and admin support team who are always helpful, supportive and constructive in trying to achieve the best result for the patients. The systems that they have to work with have been intelligently upgraded to try to make best possible use of Practice resources and enhance patient experience. Many thanks and congratulations to you all and especially of course to my doctor.
Original Comment Report...

The Richford Gate Practice has literally been a lifeline to me over the last twenty odd years; I cannot thank the entire team, past and present, enough! It is an outstanding practice, attracting staff who genuinely believe in doing good for everyone. The practice catchment area encompasses a richly diverse population, yet in my experience, Richford Gate manages to treat us all equally with respect. A sense of fairness permeates the practice, even in the face of great challenges. Throughout the time I have been a patient at the practice I have been lucky enough to have been in the care of remarkable and exemplary GP Practitioners. All of who have gone out of their way to listen, support, encourage and find new approaches and treatments. In my experience the entire team, from Reception to the Drs aim to do their absolute best for patients, even if we are not always necessarily in a place to recognise this. I have witnessed and personally experienced how the reception team will go out of their to help very vulnerable people, despite everything that is thrown at them. The practice constantly tries to develop new ways to meet the needs of patients. I have totally benefitted from the introduction of the texting and online booking systems. In my experience the practice will genuinely listen if patients are upset about not getting through, appointment bookings, if something goes wrong, better still if a patient has a suggestion that could improve things, it has consistently tried to work on new developments and improvements. I can’t pretend I find it easy to book an appointment; unfortunately this is the experience across the country. I am about to move out of the area, leaving the Richford Gate Practice will be a wrench. Richford Gate is the closest thing to a supportive family network I have known, from the reception team, the Pharmacy below the practice and the Drs themselves. The practice has supported me through some devastating life events, including long and enduring mental health difficulties: I am extremely grateful for the continued care and support they have given.
Original Comment Report...

I have seen the average negative reviews about Richford Gate Medical Practice.I have been a patient with RGMP since 2003 & I must say this has not been my experience .My first G.P Dr.Tony Willis was EXCELLENT, and my now G.P (which is the only G.P I will make an appointment with or see unless it’s an emergency, I shall see a Locum, which very rarely ever happens). Dr.Kathy Willis is a very efficient ,compassionate and genuinely cares about the patients needs.Even though we are now in middle of a Global pandemic (in which Dr’s are extremely busy not to mention putting their own lives at risk for the general public due to COVID-19 ) still always as per usual goes above & beyond to ensure my medical health needs are met.This is reassuring to me as a patient,Dr.Kathy Willis is totally and unequivocally 110% dedicated to her role as a G.P.,as was my previous G.P.Nothing is ever too much for this Doctor.EXCELLENT. Unfortunately,I cannot say the same for other practicing G.P’s(Not all, but most) I have come into contact with, if my own G.P is not available I have found most to be unhelpful &,judgemental the rest I shall decline to comment on.There was a German Doctor who use to work there whom was excellent along with Dr.Coppell who unfortunately has left or retired.The Nurse Practitioner in which I had one appointment with was again EXCELLENT and very efficient.Reception staff at Richford Gate Toni,Anna,Barbara,Dee,Rebecca are ALWAYS polite & try their very best to accommodate all patients as I have witnessed this many times.if something has to be followed up,I will mostly always receive a call back to inform me of the status of my enquiry.I have only come across one receptionist who has been there for many years(whom I shall decline to name) to be unhelpful, rude, arrogant,& disrespectful, so much so that she broke my confidentiality (durning a call) in a temper whilst shouting my name and her comments could be clearly heard by all in her vicinity and myself in the background, however whilst I may have taken this personally,in which I clearly did,I have not been the first patient that has experienced this appalling behaviour and unfortunately no doubt will not be the last. I think that discussing ANY Doctor’s personal business at the front desk is highly inappropriate, not to mention a major breech of trust within the work environment.considering that all patients present their that morning, could not help but hear what was being said with the waiting area directly opposite.I do not dispute that fact there are other G.P’s that may be good, but I most definitely would not change nor attend an appointment with any other G.P (Unless it was that of an emergency)than Dr.Katy Willis ,truly an amazing Doctor,EXCELLENT in which the NHS only could only wish they had more like, as well as Dr.Tony Willis & Dr.Ivan Coppell. Overall I do think that Richard Gate is a good practice.