Staplehurst Health Centre

Negative experience: Avoid Avoid Avoid this GP surgery practice like a plague. Google would not let me publish the review without giving at least one star, but the honest truth is I'd like to give a minus five star here if I can!! I'm not sure where I should begin. A GP appointment is booked one month away; (when you are either self healed or dead) Nobody is at the reception desk when you go there in the afternoon, although their so called open hours are until 6:30pm; There's radio music playing, for the benefit of your mental health; When you call them at 8am, you'll have to wait for 30 mins before anybody answers your phone call. When you go there for blood test, they'll stab you several times and then still manage to miss one item, and you'll have book another appointment to be stabbed for another time; then the nurse had the audacity to ask the patient to pay for the blood test after they had serious failure on their patient care; Most horrendously is that they could never remember what has been promised to their patient, and the patient has to peal their scars and remind them again and again every time they make an appointment. The list could go on. I have not seen any substantive change since Mote takes over from the Malling Health 4. Like an ancient idiom say: a dead pig is not afraid of boiling water. That's what Staplehurst Health Centre is - a dead pig. They need some revolutionary changes or simply ass kicking. Wake up - How can a GP work from home?!?!?!?! What do the rest of doctors on this planet do?Utterly utterly utterly joke. I'm pleading here for some of the previous viewers, could you please tell me where I could change the GP surgery? I'm aware that Marden doesn't take any Staplehurst residents anymore. I'd be very grateful to know if I could change surgery.

Negative experience: I’ve been through a lot of surgeries due to moving around and this is now my permanent surgery and it’s the best I’ve used. The 2.4 stars doesn’t do it justice. They try their hardest in there. *** update*** since Mote medical have taken over the practice despite politeness the service is nosediving. I’m trying to find another practice as I’d like to live longer than the next 6 months. Mote have decided I can’t have medication that is on nhs as they want to argue about money! Saving a life shouldn’t be measured on £300 per month. Not following the Hippocratic oath in my views. With a heavy heart I post. If you have any problems or are a part of a minority group you will be judged !

Positive experience: Seen promptly & Modern clean

Negative experience: Closes a half 6 and just been told they don’t do any appointments after 3pm so how are you have a job how are you ment to get a appointment with out losing a days money

Positive experience: Relaxed local health centre.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful staff

Fantastic experience: Had a blood test with Tracey King today - fantastic, got 5 vials in under 2 minutes and in and out so quickly painless. Also have found the drs including locum drs very nice, listening and helpful. Very happy with being at this practice.

Negative experience: Run down and dirty

Fantastic experience: The receptionist are always amazing here. Always try their best to help and help me sort things out. I've had to ring and go in a lot recently and they are brilliant every time. Clair especially has been so helpful.

Fantastic experience: Always found them all to be polite and helpful from reception staff. Had more dealings with the nurse doing my dressing changed every week but she's been great, sorted any problems I've had, great advice and help, cant fault anyone there.

Negative experience: Positive = Alison, Kevin and one particular lady on Reception are helpful, kind and use their common sense. Negative = The common theme with most of these reviews is the rudeness of the Reception team which I agree. Such a shame because they represent this Practice and doesn't give you alot of confidence. The telephone system is abysmal. When dealing with a Doctor's error (so rather important) I asked for the Practice Manager to call me, but was told they can't guarantee she will. Surprise surprise she didn't! A Doctor had caused internal bleeding (needing a hospital stay) due to prescribing incorrect medication for a family member. Also medication was still being prescribed even though they had documentation by a Consultant to stop immediately. Errors have occurred over the years which has been detrimental to our health. This has now forced my family to move to another Medical Practice.

Negative experience: Once again another fantastic service! Called Monday 22/12/25 to be told it’s not something they would deal with and nothing to worry about just go to the pharmacy and speak with a pharmacist who wouldn’t actually look at problem issue just gave something to buy for what she suspected it could be! Now I have had to spend the last 2 nights in a&e and have an emergency operation! Great job you guys! What a way to look after your patients! 2021-2025 we’ve been taking our daughter here about a constant throat and nose issue to be always told infections and other Christ knows what, have antibiotics, use inhalers and other unnecessary medications! After 4 years and constant arguments in person and via phone saw a paramedic who thankfully happened to be there as a one off that day they finally decided to refer her to the hospital and within minutes off attending the ENT specialist discovered her tonsils are enlarged which has been the cause! Thanks great looking after infants! Get yourself sorted! 4 years this has gone on for! Now have a preop for her when this could have been done years ago if you had actually checked properly! - I can keep other issues going such as not having gps to actually sign off repeats and using whoever is available who has no knowledge of any of your patients and not signing the correct essential medication

Fantastic experience: Excellent gp. Heard it changed hands recently before I joined. Well I’m getting old (32!!!!) and have had to have about 5 appointments recently and I can’t fault them on anything and they’ve all been super nice. Everything on time and done right and properly. They do their own bloods in surgery whereas some send you to clinics now.

Negative experience: Diabolical!! Incompetent,unprofessional and rude receptionist’s. How this practice has not been closed down is beyond me. The front desk is the most shocking level of unprofessional I’ve ever experienced. They are very quick to tell people they do not accept verbal abuse and then they themselves abuse patients. Patients who have come to that surgery for help. I have removed myself from this surgery because of all of the above and much more. I wish I’d done it sooner!!

Negative experience: I have requested to have my list of health conditions, that appear within the NHS APP, to show all of my conditions so that I can present it is evidence of these conditions when needed. This was not completed and I was instead issued with two informal warnings (1 via email) for saying the word "bloody" once.

Negative experience: I posted a repeat prescription in the letter box ,on a Tuesday , the chemist bid not receive it , so I went back to the surgery and was told they had stopped using the letter box over a month ago , there was no sign or any indication that it had been moved , it is on the side in reception , I noticed would have been helpful , or block the letter box up ,

Negative experience: Receptionists couldn’t do less for you, can’t believe how rude they are every single time!!

Fantastic experience: Reading the reviews made me quite apprehensive about joining this surgery, but unfortunately, there aren't any other options. I must say that my experience over the last three months has been amazing. The staff is helpful and pleasant, and I am able to get an appointment when needed.

Positive experience: Okay, just very busy and I understand but is very annoying

Fantastic experience: Brilliant rockstar team! Absolute saints

Negative experience: Worst doctors there is. Refused to send my sister for tests or even a blood test when she has heart problems. Messed her medication up for 2 years. Avoid this surgery at all costs. I'd I could gice 0 starts I would!

Negative experience: Go to see the doctor about your heart to get more test done because they have to refer me and they refused and said if you get any pains just go to the hospital because we can’t do anything that was Dr Verma, I tried explaining that I went to A&E the night time after coming to see Dr Rumfeld for something I thought was just indigestion and he told me to just take painkillers without even examining me, A&E found a new heart condition but need the doctor to refer me for more test at a specialist but yet again the system is failing and letting people down until right at the last minute when it’s potentially to late STAPLEHURST HEALTH CENTRE IS THE WORST Doctors I’ve ever been to. If I could rate no stars I really would

Fantastic experience: Have used this facility for over 18 years and have never had a problem. On the contrary, I find the staff very efficient, polite and competent.

Negative experience: Useless

Negative experience: Shambles of a surgery, cant even comment about the inside of it as it’s impossible to get an appointment. Waste of time.

Negative experience: Unbelievably rude reception staff, came here as an outpatient from another surgery booked in on ‘patient access’ as was the lady in front of me. Waited in line and the lady in front tried to check in and was crossly told she should just take a seat and ‘should have read the text message that told her to do so’ when the lady turned to take her seat the receptionist rolled her eyes and angrily tutted. I explained I think I am in the same situation but if she could just check as my text message doesn’t tell me to do as she is saying… she started pointing crossly at notices on the wall (which weren’t even related to what I was trying to ask) told me the patient access has absolutely nothing to do with them and I should just sit down and wait to be called by the doctor. The attitude is absolutely horrendous and I was very taken aback about how rude both women on the desk were for no reason whatsoever. They need retraining or to simply leave if they hate their job this much. Such a shame as the Dr I saw was probably one of the best GPs I’d seen in a very long time.

Negative experience: Receptionist is so rude! Unbelievable !

Negative experience: Some of the receptionists are pleasant to deal with. But some of them need a major attitude adjustment. Nothing short of abusive to patients. Otherwise can't complain about the GPs and nurses

Fantastic experience: We recently moved to Staplehurst. We have had no problem booking appointment. The staff are polite and friendly and always helpful. It is a complete positive change compared to our previous surgery. My family always manage to get an appointment on the day. I can't thank you enough.

Positive experience: Doctors and nurses here are generally really lovely. However a couple of the reception staff (not all) are unbelievably rude and patronising. I actually came off the phone and cried today because of how rude the receptionist was. I am unsure of why this happens. When I've been in person I have usually only seen lovely people. Not a reflection of the majority of staff. But this one woman is bringing the place down. Edit: Jan 2024 - i have noticed a real change in the reception staff recently and I cannot fault their keeness to help. Things aren't perfect but it's a public service and won't ever be. But some really lovely additions to the team and all appreciated.

Fantastic experience: Has NHS dentist upstairs.

Fantastic experience: Seen promptly, and the doctor who saw me was friendly, caring and knowledgeable. Would recommend

Negative experience: So let down by SHC. I had to move surgeries due to their care. I would honestly have moved out of area for better care as I have long-term health conditions. The level of care was shocking.

Negative experience: NHS want you to leave reviews on their site but nobody sees them. They don’t want you to put reviews on the big public platforms, so here goes! This surgery do not respond and doctors working from home using withheld phone numbers that no sensible person answers!! Get back to work the rest of the universe have!!

Negative experience: The worst welcome, a couple of the reception staff "NOT ALL" are unbelievably rude and irreverent.

Fantastic experience: Rang surgery after receiving a text that Doctor needed to speak with me about my results. Contacted the surgery at 8.30am in the morning and was told that the doctor would call me that morning to discuss my results and yes Doctor called early afternoon as promised and was lovely and supported me as needed. Fantastic results from surgery, and receptionist to doctor.

Fantastic experience: When we moved to Staplehurst 4 years ago we were not impressed with the surgery however now it is completely different. As soon as they were allowed to after the pandemic restrictions , the surgery opened up for face to face appointments . It has for some time been possible to see one of the excellent nurses for treatment or a doctor. There are now, I believe three GP’s . Over the last 3 weeks I have been able to see a nurse, the paramedic and a locum GP on the day by going to the surgery at 8am. All have been sympathetic and helpful. I never felt rushed. Without exception whether face to face or on the telephone I have found the reception staff very helpful, polite, and courteous. I find it abhorrent how some members of the public speak to the reception staff who are only doing their job under difficult circumstances. Too many people and not enough doctors is hardly the fault of the receptionist!

Positive experience: Had an appointment today, and they were very helpful.

Negative experience: DO NOT GO HERE FOR MENTAL HEALTH I had a horrible experience here a year or two ago while, the thought of writing a review has just come to me, I now avoid going to my GP. I went here to try and get help for my anxiety and depression which I’m now diagnosed with, I believe my story was completely dismissed because I am a teenage girl. Although I was displaying all the symptoms I was told that I couldn’t possibly have depression because I was wearing mascara and didn’t smell, I was then asked to take my trousers off and show my self harm scars and the doctor touched them. I don’t believe this is part of a depression and anxiety assessment as I didn’t have to take clothes off to get my current diagnosis. I was dismissed as hormonal and my advice was just to drink more water and think about tigers, I had been showing symptoms for almost 7 years and had multiple attempts at taking my own life. After I had gotten my diagnosis with another organisation I tried to get a letter for extra time in exams through here and again had to rely on the other organisation.

Fantastic experience: I visited the health centre as an emergency whilst visiting my daughter and the couldn’t have been more welcoming and helpful. I was seen by a doctor the following day and they even arranged for me to have my flu jab. Parking is easy and the pharmacy is just around the corner. Amazing!! My thanks go to the team there.

Fantastic experience: Despite the often bad feedback they get, the Staplehurst health centre has been amazing every time I've been there and they went well over and beyond to care for our 5 week old son who we called in just before closing time and they stayed in longer just to help us out. Fantastic service and I'd like to personally thank the team.

Negative experience: Staplehurst Medical Centre. I have waited in all morning for a phone call from a doctor to discuss some test results. This call was booked 10 days ago to take place on my day off, as I cannot take private phone calls at work. I do not think it is beyond the bounds of possibility to be given some idea as to exactly when in a day I can expect to get a phone call, especially since the Health Centre had told me that the doctor needed to speak to me, rather than the other way round.

Fantastic experience: I have recently moved to Staplehurst and so far my experience with the Health Centre has been great. The receptionists are polite and helpful. I was in and out from my last appointment within 10-mins. Both nurses I have spoken to have been friendly and informative.

Negative experience: If I could give no stars I would the place is a joke the doctors make things up about you and misdiagnose you then refuse to change records, you sit on the phone for 30 mins walk round while calling them and they have turned the phone down and just leave it to ring absolute failure of a place it's an absolute disgrace.

Negative experience: Truly horrendous

Negative experience: Absolutely useless. They miss appointments consistently, ring for about 3 seconds and end the call forcing u to make another appointment which wont be available. Leave voicemails instead of actually calling you. By far the worst surgery i have ever had the displeasure of being associated with

Negative experience: Tried repeatedly to call to book an appointment for a vaccination as a key worker. After listening to such a long message Four times it kept cutting out. There is literally no way to contact your surgery which is shocking

Negative experience: Don't get ill. Awful place. Good luck getting through without being cut off after nearly getting to reception

Negative experience: Awful. I only wanted to pick up one form so phoned multiple times and the line cuts out after 2 minutes of automated messages. Stood outside the surgery for half hour with no response on the intercom despite people chatting away on the other side of the glass door. Better off registering further away with another surgery.

Negative experience: Routinely rude reception staff. Dangerous advice given without authority - a blow to my head leading to severe and consistent headaches is not something that should be dismissed. Avoid if you can.

Fantastic experience: Went for routine NHS Aortic Aneurysm screening - conducted by Jenny (I think), arrived on time at 11am was seen a couple of minutes later, with results seconds after the completion of the screening. Ive seen several complaints but thought it worthwhile reporting my very positive experience.

Negative experience: Incredibly rude staff members and very unhelpful, when you are able to get an appointment which is rarely the doctors seem to have no clue what their talking about and have told me in the past to look up my symptoms online.

Negative experience: Need to improving

Negative experience: I would give them 0 stars but app won't let me. Impossible to get appointments then when yet through reception staff are so rude. Needs sorting out!!!

Negative experience: Rude and very unhelpful and then told me I can go else where and hung up on me

Negative experience: Struggle to get through in the mornings and when I do get through I get the phone put down on me. Finally get through to someone who tends to be rude and not helpful at all. I just wanted a doctor to call me about my daughter then told they can't do that. I then said I've had a doctor to call me before the women on the phone finally listened. I've changed my address several times with them and they never change no matter how many times I've filled in forms. I've never had troubles with the doctors it's always the receptionists!

Negative experience: Appointments are impossible to get.

Fantastic experience: Very good service considering I’m not registered to them and was in need of a asthma due to leaving mine back in London at home got temporary reg and waited bout 20 minutes for them to contact the right people to then be given a prescription to get my meds

Negative experience: Have had multiple issues with the health centre, appointments are impossible to get & when you do get to see the doctors they rarely listen! One example of a worrying /unhelpful comment made to me by one of the doctors was that I should pray that I get better!!

Fantastic experience: Nice friendly and professional staff

Negative experience: When Dr asks you to make a follow up appointment told you can't pre-book and have to phone on the day by the time you have got through all appointments have gone