A HALSTEAD surgery has been rated one of the worst in the region, following an independent survey of patients.

Based on overall satisfaction Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery, in Factory Lane West, was ranked third worst across all surgeries in mid Essex.

Of those surveyed, only 29 per cent said the surgery was easy to get hold of on the phone, the fourth lowest.

About 70 per cent of patients stated the receptionists at the surgery were helpful but this was still lower than at many other surgeries in the area.

Just 67 per cent of patients rated the surgery as good, well below the national target of 85 per cent.

Jo Robinson, a patient of the surgery for the last 18 years, said: “I think there are too many registered patients and there are not enough doctors. I have not been able to see my own doctor for absolutely ages.

“There is always a long wait and the other day I was told there were 62 people outside waiting to get an appointment. I think facilities like surgeries need to be looked at in the town before more houses are built.”

The surgery did not respond to The Gazette’s request for a comment.

Freshwell Health Centre, in Wethersfield Road, Finchingfield, was rated as the top surgery in the Halstead area, with an impressive 96 percent of patients rating it as good.

Of those surveyed, 96 per cent of patients also said the surgery was easy to get hold of, the second highest in the area.

Both Hilton House Surgery, Great Yeldham and The Castle Surgery, Castle Hedingham were rated good by 87 per cent of those surveyed.

A spokesman for the Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group said: “There are issues nationally around GP workforce, but our area has particular challenges

“We hope people’s experiences improve as disruption is resolved, and we are working closely with practices on dealing with problems together.”