Many people have found issues with either the service or reception staff at Rowhedge Surgery on the Colchester Campus of Essex university

This has led to the delay of students receiving/discussing important medication, health issues being prolonged and not receiving the necessary treatment and some students feeling hesitant and unconfident discussing their health issues.

These issues have affected both physical and mental health issues, and for a university who often proudly hold mental health awareness activities, I think it is vital that they re-evaluate their appointment system, and also re-train reception staff to be more understanding and patient with students.

My own experience includes a member of reception staff telling me my issue was not urgent or an emergency, despite being discharged from hospital following an ambulance trip, and being told by doctors that I need to make a GP appointment immediately. I was interrupted, spoken down to, and was reduced to tears when my mental health was not taken seriously by a member of staff.

Reviews on Google and posts online show that I'm not the only one who has found issues with the GP, so I urge the university to please re-consider and discuss the treatment of students attempting to receive medical attention by working closely with Rowhedge Surgery to ensure our needs are met fairly and with compassion.