I have been a patient of The women’s Wellbeing GP for eleven years or so. My expert, knowledgeable and understanding GP, Dr Melissa Fowler, has seen me through some tough years, and helped me defy the odds, of a plethora of chronic congenital health issues, and a serious excruciating injury to my already compromised spine; causing my inability to continue working (a wrench after a nearly 40 yr unbroken work history). I have stayed as her patient even though I can little afford the fees. Today I visited the nurse, as part of a govt care plan initiative, for people with chronic health issues to access affordable allied health services. This was further to Dr. Melissa Fowler addressing the debilitating health issues I experience, secondary to the pain, and reduced function from my spinal injury and club feet;, painful mal alignment causing joint issues and arthritis, reduced function and mobility, weight gain, anxiety, blood pressure issues, reduced selfcare...

The nurse had contacted me, by phone, the day before this appointment; stating I was to have arranged an appointment with a Dietitian, and a exercise specialist (never had heard of the latter), , prior to the scheduled visit with her, the nurse, the next day, as part of compiling my care plan.

I arrived for my appointment at the stated time with the nurse (and was kept waiting). The nurse was so officious, with protracted periods of tap, tapetty tap on the computer, punctuated frequently by barked questions at me. There was no therapeutic rapport, no acknowledgement of me as an individual, no conversation, no discussion no explanation. I felt like a vegetable on a conveyor belt, being summarily dealt with. Being stuck in a claustrophobic room with the oblivious nurse, tapping away, was the most frustrating annoying experience. When I did draw conclusions (albeit incorrectly) from her machine gun interrogation, I had to be really assertive to get any elucidation into how I was being processed. The nurse’s lack of warmth, or positive regard, her supercilious manner, and prolonged periods of rapid typing (tapety tap tap taparoo), in silence, was really off putting. I found her unhelpful, and there was no evidence of any real expertise in nursing exhibited eg. faced the electronic BP machine away from me, took a reading, told me she was going to take it again, then left the room. I looked at it and I had a diastolic of 89. She returned and cheerfully (as if reassuring ?me), stated “That’s more like it. That’s good”. When I commented that I was in increased pain today, and felt anxious and distressed with it (toward identifying a reason my diastolic blood pressure and pulse being elevated), she ignored me, and stated that my BP was really good. I asked her how this could be so when I had a diastolic of 89 even though I was on 40 mg of Olmetec daily. It was like I hadn’t spoken; which was the tone of the whole proceedings with nurse. The nurse increasingly added to my confusion about the whole process by giving me advice contrary to that previously advised by the surgery reception, and what was reflected in text advice to my phone.

Her lack of explanation about the Care Plan prerequisites, and the confusion she caused me regarding further referrals was embarrassing and really annoying. I was tearful by the time it was over. It frightened me to think that, if that’s the way you get treated at a surgery you have been a private patient of for more than a decade, and pay a premium price for the care, then how can I expect to be treated in the future, by say a public health system; when I am even older and even more vulnerable. Even when you pay top dollar, at a private GP practice, you can still get treated gruffly, and in a dismissive manner, by some nurse. I would have felt in better hands with the kindly and friendly receptionists, Kathleen and Roz.

After years with this surgery, I am done. Too hard to get an appointment when you actually need one, too expensive, keep you waiting and the receptionist treats you like you should be grateful that they are speaking to you.

Approximate cost: $90.0

No they don't rush your appointment - because they charge you depending on how long you are with the doctor!
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I made an appointment for a pap smear and a general check-up here based on the location and previous good reviews. Big mistake.
First I had to wait over 30 min after arriving, and that even though I've already prepared and filled out the paperwork provided on the website. There was no advise when arriving that the doctor was running late and after 30 min in the tiny waiting room I had to ask the receptionist if I was forgotten and she didn't even remember who I was there to see. Just bad service.
The doctor was very friendly and easy to talk to and the check-up and pap smear was fine. However you pay a hefty fee and it is not good enough service to make up for that fee.
Then, I was told to call back a week later for my results. I called up 8 days later and my test hadn't even been looked at and the doctor was now on holidays! I was asked to call back in 3 more days, which I did and still - the test was not analysed yet. Wow, that is really bad service.
I will never go back here and I will tell my friends to look for another place with less $$ charge and better service. Sorry, this is not what I expected from what I consider a premium priced medical centre.

Approximate cost: $200+

Great women's clinic. Unlike my last GP, the doctors here really listen to you and don't rush your consultation.

The allocated an hour for my first appointment to discuss issues but I probably only needed half hour. The GP kept asking if there was anything else she could help with, and I felt like making something up just cause she was so helpful!

It is a little pricey and you are unlikely to ever be bulk billed but if you need a GP who listens and runs thorough tests, I would recommend this clinic.

Approximate cost: $90

Finally I have found a thorough doctor who ensures that my health is taken care of. They are pricey but very worth it. Can get appointment times when it suits me and easy to get to and park. Staff are friendly. Fantastic women's clinic

Nice female Doctors who are experienced in many different areas especially Womens Health..you do pay a hefty premium for the service though. Some staff on the front Reception desk can be a bit "snotty" at times and seem to forget that you are the patient and therefore the reason they are working!! Feel like they are doing you a favour if you need to make an appointment at a time to suit you?? Doctors are very good though but probably not necessary for straightforward stuff...they charge a yearly admin fee too!!

Approximate cost: $130

It is great to have a female do your pap smear and discuss real options for birth control and menstrual problems. They spend a lot of time doing a very thorough exam. They are not in a rush. Very pricey, though.

This is a great medical centre for all women's health problems such has menopause, birth control, pap smears etc. All of the doctors are female and they do long consultations, you're not rushed in and out like some GP's. You do however pay for this service. It's about $100 for your first consultation, and then about $40 out of pocket each subsequent visit.