Goonellabah Medical Centre

VERY DISHEARTENED - 1 Star is too generous!I took my 2 year to the Goonellabah Centre on ANZAC Day this year. She had been experience breathing problems throughout the night due to a cold and some bronchitis. Whilst I was very concerned, I did not feel a trip to the A&E at the Base was warranted, also being a public holiday, I felt it may be overloaded with outpatients and I did not want to unnecessarily overload the public health system.I rang the receptionist at the Goonellabah centre, was given an appointment time- the last for day. I arrived and waited approximately 40-60 mins to be seen by Dr Ruth Tinker.During my brief consultation which was to cost me $125.00, Dr Tinker asked my daughter to sit properly on her chair and then she questioned me at length as to why I was not attending my regular GP's out of hours service provider. When I said that I did not know this was required, she told me I should have contacted them that morning and found out who I was supposed to see. When I said I would not have called them because they are not open on a public holiday, she thought I was being ridiculous. I also explained to her, I had checked the internet for AH Medical Centres and the site gave me a list of all the centers from Tweed to Grafton and their opening hours- the Goonellabah Medical Centre was the only one listed in the immediate area (between KIngscliff and Grafton) that was open at that particular day and time.At this point, I had been in her office for some time being questioned on 'why I was there and not at another provider'. All the while, Dr Tinker had yet to even worry why I was seeking the assistance of a GP (at such an expensive rate) on a public holiday.As a mother of 4, who had just spent a sleepless night, worrying about her youngest child, then driving 40 mins to attend a GP, then waiting 40+ mins to see the GP, then being treated with such rudeness and contempt, you can understand I left very angry- without being provided the necessary MEDICAL ASSISTANCE for my 2 year old.I also mentioned to the receptionist on leaving that if I was not to attend that clinic, it would have been common courtesy to inform me on the phone when I made the appointment, before I had driven all that way and waited all that time.I was left with no alternative but to attend the outpatients at the Base. Fortunately, it was not a 3 hour wait as can be expected on a public holiday and I was seen by a very caring and concerned doctor who provided me with the necessary medication and follow up advice I had sort from Dr Tinker. And I didn't have to pay $125 for it.The moral to this review- I was trying to do the right thing, attend the Goonellabah After Hours Medical Centre, not overload the Public Health System and I was prepared to pay for this at a time when finances were a little stretched.Well Dr Tinker certainly appreciated my efforts. I will never return to this centre again. I hope and pray this is not their preferred method of dealing with patients who are not their regulars, who are willing to place their trust in them.All I can say to sum things up- Thank God for our public health system and the hardworking caring doctors and staff at the Lismore Base who never turn anyone away or belittle them for turning up at their door

I have always found the service at GMC to be amazing from not only the doctors but the administration and the nurses! I have an extremely busy schedule and have never had to wait for my appointments with Dr Charlie Hew. The reminders and diversity of services are added bonuses! Thank you for providing such a facility in Lismore.

Dr Noah is awesome treated all of mine and my wife's questions professionally and promptly. Just a good bloke. Reception is good to

I have attended this centre for many years & have always found the staff to be extremely courteous & caring in all their dealings with patients.The clerical staff are friendly,polite & efficient.The nursing staff always impress with their care & attention to clinical details & the welfare of patients.I have always found the doctors to be caring competent & thorough in their treatment of any problem presented .Janice Mckinnon

Always friendly staff and I don't wait very long to see my doctor

left in tears..have never been treated so badly by doctors.would give zero stars if possible.Never attend this clinic on a public holiday unless u want to be questioned as to why u are wasting Dr Tinkers time as she can't service the whole of Lismore". I thought I was doing the right thing by not clogging up the emergency department at the hospitalreading the previous review

Love this centre and their professionalism! I couldn't recommend them highly enough. I am happy to wait if a doctor is running late as I know my health is in good hands and I won't be rushed out the door. Great service!

Very clean. Reception staff were all excellent. Dr J, the nurse and the pathology person I saw were all professional. I'm happy.

If I could leave ZERO stars I would.DISGUSTING attitude from the admin staff.Made my partner and I wait outside in the car park with our 7 week old baby, due to my partner not wanting to wear a mask (she has breathing problems and does not want our baby to not see her face) I was wearing a mask and there was no one I repeat NO ONE in the waiting room.I have had 2 previously bad experiences with the doctors there but was told it had changed in the three years since I had been...IT HAS NOT!The doctor rang us FORTY FIVE MINUTES after our scheduled appointment time (we left after 20 minutes waiting outside with a distressed baby.)Left to the admin there we would’ve sat outside the entire time (with one old chair)DISGUSTING BEHAVIOUR.TO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!!!

Last 2 appointments handled very professionally and promptly by admin and nursing staff I was managed by. A very positive experience given the current climate of C-19 pressures. Thank you GMC!