Salamander Medical Centre

I am visiting from Sydney and needed to have two stitches out from a biopsy done on my arm. I phoned to make an appointment and was told that as I was a “new” patient I had to have a half hour appointment with a doctor first to discuss my medical history then I would see the nurse to have the two stitches out. I said I have my own GP in Sydney and I don’t need to discuss my medical history just to have two stitches out and I was told it was the policy of the practice that I had to have an appointment with a doctor first. I said “forget it” and I’ve made an appointment with another medical practice who were more than happy to take the stitches out. This is disgraceful. They expected me to pay for a half hour appointment with the doctor then what ever they charge for the nurses service for something that would literally take two minutes. Highway robbery.

I work in Maitland 5 days a week, called up to make a phone appointment (like I’ve been doing all COVID, could not see doctor when I needed it) and have been told I can’t have one and I need leave work to come in or don’t take my medication. This is disgusting abuse of power by admin staff. Will be making a formal complaint with NSW Health.Thanks sam brown.

I have nothing but praise for the care I received from Dr Paul. At a time when I was very scared, Dr Paul was the absolute best. Went above and beyond what he needed to an I will forever be grateful.

Staff always listen when I tell them of my serious concern and I am squeezed in that day or next. I have been given excellent service at this centre and my doctor would be probably the best I have ever had.

I am a 73 year old Vietnam Veteran..this whole Medical Centre is the worst centre I have visited in my life. Dr Pienaar was the Dr. that was always on holidays. I waited 2 week before I could see again, then the next time I had to wait 4 weeks and on the 11th hour by text found the appointment was not at the Medical Centre where I had previously seen the Dr, but an hour drive away in another town. If this was unacceptable then I had to wait another 4 weeks to see the Dr at Salamander Bay Centre.This I understand was booked by the manager of the Centre. The XRay Department in the Centre also included in the terrible experience.I have reported to DVA.

So happy. 3 minute consultation only costs me 80$. And no bulk billing. What a joke.

Unfortunately I didn’t have a very positive experience at this centre...I don’t frequent doctor surgeries or medical centres very often at all and after today I certainly know why. I was made to feel that I was wasting the doctors time even though I had legitimate concerns and really feel that I learned more about my condition from Dr Google...I won’t even start with mentioning the wait time...

Getting in can take time once in no problem. You can always pop outside and have a cup of coffee while waiting !

Have tried multiple times since moving here to get in to this clinic as a new patient without success. Each and every time phone staff seem like they don’t care and just want to get you off the phone. This last time I was told by phone staff that they will ask all doctors to review the symptoms I have and see if any will take me on as a new patient. I waited two days for a return phone call which didn’t come. I rang the clinic to follow up if I would be accepted, and was told that they aren’t accepting new patients and they don’t know why I would be waiting for a return call. Terrible phone service and no interest in helping people. If I could give 0 stars that would be more fitting.

I approached the walk in Saturday clinic at salamander with two sick children . On arrival i was informed that there is a fee of $115 PER child for consultation , this is being paid before any medication I would then have to purchase . As a nurse and a mother I can truly say I was disgusted that a medical centre in a country that is described to have one of the best health care systems would exploit sick and vulnerable people and charge unnecessary fees to a child . I’ve never even heard Of primary health centre Charging for children consultation .I then drive back 40 minutes to a small health care Centre that bulk billed and saw my children as a priority as they should be .Not a family or community orientated clinic .