Marketown Health - General Practice - Newcastle West, NSW

Russell Holmes

I've been a patient for many years and built a great relationship with two doctors over this time. Recently, I was "deregistered as a patient" via a text from the practice staff, and all my appointments were cancelled.

I was shocked and didn't understand the situation until I received a letter a week later from Ms. Arthur RN, Practice Manager.

I was given no opportunity to discuss the situation with my treating Doctor.

I am a 74-year-old with multiple conditions, including a mental illness. I have still not heard from the Principal Doctor, nor the other Doctor I have more recently been seeing; I suspect they are not even aware of the situation.

Where is the duty of care due to the patient?

I now have no choice but to find another GP.

The administration of the practice is sorely lacking in running a successful practice.

Unfortunately, my experience has left a bitter taste in my mouth.

M Newton

Avoid this clinic.
My experience with the doctors at Marketown Health has always been positive.
Unfortunately their administration and process for releasing medical information to new clinics is abhorrent. When I attended my last appointment in person I told the receptionist I was moving interstate and asked if there were any forms I needed to sign in order for my new GP clinic to be given access to my full medical records. I was told no, just have the new clinic send a written request through and this will be actioned. My new clinic did so today only to have the request rejected, sighting only Marketown Health’s form is acceptable, which requires my signature to be witnessed and 3 points of ID to be provided. Plus it’s a 30 day minimum turnaround from when they receive all of this.
Had their staff actually actioned my request when I asked about this months ago this would have long been sorted!
I am also not comfortable providing my personal identification documents via email. I was more than happy to prove who I was in person when I was in the clinic but was told this was not necessary.

Michelle Balfour Brown

Absolutely appalling experience as the comments show poor experience is standard here. I contracted Shingles of the eye which remained misdiagnosed for 3 days and for which I was charged 3 times then sent a Letter of Demand and removed from the practice. I agree with the comments about the Lawyers check out the owners. Was a patient of a doctor in this practice 10 years. Was misdiagnosed within space of 3 days charged 3 times written abusive threatening legal action letters which I can show anyone who wants to view for non payment whilst I was in hospital. Hospital Doctors treating me were disgusted. Do not go here and give them your money. When I get better I am taking formal anction and already have a No Win No Fee Firm but am still recovering. Awful awful management Team. Let’s the whole establishment down 0/5 stars. Many many poor reviews. My gardener told me his wife was misdiagnosed. She has ringworm and they said it was something else and lots of people complain about their cost and standard. I was oblivious as hardly ever go this is my most serious emergency in 10 years and resident doctor got it correct on third CHARGED visit whereas the Doctor of 30 odd years got it completely wrong gave wrong antibiotics etc two days in a row and then they had the audacity to charge three times. Two serving members of that practice reached out during my sickness to ask how I was. Thankfully when I phoned the second day and being charged twice in one day they recommended I see a different doctor and sure enough the Resident Doctor said eye shingles. The Hospital said had I been diagnosed correct-my symptoms would probably not have had such a strong incubation period they and the two staff members thought I have been treated appallingly. When I showed the Letters of Demand they could not believe it I have the staff messages on voicemail saved for my lawyers as I was too sick to pick up the phone clearly showing they felt the treatment of me disgusting.

Dylan Williams

I have been a patient at Markettown Health for nearly 10 years, using it as my primary General Practice.

My regular GP is excellent, and I am very satisfied with the care they provide. On occasions when my regular doctor has been unavailable, I have consulted with other GPs at the practice, all of whom have been equally helpful and professional.

I would highly recommend this General Practice.

Gabriella Quigley

Marketown health is a disgrace. I was charged a full consult fee for a call back regarding my initial appointment. So yes, these low lives are actually taking advantage of people who are vulnerable and not well. Absolutely disgusting behaviours from reception staff and management, they are all extremely rude and just look unhappy. I am continuously asked for my card details over the phone to they can keep them on “file” seriously? I have also been charged to this card without any consent. This is actually illegal. I voiced my concerns and expressed my unhappiness with being ripped off. I never raised my voice or cursed yet.. the receptionist refused to book my appointment until I gave her my card details. I eventually gave in and did so.. to then be sent a text message saying I was not longer allowed to attend the practice due to my conduct on the phone. I then went to cooks hill practice and believe it or not a lovely lady was there who had had the exact same experience, expressed some concerns only to be banned from Marketown practice all together. I am not shocked at this behaviour and from all the reviews I have seen and the pathetic 2.5 star rating market town health has on google I'm surprised this hasn’t been taken further before. Marketown health you need to be held accountable for the disgusting way you treat your patients. I’m surprised you have any left at all!

Helen Pringle

Some very good doctors at this practice.
The administration has let the practice down badly for a long time.
Unable to contact or access the AMS booking app.
So terrible

Jess Graham

I came in for a regular Pap test, the doctor insisted on also doing an STI test even though I said I don’t need one. Have just been sent an invoice from Laverty Pathology for $264!! If I was informed of this cost upfront then I would have insisted further that these extra tests were not needed. Zero transparency with their customers. Front desk couldn’t help when I asked for explanation of items of the invoice. Will be finding a new doctors. Don’t go here.

M Rose

Ive been going to Market Town Health for several years. Great clinic staff. Unfortunately the consultation fees are exuberant, and clerical/administrative/management staff lack strong communication skills. I found another practice with great clinicians, good communication and interpersonal skills from front of house staff, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.