Women's Wellbeing - Greenslopes, Queensland

Thea K.

I was a patient of this medical practice for 15 yrs or so. I developed some serious health issues during that time. One day my Gp, I had been seeing for all that time, just up and left; did not return after her holiday. This was a terrible wrench to be simply left without a GP without warning.

Months later, whilst searching Google for a GP, I found my Gp had moved to a clinic at Annerley. I made an appnt, and paid The Women's Well Being, at Greenslopes, their going charge, for having my medical records electronically moved over to the new practice, where my GP now worked from.

Alas, on the evening of the 29 th Oct 2023, I developed a serious and excruciatingly painful problem with my hand and wrist. Part of the investigations and search for a definitive dx led to my being referred for specialist opinion. This included a private ortho who was concerned, after viewing scans taken, felt it could be atumour with bone involvement (my mother died of Leiomyosarcoma around the age I am now). I had also been referred, prior, to a private ortho surgeon at Greenslopes, and then a private hand therapist. I eventually had a biopsy and was then seen at the oncology/sarcoma ortho outpts clinic. All these consultations, including appnts with my GP, occurred over the ensuing 4 months from the advent of the issue.

After seeing the specialists, I would routinely seek follow-up from my GP, as my primary health care co-ordinator and referrer. Very frustratingly, and worrying for me; my GP was not in receipt of important advice/findings/ recommendations from some, if not all, the specialist's I had been referred to, during these months. I had been directed, on two occasions, by my Gp, that I would need to find out off the specialist/s about there recommendations (the specialists who I had recently seen B4 coming to my GP for followup).

It was a worrying mystery to me as to why my Gp wasn't receiving results of investigations or important communiques from the specialist's regarding any advice or treatment or referral recommendations they had. Today I telephoned my Gps old place of work, The Women's Well-being Clinic, at Greenslopes, who confirmed that they were in possession of a number of correspondences from my specialists. I was advised that it is against their protocol to forward any correspondence to the addressee (ie my GP). Neither I, my GP, or the specialist's who sent correspondence to my GP, about my case, knew that it had gone to her previous workplace. No advice (not even a phone call/email to my GP to let her know there was an issue with important correspondence about her patients going astray). My GP is very well known to that clinic, and I believe she had worked there about18yrs. They also knew where she worked currently.

The lack of care and concern about a suffering human being, let alone that I was a patient at that Women's Well-being Being Clinic for nigh on 15 yrs, was so incredibly callous. The fact that there was correspondence from an oncology clinic, not passed on, is in my opinion monstrous neglect. I am so alarmed at the unethical disregard to patient health, and well being, shown by these so called medical professionals, in not forwarding correspondence from specialists (esp when from an oncology clinic), that I will comprehensively relate, in writing my experience (ordeal), to The Office of the Health Ombudsman for them to make judgement on the matter as to whether this 'protocol' is in the best interests of the sick and vulnerable.

Laura Z.

Can’t comment on the medical care but specifically chose this high fee clinic to get high quality care, eg. Reasonable length appt time

After arriving at my appointment around (11am), I waited over 75 minutes (until 1215) and no one from reception flagged there was an issue with doctor running late. When I asked when I would be seen, there was no apology and no indication of when so I had to leave

Whilst I want doctors to have sufficient appointment time, this is clearly a customer service issue. Reception should call when Dr is significantly behind and should at minimum check in on patients during lengthy waits. Also if you are paying premium rates for long appointments and seeing less patients, they should have a less variables in managing their schedule.

Amanda B.

I have been a patient at Women’s Wellbeing Clinic for over twenty years, but a recent incident has left me deeply disappointed and compelled me to speak out. I requested the transfer of my medical records to a new provider and was shocked to find a $99 fee attached to this basic service—a fee that is exorbitant. It is my understanding that most medical practices transfer not only the summary (a legal requirement) but the full record for free or at worst a nominal fee.
The care I received from the clinic was never in question; my decision to follow my trusted doctor to her new practice was solely due to my complex and serious medical needs. However, the clinic’s handling of my records transfer, coupled with an aggressive response from the practice manager when I voiced my concerns, has shaken my confidence in their operations. It appears that the clinic’s management is more focused on settling scores with departing staff than facilitating patient care. (I am aware that numerous doctors and some support staff have recently left this practice)
The demand for a ‘ransom’ to release my records is unacceptable. The lack of consideration for the impact this fee has on my health and well-being is alarming. It’s clear that the clinic’s priorities have shifted under new management, with financial gain overshadowing patient care.
This review serves as a call for transparency and integrity in healthcare. Patients should not be caught in the crossfire of internal politics or subjected to unreasonable fees that hinder their access to necessary medical care. I urge Women’s Wellbeing Clinic to re-evaluate its policies and remember that at the heart of healthcare is the well-being of patients.

Tilly. G.

(Part2) After being told my appointment was cancelled I asked if there was anyone else available to do the procedure and she said there was but not till next month. So I didn't bother, because I didn't trust they wouldnt cancel AGAIN. Especially after failling to send my script to me (Having called twice in one day) which they still havent done I asked the SAME lady before I hung up. "Are you able to send me that script I asked for yesterday" and she said yes. Still never got it. Ridiculous. I've been to non private practices at dodgey looking corner shops that have had far more efficient protocals and reliablity than this one. I didn't mind putting up waiting 20 or more minutes past my scheduled appointment (should have been my first indicator) because I thought It would be worth my while and every penny I spent. Wasn't worth both my money or time. And only for barley satisfactory medical advice.

Dianne H.

I brought my friend here a few times to see Dr Melanie Burnett, after having a very traumatic experience at another clinic. My friend has some complex gynae issues and Dr Burnett seemed very thorough, kind and patient. She took the time to explain everything to my very anxious friend and made her feel comfortable so much so I didn't have to attend with her for her last visit! Clinic area was nice, female staff out front were very welcoming. Well done!

Effie S.

I do like this clinic been going here for many years but Dr Renata Rams-Harvey needs some bedside manners. Had a Merina taken out and had told her about the pain I suffered last time with the extraction and insertion. With no local. She was rude and no empathy whatsoever. So my anxiety levels hit the roof when I was told to not squirm or cry out in pain! As she doesn’t want to do it if I have pain!!! I’m getting a foreign object taken out of the inside of my body it will hurt!
Not all the Doctors are like that there I have a great Dr O’Connor she’s the best.
But if you are going for a Merina insertion I would recommend not doing it at WWBC. Go somewhere where they offer proper pain relief.

Kathleen M.

Attended the practice and saw Dr Rams Harvey the week before Christmas. Dr ordered a chest xray which I had immediately following my appointment. Rang the practice 2 days later for results of xray, as I was still unwell. I was told I would receive a call back later in the day. I contacted the practice again at 3.30 that afternoon as no one had called me. The phones had already been switched over to after hours message and I was not able to speak to anyone. I had to see a Doctor at another practice the following day in order to get appropriate medical care. One week later and I still cannot access my chest xray result, as although the practice website states the practice is open, the phone line is still switched to out of hours message service. All in all this is a fail. Poor medical care, and poor communication of practice hours over the holiday period...I expected better.

Claire E.

I have been going to this clinic for many years. In recent times the level of service has dropped considerably. I have fibromyalgia and the lack of care and empathy from the doctor at my last visit was very upsetting. My last appointment I was questioned intensely after I requested a blood test and then I was told that they can’t do anything to help my fibromyalgia and that I need to be more positive and work on my resilience. The advice I had previously gotten from a different doctor at the same clinic was then contradicted and questioned. I paid $205 for this experience.