Fresh Holistic Health - Forest Glen, Queensland

Ashley G.

I'm leaning more towards 2 stars than 3 but I know there are other practitioners at Fresh Holistic who are a little more 'on-the-ball' than the practitioner I saw, Dr Paola. This review is specifically about this one practitioner, and not Fresh Holistic.

First, the positives around the practice itself, and there are many - excellent front desk staff (big shout out to Jenny who heard my frustration about not getting a copy of my blood test results after multiple requests and who forwarded them to me within 10 mins of my call), the nurse who took my vitals before seeing Dr Paola (she was delightful) as well as the atmosphere at Fresh Holistic. Its calming and beautiful and doesn't feel like you're in a medical establishment at all, which is a good thing as you're very likely to be waiting for a solid 30 mins for your appt if you're seeing Dr Paola. My family has had 4 appointments with her in the past month. She's been late every time and hasn't had the courtesy to offer a simple apology.

I went to Dr Paola for a very specific reason and request. She wanted blood tests before suggesting a protocol. No issues there as that made good sense. However, when she subsequently reviewed my results with me, she had me in a panic about numbers that I later found out were not only insufficient but she failed to mention extremely significant information that completely mitigated those numbers. Instead, I left the call feeling incredibly anxious and then had to do my own research to get the full facts. Although she invited me to reach out to her if I had any questions, she has not responded to 4 different emails sent over the past 2 weeks even though both the owner of Fresh and the reception crew have assured me she has seen them.

Furthermore, she suggested a supplement but did not mention any guidelines around taking it. When I researched the supplement, the guidelines I saw said you should not take it if you have grapefruit, caffeine, or magnesium - all three of which are part of my life. I reached out to her to confirm if this was accurate or if perhaps the version she had prescribed did not have these precautions, but as she hasn't bothered responding to any of the messages, I have no idea. (EDIT - after posting this review, I learned from my naturopath that the guidelines around caffeine, grapefruit and magnesium are all true in any form of the suggested supplement. It's very disheartening that Dr Paola forgot to mention that.)

So, after spending roughly $500 out of pocket for the privilege of seeing this doctor who charges $70 per 10 mins, I am still at Square One.

It took me 2 years of deliberating the out-of-pocket costs of seeing Dr Paola before making an appointment. At these prices, I had an expectation both around knowledge and care but have received neither.

But to end on a positive note - I'm grateful to the owner of Fresh who ensured Dr Paola saw my questions and who, in the absence of any response from her, took responsibility to make sure he got the answers I needed, and emailed them to me a little while ago. Thank you, Luke!

Dr A. J.

After waiting 6 weeks to get in to see Dr Paola (booked 90 mins consult as new patient) I left without seeing her.
I waited 30 mins without anyone mentioning anything. Went to reception to let them know I needed to be back to work on time to be told she was having lunch as she was running late. She even walked by me and didn't mention anything on her way to lunch!!
I will not be back nor recommending them to anyone.

Brigid B.

Ive debated bothering to leave a review but I think others should know before they spend so much money. The first practitioner I saw was lovely but never followed up as she said she would and five phone calls, many emails and months later I finally got the email with the test I was waiting for. I tried again with a different practitioner (dr chant) (paid again an initial consult fee)and I am still horrified at her obnoxious and rude manner. She was unhelpful, disrespectful, vague and sarcastic and basically should retire soon as she has zero interpersonal skills and has clearly lost her joy in the job. don’t waste your time and money, I paid a lot and waited a long time and have been left very disappointed and disheartened. I believe a lot in their vision of healing, but this clinic needs some major changes.

Adele G.

I've never had much need for the services of doctors, but I go for a check up every now and again. The previous one was 7 years ago, so it was probably time, since I'm in my 60's. Someone recommended FHH, and as I don't have a doctor, and I wanted to cover everything necessary (for my age), including the calcium score test (since I won't be going again for some years), I thought I'd give them a go, since the consultation is longer than the normal. I saw Dr Bernhardi ... she was nice, thorough, and diplomatic (I like my wine)! I did have to chase them up for the results, but I only had to make one call. I did have to go in again, to go through the results ... nothing is cut and dry it seems , but it was all informative and worth the effort. We all have a different idea of what's expensive or not ... if your compare the cost of the consultation to a QLD traffic fine, it was pretty cheap I thought, especially since I recently had to pay over $1100 and lose 4 points, because my husband was wearing his seat belt incorrectly, while I was driving! Now that REALLY hurt, and I got absolutely NO benefit from that faux pas, at all!

SaJe M.

We love Fresh Holistic Health! What a place. What a team. Some of the kindness people you’ll meet. Consistently too. It’s not just the first time you go in, but every time! So genuine. Even the way the staff interact with each other and support one another. It makes you think. If that’s how they care for one another, how much more must they care for their patients and clients? It’s so cool to see how comfortable and confident the patients are around there. And their feedback on their experience. So encouraging to hear this kind of care and community can take place in the healthcare system. Oh! And don’t get me started on how knowledgeable these guys are! Highly recommend checking them out!

Leah C.

I find Fresh Holistic staff positive and friendly. I find it refreshing from the stuffy doctor offices, it is a beautiful space. I find that there are so many amazing instructors for the classes they offer. I would recommend to anyone to check it out for some care and especially their yoga/mindfulness classes.

Sarah O.

Fresh has the most incredible atmosphere! As well as, the most consistently, kind and genuine staff. I feel completely safe and heard regarding my health and well-being with Fresh’s team. Their doctors and health care providers are so knowledgeable and truly caring. Their ability and passion to find and treat the root cause of problems gives me complete confidence that I am make the right decisions for my health and wellness. Their studio is such a great space. If you go on the website (click on the about tab), you can see through the clinic via Google street view. Their instructors are just so good at what they do and how they teach. The community vibe is a breath of fresh air.

Robyn O.

I always love my visits to FHH, everyone is always professional, courteous and personable. It is always lovely to be more than a number, to feel supported, to have my thoughts valued as part of persuing and maintaining my health in an integrative and holistic manner. I love the peaceful space they nurture. I love that the sauna is a near, mid and far variety. I love that they are truly a team working together, which always leaves me feeling safe.