Appletree Family Practice - Charlestown, New South Wales

Rae Brock

4 yrs ago I gave a five star rating
Nothing has changed with my GP, Dr Nick but what's with the reception staff. Rude and lack the ability to listen. Just in the wrong job especially Hanna and Deanna. I've read through many of these reviews and it seems like patients, many loyal patients are turned off by the reception staff. The gatekeepers. And many only in recent times. I've been charged for not showing up even though I cancelled. When i challenged this the practice manager said I should double check to make sure the receptionist cancels my appointment before i hang up. Go figure. I've been waiting in the waiting area after checking in only to find they never checked me in when I presented. - has happened 3 times. It's not the GPs but the horrible reception staff. The Gatekeepers.

LINDSEY damico

Ive been attending Appletree Family practice to see Dr Scott once a month for many years and have always found the staff friendly and very professional. Though the wait for my appointment can sometimes be longer than expected, I also understand that each visit is personalised to each patient, a fact i appreciate when I'm seen (ie I don't feel like a number) Dr Scott has been my GP for 30+ years and i cannot fault his treatment, professionalism, deep insight of life, passion for good mental health and the great stories. Dr Scott gave me my kindergarten immunisation and has seen me through to menopause. Great doctor and a great man.

Kayla-Maree Hancock

While we absolutely love our GP Adam, navigating the rude, condescending and unprofessional reception team is an absolute nightmare. Today I was told “I just told you, you’re obviously not listening “ when asking options and for an explanation of the nurse triage process for my toddler. Horrific customer service, we know you’re a busy practice but how hard is basic professionalism, please do better.

jolly rogers

My wife had the worst experience going to a dr at this practice for a mental health consult. Basically was patronised, made to feel humiliated, belittled and left feeling shamed. No wonder suicide rates are so high in the community when gp’s are this incompetent at managing mental crises. I’ll save you the $100 and tell you Dr Bond’s strategies of managing depression and anxiety.

~Instead of having a no attitude, have a yes attitude

~When you feel depressed and down, go for a hike, get out of your house, take your 1yo and 3yo ADHD kid and go for a bush walk.

~If you drink coffee, STOP! It can make you more anxious.

~When everything feels like too much, just tense your whole body up and then relax.

~ Don’t tell him your mental health diagnosis because to him, they are just labels.

Do yourself a favour, for free advice ring lifeline or beyond blue and find the cheapest GP and simply go there to get a referral to a specialist/psychologist. Don’t waste your time going here, because you will only leave feeling shamed.

black diesel

I have been going to apple tree family practice for many years with check ups and illnesses , very happy with the doctors there, but I have found receptionists to be rude at times.
I had a Tele health appointment on Wednesday with a doctor certificate supplied for the rest of the week ( cost $102).
I rang first thing the following Monday morning and enquired about an extension for my doctors certificate.The receptionist then informs me my doctor is off for the rest of the week, which is fair enough, but I would have to make another appointment with another doctor at a cost of $102.
When I said to her , that would be $204 in four days, she said to me Price line pharmacy‘s would be cheaper.
Feeling unwell I wasn’t up for the challenge, hence the review.

Bayami Birth

Due to negligence of a GP i have suffered with months of pain due to appropriate testing not being ordered. I was also charged $152 fee, with no plan to support my symptoms. I have called the practice three times to discuss my concerns and have been told i will receive a call back. Still nothing a month later. Still no response to an email listing my concerns that i sent 2 weeks ago. Would rate zero stars if i could

Alex Gilles

Rang up to try and find a new GP to help deal with some chronic pain/illness concerns I have. The receptionist was rude and cold, laughing and scoffing at the questions I had. She then demanded I pay in full for my first appointment which would be two weeks away. I wouldn’t have minded doing so, however she made me feel so upset and judged I didn’t want to commit to an appointment. I’ve been genuinely struggling and she could care less.

Please teach your reception staff how to be more compassionate and caring towards new patients. Her behaviour was absolutely disgusting.

Estelle Thompson

Thanks to Apple Tree I have finally found ‘my’ doctor - after years in Newcastle of being told other Doctor’s books were closed, crazy waitlists, or being rushed off by other doctors, I met Dr Cooper and feel really looked after!
All of the staff are friendly and the space is very comfortable. Thank you Apple Tree and Dr Cooper!