Ashfield Medical Centre - Ashfield, New South Wales

J & G Jackson

I have been to this medical centre about 4 times, once for myself and 3 times for my daughter. I honestly have no issues with it. Yes the Dr can sometimes seem to be in a hurry, but it's because there is a shortage of Drs. If you need a Dr to give you a hug, then this isn't the place for you. But if you need to see a Dr and get in and out without hassle. Give this place a go.

Yasmin Cameron

Had a male doctor ask me why I hadn't had children yet, and said I would disappoint my mother because I disclosed that I was unsure if wanted children. Completely inappropriate conduct.

Michael Yong

Absolutely terrible I don’t even think it is a medical centre. The doctor has absolutely no idea what they are talking about. The doctor is not at all interested to know your health concern. And got impatience and angry when you try to explain to them. You are being brushed aside.
Except for the receptionist who is polite should be doctor instead. I read about other reviews true I had Dr Birra too.
The only positive is bulk billing. No point if you have a genuine concern look elsewhere for proper care.
Giving 1 star not because worth it but it is lowest rate. Overall rate 2 star tells something about quality patient care.

Whitney Tran

If I could give zero stars I would. The receptionists do their job fine but it’s the “doctors” who work here who are absolutely unhelpful and do not do what doctors do. No empathy, no education or aspiration to educate patients and no support when you are sick and need it most.

I went to H Birra in 2022 when I found out I was pregnant and like other reviewers have said, she was so condescending and did not make any efforts at all to empathise or try to explain things to me slowly. This was my first pregnancy. It was a terrible experience to be talked to like that at an already vulnerable state. I’m not sure how she can expect patients to know about things they haven’t experienced yet. So many times I had to say “no, I don’t know. That’s why I’m here.” “That’s what I’m asking you” and so on. It mostly felt like a waste of time but I was new to the area, and didn’t have much time to search for a better provider. I didn’t do shared care because I didn’t feel taken care of by this “GP”.

Today I visited a Yang Wang who was also very condescending and rude.I asked for a medical certificate for last week and I only found out when he told me that they can’t be backdated that far. The way he explained it was: “you can’t just not rock up to work, and then come and expect a medical certificate a week later”. Although offended he reduced my experience of being sick (with an also sick toddler to care for) to just “not rocking up at work”, I responded clearly with an explanation of how sick I was at home, unable to leave, while also caring for a sick toddler, expressed my confusion at how sick people are expected to get out and get a med cert if contagious etc. I had called the practice yesterday to request a telehealth appointment but they declined as I hadn’t been in the practice for over a year (since 2022). This was fair to me. I explained this to the man when he questioned why I didn’t do a telephone appointment. He continued to repeat his same phrasing to respond to me 2 or 3 times passive aggressively, scoffing and shaking his head, when I was clearly just trying my best to understand and express my annoyance and exhaustion after being sick. (Still am a little sick but well enough to get out of the house). So instead of explaining in a way that was easy for a patient to understand and providing clear and efficient rationales for policy, he just argued with me about why I didn’t do this or that. I ended the discussion by requesting him to not charge for the 2 minute appointment given he didn’t assist with anything. He did not display the professionalism and the empathy that he is paid to show. I was embarrassed for him that he was so disrespectful. I felt he was offended that he wasn’t able to “win” an “argument” with a person younger than him who was also a girl - we all know that type. This could’ve been a quick and easy discussion and I would’ve been much happier leaving the clinic, with a stronger understanding of medical policy. Unfortunately he couldn’t do his job and didn’t explain things clearly.

Jennie C

I went regardless of the reviews and regretted it. I gave a second star for bulk billing, but there's a reason this place is one of the very few in the Inner West that still bulk bills all patients. The receptionist was helpful and efficient. The waiting area isn't fancy, but it's clean and has new comfortable seats. The female doctor was the let down. No welcome, just "what is it?" and she managed to stuff up even a very simple request. She said I didn't mention the details and that's why she went about it the wrong way, but she didn't listen as it was the first thing I said. She took 3 phone calls during my appointment. I tried to raise a second issue but was ignored and told I could go. Her mind isn't on the job and she takes no interest. It taught me a lesson that it's worth going elsewhere and paying the gap fee if you can afford it to get quality service, care and advice that you feel you can trust.

Avic Belleza

I came in today 28 12 at 11:20. The older receptionist is so rude. I was asking if I have to pay as I have not visited the centre for so long , she was so unfriendly and showed me annoyed face, very impolite. When she said I have to pay, I need to say no as just go to my regular GP and pay as I just need script for my maintenance. Her fece is showing annoyance. Then she asked me about my address and it was different from what is recorded, but she did not ask for my current address I asked her to change it as I am an existing patient , she said I am not going through so there is no point to change! Huh! Isn't it that they need to update patients details? I asked if my husband needs to pay too Then she showed her annoyed face again while checking. So unpleasant to be a receptionist..

JUSTINE DEE

I experienced a consult with Dr. Birra today and she is downright rude and impolite. I maintained a very calm and respectful manner of talking with her throughout the whole ordeal in hopes she would realize the mismatch in communication yet she remained condescending. All I got from that consult are "What's this" "I don't know this" "I don't have time for this" she doesn't even take the time to look and read the health records that I presented to her. She's being paid for her consult and she's treating the patient like her own personal secretary. Even if you presented the paper in front of her she expects you to point at the exact part that she needs and read it out loud.

Prior to stepping inside the office of this very rude doctor, I was very specific in asking the reception about the service that I need which is have a GP confirm my immunisation records , I also presented to them my records which they reviewed and deemed that I proceed with the consult.

In the end, I got nothing out of it. I just wasted money on consultation and they mispelled my name in the referral and invoice which goes to show that they don't really read your records properly. How could you not verify atleast the spelling of a patient's name. There's also my health records on fine print for referrence.

To end this review I have to say, if you cannot help the patient with what they need after they paid for their consult atleast offer them a little courteousness. If you think your patient is wrong or misinformed then do patient education. Healthcare is a very demanding job but it shouldn't be an excuse to not uphold empathy and tactfulness.

ARUN VICKY

I'd give negative max rating if I could. I personally feel the doctors (especially Hemalatha Birra, I'm not adding Dr as I feel its a disgrace to entire doctors community) are trying to just get rid of the patients immediately instead of actually fixing the problems especially if the patient is suffering from multiple issues. And please don't ever think of getting your blood drawn here, the person here can't find your vein in both your arms even after multiple attempts. It was a very traumatic experice for my wife and made it even more worse. They don't even apologise for the mess they created. It is better to go visit somewhere else or treat yourself instead of going to this place.