Newtown Medical Centre

My partner and I went in for the Travel Clinic (doctor appt and vaccines with nurses). Everyone was so kind, patient, friendly, informative and went above and beyond to give us all relevant information, definitely taking more time and attention than I have ever experienced!

Was trying to call and it took 10 min to reach receptionist and this “professional” told me that if I’m not register in clinic then I need register on website. And website doesn’t have option register for new patients

Really dissapointed, made to go in person for my medication. I asked the urgent line doctor how going in person will make a difference and he said so they can see me and laughed? It feels like I've been profiled or something and now I may not get my medication before the pharmacy closes.

This morning I had a very caring and thoughtful phone triage followed by an appointment at the surgery later this afternoon. I thought both doctors were great, thorough and professional. I am so grateful that I am a patient at Newtown Medical Centre.

I am shocked by the rudeness I received from the receptionist today. As a result of her rude tone, I requested to speak with a doctor and she openly laughed at me. During my conversation with the doctor, the receptionist repeatedly interrupted the conversation and even suggested the doctor what to respond. It is appalling that a receptionist in a healthcare setting could behave in such a manner and have the power to treat people with such disrespect even in front of a doctor. I am relieved that I did not complete my enrollment at this centre and I will continue receiving care at my previous medical center where I was treated with dignity and respect as a patient.

I have been with Newtown Medical for over 8 years, and unfortunately it is not what it used to be. While the reception staff have always been less than friendly and a little intimidating, the centre at least in the past has had decent gps that make you feel safe and listened to. Now, I feel an immense amount of anxiety walking through the doors there as the service and care from reception to dr’s office is minimal to non-existent, bordering on disdainful (I don’t want to knock all the gps here as I do not have experience with all of them, and James Parsons in particular is great). After my regular gp left however I was tossed around different gps and nurses without any communication, and only discovered he had returned when I saw him retrieving another patient from the waiting room. Voice messages to do with test results have been left that are vague and concerning, and then when I have called back they don’t know what they called for. Sometimes I have tried to return a call to be called back back by a dr, which I have been charged for. Being immunocompromised, I sometimes find I need a double appointment to get everything checked, but this is always denied. I understand that gps are chocka these days but surely *never* allowing double appointments isn’t helpful in the long run? If I can’t address something I have to come back for another appoint a couple of days later anyway, as it is usually of concern (I don’t spend $ on gp lightly!). Surely this can be decided on a case by case basis. I never leave the centre anymore feeling like I have had much addressed or resolved, and never have a long term plan discussed like I have with past gps. The entire runnings of this centre is just in a shambles. As a side note, the admin staff are constantly complaining very loudly about how busy and stressed they are (which I don’t doubt that they are) but it just seems chaotic and unprofessional. If I could change gps I would, as it is a mission to travel from petone to Newtown (having moved a while ago), but am still waiting for a space to open up in a local medical centre.

Fast, and got my husband in afterhours and he is now pain free. Julie was ao helpful on the phone! Thank you team!

They don’t care about patients. No parking at all. You’re made to go in person to complete even the simplest of things.

I don't think Newtown medical centre listen or care for their patients all the good doctors there have left. The owners will keep losing patients because of the current doctors. Have emailed admin to the owner please check this Michelle Curel! About my partners experience today he's left there absolutely miserable and tonight suffering severe allergies cant open his eyes had to call the healthline (please note it was Don not Dan who was amazing that I wrote in email also Alastair Heyworth was great) with a very uncaring younger male doctor this afternoon I will not say his name but it's not good enough. I think this clinic needs to listen to advice from all its patients as we are hearing many bad feedbacks, and there are so many doctors out there that do truly care and have time for people.

Can’t wait to find a new medial centre. Very disappointed with the service here from the receptionist and that fact that I’m still waiting to get my prescription is taking it’s toll

Had an appointment for a Panel Physician for Immigration health check on July, they forgot to upload the lab result to immigration NZ and I was waiting on 2 months for nothing.

Busy little medical center, nice staff, ez bookin, in and out, quite hard to find a parkin spot.so far so good.

Depending on the receptionist you get, one has been short (abrupt), rude & unhelpful with not only myself but as I have overheard, with others, the other is helpful, caring, patient & professional. They are the first point of call - the 'face' of the Medical Centre - these impressions matter! I would give the receptionists 2.5 stars as only 1 person in this position can bring the whole team & patient experience down. The nurses are lovely & great at their jobs, but they always seem understaffed & have a lot more responsibilities than they have ever had before. I give the nurses 4 stars out of 5. The new practise rules are not helpful & do seem to be financially motivated - smear tests with nurses only & if you have to see the doctor too payment is for both, 20 min only consults with no discount for further/ longer consultations or follow-up appts, high cost of sending repeat prescriptions to chemists, no call-back facility etc. If you give people a choice of seeing their doctor or seeing a nurse & advise them of the cost of both options, people can decide for themselves what they want to pay therefore who they would like to see or vice versa. If you run the centre efficiently then people will pay for the great healthcare/ services they receive & you will still make profits. I think changes should have also been discussed/ client feedback gained before major changes that affect all parties are implemented. This way you maintain the centre's reputation & return it to one of the best, most sort after Medical Centres to be a client of, that it once had. My doctor is the best doctor in the world - Gill Shepherd is an absolute star, committed, professional, understanding, fair, patient - she gets 5 stars out of 5. She is the heart of the Medical Centre & it's truest & highest regarded asset.

This is a horrible centre to go to.
My husband has been with this centre from 2 years and we don't use them alot. We needed emergency covid test. My GP personally attended me and did my swab although she was so busy. At Newtown medical centre my husband waited for 1 hour and no response from Nurse. Bloody useless service.
Shame on a practice who cannot look after their clients when needed.

Our family has always had a lovely experience with the practice. Often made extra effort to see us when we were worried about some thing with our baby. Staff have always been friendly, and given us more time than they really should have.

Don't answer their phones. I'd be cautious to sign up. I am going to rule out any other options before I sign up here.

Had a wisdom tooth removed with Dr Ray at pretty short notice and it went very well, super easy extraction and only very little pain afterwards. Thanks!

Great practice, had two GP's here and both were excellent. Special thanks to the reception staff and Dr. Gardiner

I went to ask simple question but the receptionist was so overwhelmed working all alone that she couldn't understand what I wanted. Gave up, I will look to somewhere else to get health (if I am able to in this country)

Called to ask reception a simple question: Did I need to book an appointment just to get my daughter a further referral to a specialist - I was told bluntly she couldn't give me that information then she hung up!