Reviews of Ontario Health Clinics - Brantford FHO (Doctor)

Nathan Godin

Incompetent rude staff. Same day appt booking in the morning. Oh but wait by your phone all morning so somebody else can call you back. No just book the appointment in the morning idiots. Oh and don't go to any other walkin clinics that could actually see you in a reasonable time. Go here or one other that has horrendous waits or we drop you as a patient. Want to make a future appointment looking at 4 weeks down the road. Have multiple issues going on in your life. Too bad. Triage yourself and only bring one thing up at a time. Our healthcare system is amazing though right. Maybe if you are a shiftless welfare bum who wouldn't be able to afford insurance. For the rest of us this system is upside down broken. What a joke.

Joey McNelis

No issues when I'm actually there; the doctors, nurses and staff are mostly top notch - every place has it's bad apple in the bunch - and don't usually have to wait too much longer than my appointment time for my appointment (no stars off for that, that's just typical when going to any doctor.) My stars off have to do with the phone. 8:30 to 3:30 with an hour off for lunch? Please! How can there not be someone taking phone calls the entire time you are open? That should be changed. Again, other than the phone lines, it's not a bad place to go get your health taken care of.

Chantell Pickett

Wish i could vote zero stars.

Petty Panagakos

Very clean clinic with professional staff. The ultrasound technician was very good.

Meaghan

This place is HORRIBLE! I was 5 minutes late for my first appointment with them and they refused to see me.Fine. I bit the bullet and was at least glad that I did not have to pay for parking. This morning I was the "second or third person to call" according to the receptionist, for my 1 yr old who woke up with a terrible cough and trouble breathing. I tried calling back three times over the course of two hours, each time asking for a name of anyone I was talking to (and not getting one), a time estimate and again mentioning my daughters age and trouble breathing. Finally the nurse called me back to say that she had no appointments left for the day...I WAS THE THIRD PERSON TO CALL IN! With a toddler who has trouble breathing!! I was told that I had to go to the Willet. Which btw I'm surprised has not been shut down. (witnessed an EA pull soiled linen out of a hamper with bare hands, then immediately make up a new bed for an incoming patient). Linda the nurse said that if I did not want to go to the Willet, I should head down to emerge. There should be an option for 0 stars or a warning button. Currently seeking a new family physician.

Alan Ladd

They are not taking patients right now . Wait more than 2 weeks for a tele call with a doctor and the staff are not friendly. This place is one of the worst

MAC TJ

If I could put a lower rating I would! My Father who has been a patient since it's opening, is having some physical issues right now - waiting until the morning to call in and get some advice or an appointment. The Nurse was unable to give him an appointment for two weeks. He voiced his concern over the length of time between his call and the date of the appointment to which we was (in a VERY RUDE manner) told that if he felt it was THAT urgent to go to the hospital and then the Nurse proceeded to hang up. I used to be a patient and found the services and people to be inefficient and rude at best which is why I left and went elsewhere where at least they are pleasant and efficient and feign concern which is much more than this horrible place does. My Father is NOT a rude person and doesn't deserve such ill treatment. It's worth the drive to Hamilton just so that you don't have to go here!

Peter Wray

Can't even speak to a human or leave a message!! Self important staff who need to look at themselves and understand that they are paid to provide a service to the public!

Kevin Hill

Let me preface his review by saying two things, I work in healthcare. I am employed at a children’s hospital in Ontario. And second, I am not a patient of this clinic and after this experience I never will be. After my experience I was going to call the clinic and register a complaint regarding the conduct of their staff, but after reading the other reviews I’ve decided this would be pointless. The management clearly doesn’t care about their patients or the misconduct of their staff. I felt posting this review would be more effective as it may deter some potential clients and help them to avoid a poorly run clinic. I arrived at the medical building where this clinic is located for an appointment I had at another clinic. My clinic was on the same floor as this horrid place so I entered their waiting room to ask directions. As I entered, the receptionist, an older woman with grey hair and glasses, told me in a very stern tone that I needed a mask. That’s when I realized I’d forgotten mine. I apologized and asked if she had a spare one. She scowled at me and said in a very condescending tone “nope, you’ll have to go to the pharmacy and buy one.” Okay, first of all what “medical clinic” doesn’t have spare masks? And what kind of way is that to treat and speak to anyone, especially someone who could be a patient? If I had spoken to a patient or visitor that way at my job I’d be fired that day. The other reviewers complained about staff at this clinic being rude and unprofessional. I’ll now add ARROGANT to that list! It shocks me beyond words that so-called healthcare professionals treat the very people they’re supposed to be caring for in such a callous and condescending manner. This type of misconduct is utterly unforgivable! If this is a small example of how they treat others and even their own patients and these reviews are to be believed than the Ministry of Health should shut this place down, TODAY!

mike coyne

I used my health card less than a year ago brand new health card and they claim it's invalid government says it is I'm blind I can't give them that over the phone they're claiming they don't have me in the system they won't book me a doctor's appointment I'm going to bgh but you guys are paying the fine to bgh I'm not by the way the RCMP will be performing an audit and if they can't then the ministry of health will have a nice day the clerk at the desk wanted me to ask the cocaine dealers in my building to read my health card over the phone and I'm like I'm not doing that the girl was useless at the desk

YYZ 2 CDG

This place was once a good place to go!!! NOT ANY LONGER!!! The receptionist that take appointments over the phone are rude and apparently they can tell just by talking to you and judge you if it's an emergency or not! Dr's of all people should know how to handle Covid better than anyone! Phone appts are ridiculous and shouldn't take 2 1/2 weeks. Do yourself a favor and find a different family physician!!!

Derek Scanlan

Great pharmacy with wonderful staff!

J

The WORST Family Dr. Office EVER!!! No one in that whole building knows how to do their job! I do NOT reccomend this practice to anyone who is looking for a Family Dr.

Paul Fraser

Provincial health care at its worst. Avoid this facility if you can. Staff is completely incompetent and beyond rude. This is hands down one of the worst run and managed health clinics in the area.

Terry Williams

After waiting 1.5 hours at the coronation blvd Cambridge Lifelabs and not even being let in the door with no one in the waiting room, I left and decided to try Brantford. This Lab had me in and out within 10 min. SIIGH, that is 1.5 hours of my life I will never have back, The lab on Shellington obviously knows how to get people in and out. I STRONLY recommend this Lab, the technician I saw was very skilled at distracting me from the needle (yes I know you were distracting me), and very efficient at getting clients in and out. Skip Cambridge, drive the 20 minutes extra to save an hour of standing around.

Sandra in Ontario

Does anyone know of a doctor WHO IS TAKING NEW PATIENTS where you can get in the same day and not have to wait to see the doctor? I'm grateful to have a place where I don't have to find a new doctor every time one of them retires, goes into research, moves to the states, or loses his license, all of which have happened to me before. I bring a book and wait. And yes, Spaxman and Galliver are outstanding. Dr Dhillon in the pain clinic is also very good.

Tess Elaynes

Had a very bad experience with a doctor who wouldn't listen to me but only seemed concerned with giving me a pap smear which I wasn't even there for. He kept going in and out of the room taking up my time instead of asking me what I was there for. I REPORTED him to college of doctors for yelling at me on the table with my pants down but his nurse lied for him and said it didn't happen. Very terrible experience for someone with anxiety and ptsd and I still have the same problem 2 yrs later that I went to see him about . I give it a 0

CRIMSONEFFIX

I called on a Friday early afternoon to try to see a doctor. I told them my 7 year old daughter had coughed up a white worm. The receptionist said there were no appts available today or this evening?? I told her then I would have to go to a walk in clinic and she stated that I could only go to the Willet in Paris or Brantford General. I have been there twice with the same concern and the doctors there did nothing. Didn't even examine. Sent her to a dermatologist who also did nothing. She stated that if I went anywhere else as in a walk in that they would be charged. So I guess they will be charged. I have seen Dr Spaxman who is a wonderful and compassionate physician. Unfortunately its almost impossible to see him as you cannot request to see a certain physician. Last time I called for some test results regarding the same thing AGAIN, because I had already called, the receptionist was obviously annoyed and said I quote "for christs sake" as she was trying to find my results. I don't understand how these people get jobs working with the public. It made me give 1 star before I could post however I wouldn't give this practise any stars at all.

Steve Ferlatte

Numerous times over the years being stuck at this place having to deal with rude and uncaring staff, up to and including a couple doctors. I'm not typically a complainer, but if you don't have to go here - don't!

Laurie Brooks

I had to book my appointment a month in advance, confirmed my appointment and when i went to my appointment they rudely told me there was no such appointment made. I told them who I spoke with and explained the situationn and pretty much called me a liar and said no appointment was made or deleted. She never offered another appointment. I asked if I could at least speak with someone regarding my test results. She looked at the computer and said "there is nothing wrong with you, tests are normal" This place is HORRIBLE!! Have to go to a walk in to find out what is wrong and then get told "you will he cancelled as a patient if you use a walk in clinic"

Darcy B

They are losing the best doctor they have on staff. Dr. Spaxman is leaving. He is the only reason we continue to stay with this clinic. We have been here for many years. The office staff is rude. The wait times seem to be improving, but making appointments is brutal and stressful. Waiting for referral appointments takes forever and often times I have to call and check up several times over several weeks before the appointment is made.

Eric Bennett

Is there an overseeing agency that can investigate the terrible service that this clinic supplies? Rude, uncaring, and incompetent are only a few of the adjectives I can use to describe this clinic.

Matt & Tierra Chauvin

All they do is prescribe you on different drugs... I've made appointments for urgent matters countless of times, and all they do is put me on a different med. I know my body and something isn't right... really wish I could find a different family doctor.. one that actually cares and takes the time to hear your concerns.

silvia oltei

Great Docs and booking appointments within a couple of weeks.

Carly L

What is the pharmacy's#????! Their phone system says the appointment line opens at 8:30 but you sit on the phone for 20 minutes could even be 40 minutes and no one answers. I want a human to answer or there to be an answering machine for someone to call you back! Not only that everytime you actually get an appointment it's a different doctor who sees you everytime, which is discomforting in case you have personal issues you'd like to disclose it would be more comforting to see the same one everytime. When you finally get to make an appointment you're usually waiting a month or two for it!

Cilla Pandohie

Very rude staff that attends the phones especially Ella. Bad on folllow ups. Do like the nurse practitioners. Have to wait almost a month to get any appointments.

William Balian

My experience with the medical staff here over the past 15 or so years has been very positive. I am more than satisfied with the care and attention that I am receiving from doctors and their staff. Yes, you have to get used to their appointment booking method, their hours of operation, the walk in clinic protocols etc. etc. This is a different model of health care based on a "team of doctors" than what people have been used to. Like anything else there is a learning curve to become comfortable with its use. That means "you" being the one that has to adapt to a new normal. I know what it's like having to wait, being "the tenth caller" for an appointment is frustrating when you are ill, but your call will be answered and taken care of. I have found that if it is an emergency they will attend to it that day depending on the time of day the call is received or the next day, other than the hospital emergency option. Otherwise it's a regular booking at an available opening. As for the professionalism and bedside manner complaints in some reviews, I have not found that to be my experience. Again, if you are not familiar with this model of health care it can be frustrating for some people and I have seen that frustration carry over to the day of the appointment while in the waiting room. Why are negative feelings and related comments so tenacious even by the time you go to your appointment? Perhaps because this model of health care does not have a consistent face on it and it becomes more emotionally institutionalized and an easier target to lash out at. The Ontario Health Clinics model was there when I needed it 15 years ago. My family doctor's secretary refused to let me see the doctor because I was 15 minutes late for an appointment. Nothing I said about traffic on King George Rd. or the fact that I was a patient for ten years made any difference, other than it seemed to give her the right to belittle me in front of other patients in the waiting room and eventually in the presence of of the doctor. That was the end of that. At that time there was a shortage of doctors in Brantford and I wondered just what I had gotten myself into in looking for a family doctor. If it wasn't for The Ontario Health Clinics I don't know what I would have done. I had no choice, I had to adapt to their model of health care and make it work for me. I'm glad I did and am greatful that the model exhists because it is serving me well.

Daniel Stauch

Greatest group of doctors. Same day appointments can be tricky but always seem to get one. The receptionist let's you know a nurse will call you back, the nurse decides whether your issues are worth an appointment or not, basically an over the phone triage. Doctors are all great, one lady is a bit rough around the edges but does the right thing. Nurse practitioners are amazing and my issues have always been resolved in a timely manner. Recently had a back concern, was referred for an MRI right away, got results and a course of action all within 3 months!!!! Couldn't ask for better doctors.

Heather Thomas

Rude rude rude staff! They'll take you off their patient list without notice if you don't make frequent appointments or have to cancel. Apparently they leave reviews of their patients as we have been informed by the office that there was a not left saying my boyfriend was 'rude' from finding out he was taken off the list and is not allowed to return calls now.

Suzanne Pestano

Absolutely the worst administration staff ever. I "was" a patient there for over 5yrs (so I thought) I had filled out required paperwork to register with them and have them registered as my doctor since moving from Burlington. I had been there several times for various visits and followup lab work. This past spring I called to make an appointment and was told I was NOT a patient..SAY WHAT? No I hadn't seen another doctor or been to a walk in clinic..It appeared as though this office never filed the paperwork with the Ministry to have me moved to their clinic.. In order to get my appointment and a refill on my thyroid meds I would have to fill out the SAME paperwork again..to avoid delays I physically went into the office and filled it out..weeks later I had not heard back..so I called, no..still not setup in the system, after requesting to speak with the manager (within a few mins) I was setup..the manager booked me an appointment Sept 10th 10:15am...I showed up, and GUESS WHAT..(you'll never guess....) they didn't have me listed..they had me setup for an appointment for the 12th..since I have to take 1/2 day off work to make this appointment it certainly was not convenient to come back..The admin person I dealt with was short, uncooperative and rather annoyed when I said I couldn't come back ...she stepped away for 30secs to "see if a doctor could see me" of course not..considering there was no one in the waiting room when I arrived I couldnt see WHY they were unable to see me..worst admin staff..

Janet Bateman

Never had a problem with this clinic. My Dr. Is effective and the staff are great

Christin Kocznur

Dr. Gallagher could have cost me my life by not taking me and my midwife seriously when I came in complaining of a horrendous cough and severe shortness of breath that went on for months. Turns out, I had a pulmonary embolism caused by pregnancy, that was only discovered because I ended up in the hospital. And no, he was not the one to diagnose it. He has also been dismissive of other health concerns of mine as well as my infant son (an allergic reaction to egg, for God's sake!). He's an arrogant jackass who should have his medical license revoked. If he doesn't feel like diagnosing or treating you, he just doesn't. Some of the other doctors at this practice were good, but you don't get to choose who you see. The risk of seeing Gallagher for anything is not worth it. My family and I have left this practice and found a new doctor. Read all of these 1 star reviews and heed their warning! This is no place to go if you actually want real medical care!

Kristina S

Horrible Place. I had been calling from 10am to 4pm today (a total of 38 times) and no one picked up. I couldn't even get it to direct me to speak to a human. I finally drove to the building in hopes to speak to the receptionist. While I was hunting for Dr. Major's office, I find out I missed them by 5 minutes and they are now on their dinner break. All I wanted to do was drop off new patient registration papers. Needless to say, I will not be doing that. I had an incredible M.D. for over 29 years. This is not the place for me or anyone I care for.

Joanna Cavanagh

I have been a patient since they opened. Have only had to rely on the practice for routine issues. I can usually get a same day appt. if urgent and they have a great Nurse Practitioner on staff (Melissa) who I have seen a few times. Unfortunately you can't choose which doctor to see, but they each resolved any of my and my daughter's issues. I read they are accepting new patients if anyone out there is looking for a new doctor. Xrays, ultrasounds and blood work can also be done at the same location which is convenient and they are good arranging specialist referrals; good follow through.

Vlad Chilikin

DOCTORS change your admins. They dont care about your patients. Maybe you dont either.

Vlad

A half a star would probably be too much for this place. The receptionists are the ones destroying this place. Doctors are ok once you actually get to see one. But they try to get rid of you as fast fast as possible. All the one star reviews are actually true not just fussy people being jerks. Five star reviews are either paid or people that dont work, are ok waiting for weeks for an appointment, are ok waiting an hour or more after appointed time, are ok dealing with rudeness over the phone, are ok having to call back and analyse their own results (oh yeah my wife could clearly see that her results were off the handle and the receptionist said everything was ok). You could tell they were bad because there is a number there stating normal levels. Hers was 10 times lower. After insisting on an appointment the doctor confirmed they were bad. The fact that noone responds to these reviews from the clinic is evidense enough that they just dont give a &$&@.

Troy Karnes

30 min wait time on hold to make an appointment rude staff incompetent staff. I had impacted wisdom teeth needed a form to be put under 2 weeks of waiting for them to fill out the paper work i talked to them 4 seperate times on getting the paperwork never mentioned me coming in never called so I called them to find out what is taking so long. Apparently I needed to come in and they didnt bother to call me to tell me i had to and missed 2 appointments with my dentist waiting on these idiots who couldn't be bothered to make a damn phone call. Find a real doctors office this place is a joke.

Julie Bachus

A couple of the doctors here are great, but I have concerns about some of the support staff, like the person they call their "results coordinator". She doesn't return calls, she provides minimal details even when asked for specifics and doesn't seem very knowledgeable making me wonder what her credentials are, if any, and what makes her qualified to be giving results to begin with. A receptionist reading results/reports would be more effective. You shouldn't have to fight to get information about your own health. Unacceptable. Getting referrals can also take ages, though that's one thing that has gotten a bit better in the last year or two.

Jenny C

I've been a patient for several years and have used numerous facilities and its always been excellent.

Karen M. J. Thomson

It's Victoria Day Monday (2019) and the website states "open until 6pm" but answering service staes "Closed...proceed to nearest emergency clinic." I have only received prompt service once in 8 years. This clinic needs a full overhaul. It is mismanaged, frustrating to get through on the telephone and I've had to wait weeks for an appointment. (Once I had to wait 6 weeks to get a bug bite checked fearing it was a tick bite, and another occasion 4 weeks.) I miss the old days when I had amy regular family doctor. Amazing GP who has retired.

Carol Jennings

Terrible! I called to tell them my daughter was running late as she was traveling from Hamilton and had problems with her GPS. She was about 18mins late and they refused to see her! Don't tell me there was no one waiting who could have been seen first? I've always waited at least 30mins to see a doctor.

Georgina Elshaw

Very impersonal no consideration as to how you are health wise only interested in altering meds leaves no feeling of faith

Rebecca Jackson

If I could rate 0 I would!!! It's impossible to get an appointment here but if you go to a walk in. CAUSE YOUR IN NEED OF HEALTHCARE! THEY DROP YOU! A couple great doctors/nurses IF! IF you get in! So ridiculous if you can find a doctor even 30...40 mins away do it. Your health and sanity will benefit 100%. Honestly such a shame cause there are a handful of great doctors/nurses. But the loops you gotta jump thru to see them is a joke.

Hgf Jgtu

They repeatedly fail to respond to my Pharmacy,s fax regarding the regular refill medication. When I call, I,m being give lots of ridiculous excuses, from fax not coming through to doctor not being available. Worst managed cliniques in the area. Arrogant, dismissive manager.

Amanda Cole

Extremely rude incompetent staff

Dorothy Ramey

If you are looking for a caring efficient practice this is not the place to go. Uncaring, unorganized and just a money grab from our health care system.

doonlex529

In the past I have had good experience with the clinic. However, the care and concern with some of the new Dr's is just not there. I recieved a call today from a specialist telling me that I had been referred by a doctor in your clinic. I was not contacted or advised of the referral or the reason why by the Dr. who referred me. If a referral is going to be made, I think It is courteous for the clinic to contact me before the specialist. I am not very happy with the clinic at this point. Also, I have forms to be filled out that are still sitting in a pile. There is a deadline on these forms. I left a message with the forms person as directed, and did not even recieve a call back. Dr. Gharib has seen me once and called me twice. She doesn't even know me. How can a doctor look at the computer and assume they know the patient??? This is not a family practice, might as well go to a walk in. At least there the doctors take the time to really hear you.

Adam Pender

Dr. Spaxman Dr. Dhillon and Dr. Major are amazing. It’s just the management that’s the issue.

gina smith

Worst place ever!!Anyone using this facility should reconsider their options and not include this place as one of them!????wouldn't give them even one star,but I had to in order to leave a review!

Tamara Cousins

After waiting MONTHS for forms to be filled out I got a call stating they were ready, I go in to pick them up and they took my healthcard for no reason, only to only find one form completed. The receptionist named Chris LOST my paperwork, only to be found months later by someone else along with my letter stating I NEEDED the forms for October 18th. The incompetence of the receptionists is ridiculous and honestly one day this will end up killing someone.

Monica Zea

Nobody goes/calls the doctor because they like it. Every time I do it is because any member of my family is sick and needs assistance. Unfortunately in my case I haven't been able to book an appointment for my 4 years old daughter for the same day in the last week even calling at 8:30 am as they asked me to, the last time I called was at 8:30 am and waited until 9:00 am on the phone for them to answer and say that they didn't have availability. They didn't even ask for the reason of my call. This medical center is selling availability to register new patients but the waiting time for appts are too long and in my case no spots for same day app.

Rob Lucier

This place is an absolute joke I had surgery this week the meds the surgeon gave me do not work I'm at home I've been at home in pain and will not be able to get through to my doctor to get new meds for the pain they told me I have to wait 6 weeks before I could see him in order to get me a new pain meds so basically stay at home in pain there is zero help for you here

Jessica Kearns

Do not go here for a doctor. Takes over a month to get a appointment and the receptionist are so rude. Tried to get ahold of someone to make a appointment after 10 minutes I was hung up on and then after another 10 minutes waiting to be put through to make a appointment the receptionist hung up on me for asking not to be put on hold.

Jeff Goodfellow

Moves my appointment without any verification and then leaves a voicemail stating so and to "call to confirm". Then when I call in to explain that they've moved it to a time that doesn't work and also delayed my already 3-and-a-half-week out call to now 4-and-a-half weeks they treat me like I'm the bad guy and somehow wasting their precious time.