After specifically asking on the phone with the receptionist when making my first appointment if this specialist is going to be taking on new patients ongoing and not leaving the practise in the near future I was assured "yes doctor is taking on new patients and will be available to you in the future as an ongoing patient" I made my first apppointment.
After a 1 1/2hr drive I arrived, waiting in the waiting room and had my 1 hour appointment with the doctor afterwich they then tell me doctor is retiring and closing practise in a few months time!!!! I couldn't believe the deciet and the lack of putting patients interests first. Obviously heard the $$$$$ and completely after paying $230 plus $36 for parking, you could say I was feeling quite dissapointed.
I asked directly why was I not informed beforehand, as I had specifically asked this when making the appointment and I was not even told today at arrival to reception and why was I told at the end of the appointment? The buck was passed to the receptionist of course, taking no responsibilitly.
I then expressed my dissapointment to the receptionist upon leaving, of which they passed the buck further in stating that doctor has asked them to still take on new patients and without the need to notify of retirement! Clearly no consideration is taken for the medical needs of new patients.
I even went further to ask doctor if they are recommending patients to another specialist or if they can recommented anyone....their reply was no, so I prodded further asking for someone as I don't know where to go. They eventually gave me a name.
Being a recent thyroid cancer survivor, I really need to find a specialist for ongoing care for the remainder of my life. This specialist is fully aware of my medical need and did not take the appropriate steps to notify me of leaving the practise in only a few months time. I would not recommend this specialist for obvious reasons, and I would not recommend the clinic receptionist either.
If I come across a good Endocrinologist in the Brisbane area, I will be sure to let you know.