John Fawkner Private Hospital

Absolutely disgusting experience at this emergency department.

I presented to the emergency desk late last night experiencing a severe anaphylactic reaction. My lips were swollen, my tongue was swollen and my throat was so tight it was difficult to swallow. I made the decision to drive myself there as I was closeby, and knew it would be faster than waiting on an ambulance. As I walked up, no one was present at the emergency check in desk so I had to ring a bell and wait for someone to come out. It was at that point I should have turned around and left.

Anyway, I told staff about my condition immediately on arrival and staff seemed unsure of what to do and scrambled around the office talking to eachother. I was then told to sit down and fill out paperwork. I reiterated that I was having a severe reaction and needed immediate help but was instead told I need to sit down and fill out the new patient paperwork.

I was then made to do a covid test, given the same medication I told staff I had already taken that didn’t work, and someone took my temperature. I was then told to go sit in the empty waiting room. ALL WHILE EXPERIENCING A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION!

After roughly 5 to 10 minutes, I was called back to the desk by an administrator who told me to sit down and provide the information I knew I had just completed on the form.

During this conversation, the administrator proceeded to grill me about whether the highway was closed because that's how she needed to get home? She then continued to ask me new patient information questions and I advised her that I already provided all of this information on a form and that I was finding it difficult to talk. She rudely stated that she wasn't given a form and I needed to continue. I pointed out that I definitely filled it out so it had to be there and she finally looked to the stack of papers sitting right in front of her at the desk and she realized she did have the form. She did not acknowledge her mistake and apologise, but instead proceeded to ignore me as she slowly typed the information into her computer.

At this point, I'm really struggling to talk and starting to panic because I knew I needed adrenaline soon or my airway could close completely. I asked the administrator if it was normal procedure to leave someone waiting who was experiencing anaphylaxis and was abruptly told something along the lines of "You were triaged by someone with medical training, weren't you? " I advised I also have medical training (16 years in general practice to be exact) and have never EVER seen myself or colleagues treat a patient this way while experiencing anaphylaxis. The administrator casually walked over to the nurse and I could hear her audibly mocking me saying "Sheee has medical traininggg".

A male staff member in the office then laughed at me and stated, "If you're talking, you're fine". I replied that the longer they leave me, the harder it is getting to talk AND BREATHE and that he should know that is not how anaphylaxis works. I was then abruptly told I would be seen when they were free.

I was terrified, humiliated, and feeling less than human. I demanded they return my Medicare and Health Insurance cards to me so I could seek help elsewhere and as I was halfway out the door they advised me that they will see me now. At this point I was crying and having a panic attack and did not trust that they would help me so I felt I had no other option but to leave.

From the parking lot, I called an ambulance and drove to meet them elsewhere. I was immediately administered two doses of adrenaline and was then taken to the public hospital where I was given an alternative oral antihistamine, and given an IV with fluids to give my body a boost.

I cannot believe that these so called 'medical professionals' were so incompetent that they did not know the appropriate emergency triage protocol for anaphylaxis.

If you or your loved ones like living, do not come here for treatment. They have nothing but uneducated, unempathetic, and ignorant staff. I will be escalating this matter further.

Visited John Fawkner Hospital, The staff from start to finish Triage, doctors, meal delivery staff, nurses, theatre staff, anesthisist were all the most delightful helpful staff I could have asked for. My emergency surgery turned out to be the most smooth experience I have had in a hospital.all in disguise

I had a good experience in radiology today staff were really friendly and made me feel very comfortable.

Stayed overnight from surgery! Had the most lovely nurses and doctors especially Rebecca the nurse that was with me most of my stay! Felt very well looked after!

On Wed 02 Aug I attended John Fawkner for Carpal Tunnel surgery. I arrived at 7: 00 and all set to leave by 10: 45. I'm compelled to say the entire experience was so good, I didn't want it to end. Every part of the process was thorough, professional and with genuine warmth, care and effort. The facilities and housekeeping are first class and the induction team and nursing staff carry an inner glow, very easy to talk to, and I kid you not, there are members of the team with persona's that caused my heart to skip a beat. There is a lot to be said for choosing a local hospital and being able to converse with other patients from around the general area. Hospital Management.what ever you are doing, please keep on doing it. You have wonderful people. You must be so proud.

I never write reviews but, I feel that I needed to share my gratitude to the staff members who treated me throughout my ordeal.
There is a thing called - bed side manner and this hospital has staff who understand it. They gave a much needed listening ear and a willingness to help and not just administer medication
I was blown away by one in particular nurse who went above a beyond. He offered advice that really got me through mentally aswell. A special Thanks to nurse ‘S’

Well. I had a large lipoma removed from my back, on July 3rd at their Day Hospital. It was the size of a tennis ball, next to my spine. Thankfully it has been removed: a little itchy, with the dressing and plastic cover.but expected.no more burning, stretching feeling there. The doctor Mr Cheah, and the other staff, including the nurses were all professional and considerate towards me, with the exception of one particular nurse in charge of the recovery room.
The latter unfortunately put a black mark what otherwise would have been a pleasant stay.
The waiting time was a lot longer too: I was given 2 different times to arrive at the hospital: 7.30AM by the doctor and 8.30AM by the hospital. I arrived at the earlier time, just to be sure. I was told it usually takes about 1 1/2 hours before the actual operation; but the schedule could understandably change.which it did: it took to 12.00PM. Fasting since the night before and with no drinking since 7.00AM, I was hungry and thirsty.
In the recovery room, I was asked what I wanted for lunch.they had toasted sandwiches available so I asked for one: ham, cheese and tomato was the standard staple. And a cup of tea. When the nurse serving asked if I wanted anything more, I replied to the affirmative.and since I was hungry, with no breakfast, I politely asked for another sandwich.which was given to me. The nurse in change at the desk then came over and growled at me for daring to eat another sandwich. She then took my blood pressure, pushing my arm over the sandwich, so I couldn't eat it.and said that I shouldn't eat 2 sandwiches because I would make me sick. Her manner was rude and arrogant.
It cap it all off, my cousin Marion who is handicapped insisted that she pick me up from the hospital and drive me home after. She is a proficient driver but finds it difficult to walk far.
We are close and frequently visit each other and help each other.
I tried to tell the nurse in charge, who refused to listen to me, that I wanted to save my handicapped cousin the considerable walk around to the recovery room to get me; as she is on a walker. The nurse refused and replied that every carer is required to walk into the recovery room and collect the patient.
She let out a shocked " Oh.she's handicapped! ", when my cousin entered, wobbling on her walker. Marion must have heard the comment, but she was just glad to see me.
All I can say is that I would have given the hospital more stars if I hadn't experienced that nurse in change at the desk.
Maybe it was a bad day for her.

Patient Barbara 70 years old

Visited John Faulkner Emergency Department on 20/08/23 with persistent tonsillitis symptoms. Despite being promptly seen and placed in a bed bay from 3pm to 8pm, the examination by Dr. Martin Bicket lasted only 5 minutes. After waiting for blood test results, I was diagnosed with a viral illness and discharged with no medication given. I endured 2 more days of agony until my GP diagnosed strep throat bacterial tonsillitis with pus and prescribed antibiotics. Dr. Bicket's misdiagnosis prolonged my suffering. Disappointed with the negligent care received

Zero stars if there was an option. The lady was extremely rude in the MRI section on the phone and dismissive of me when i advised that i had tingling and numbness and pain on all my right side and said go somewhere else or go emergency we can give you a date 3 weeks from today. When questioned does she not think this is urgent and please book me in as advised and sent by my GP she said go somewhere else. She had no compassion and no urgency or to help just wanted to get me off the phone. T
Should not have such a unemotional and uncaring rude person at reception but a person who will listen before dismissing you and insist on what she has told you is your only option. This person does not deserve to be in such a position if you wish to get your star rating up change her asap!

Spent 4 hours waiting today after asking how much longer was told if l would like a refund as it would be approximately another four hours and l should go and see my GP l said shortness of breath and chest tightness was not deemed to be critical as someone with a sore leg l will never go to this hospital again

This hospital outshines the rest. I will only go to this hospital for any future admissions. Very well organized, clean and friendly environment.
Keep up the great work! One in a million!

The staff have been amazing in caring for my mother, particularly Miray on the 3rd floor. Miray goes above and beyond to make certain my mother's extended stay is comfortable and not lonely. Because of a language barrier, my mum finds it hard to communicate with the staff, although the team try to understand what she needs. Having Miray there, who speaks the same language, and who checks in on her every day, has been a Godsend. Thank you, Miray and the team at John Fawkner, for taking care of my mum and always ensuring she is ok.

My Father was admitted to the emergency department yesterday 9th December. My mother told me later that the quality of care from some of the staff in particular the Nurse in charge was appalling she was very rude impersonal and unhelpful and left my mother alone to toilet my father. Not only that my mother was told by ambulance personnel that she couldn't go to the hospital with my father who is 86 and has Alzheimer's, he spent 3 hours alone before my daughter in law pushed he subject with someone from the emergency department so she could be with him.
When mum got there he was quite confused and upset, he had not even been ask if he needed to to to the toilet or even offered a glass of water. This is not the first time this hospital has given my father appalling care, also happened during a stay after a hip replacement last year, should have made a complaint then but held it back.
Do want to thank Dr David and the young male nurse who took the time to make sure dad and mum were ok.

Extremely seamless experience at the reception with super courteous staff. Great nursing staff with special callous for Jas and Vanessa. And great ER doctors too. Thank you

Mum went in very unwell. They misdiagnosed her and discharged her with still a fever, diarrhoea, nausea. During her stay they were feeding her foods she not have been eating and making her situation worse. Two days later she was in another hospital where they found her life threatening illness and is being treated currently. Pathetic effort by John Fawkner Hospital where the doctor just categorised her as another common virus and kicked her out.

So happy with the service I received recently at JFH.
The staff in the recovery ward were amazing,
The ward staff were great, not to mention the catering staff.
A big thankyou to Dr M. B & Dr David and the Home Hospital team.

My mum came from overseas with an overseas health insurance HCF.in her second day in Melbourne she got sick and we visited a GP that suggested take her to emergency as blood clot in her left leg possibly. HCF gave us a list of hospital and I decided to take her to a Jonh Farwner Private hospital 18/11/2022 at 3: 30. The service was terrible from the beginning as we tried to explain about mum was referred from the GP but they never listen and only asked to sit and wait. After two in half hours waiting triage nurse call us. She was really rude and was complaining all the time that they were so busy. When she asked about mums insurance she said that I would need needs to speak to the doctor in charge of emergency. When this person showed up only say that hospital was full that they don have any bed available and my mum was from overseas and the hospital can not help her as they need to give priority to Australians and then asked me to take my mum to a public hospital. I insisted him to help my mum but this person did not listen. Pleas staff from hospitals we understand that everyone is busy in our jobs and you people related to the health industry need to care more about patients as every life is precious and absolutely important independently of ethnicity or believes.

16th october went to JFH Sunday afternoon from emergency right thru to recovery ALL staff were absolutely professional and upbeat and friendly many thanks to all excellent

This hospital has failed in their duty of care. The ED staff were wonderful however the abhorrent behaviour and lack of care began from the moment we entered the ward. When a patient discharges themselves at 3am in the morning, that in itself leaves one wondering what is going on.
This matter will be escalated.

Great hospital and team of Nurses and Doctors. Was admitted early Oct 22 and from the time of entry into ED to my Private room, I was always greeted with a smile, answered any concerns I had and made you feel comfortable away from family.
Very caring & knowledgeable team. Clearly shows they love their work. Special thanks to, Wen, Sean, Claire, Glenn & all the rest of the team that I've forgotten their names. Even the hospitality ladies.
Thank you.
Btw. Hospital food here is very satisfying and delicious, even though mine was a Diabetic menu. Good variety to choose from and portion size is generous.