Total Wellbeing Medical & Counselling Centre

A really horrific experience that ended with a 7 day hospital inpatient stay & 2 surgeries, due to severe infection that developed 2 days after haemorrhoid banding.
I do not recommend this practice for haemorrhoid banding. See a colorectal surgeon who provides anesthesia, antibiotics & pain relief - I was not given any, even upon request. My pain was *through the roof* while the DR banded a haemorrhoid. I had to employ deep breathing while I wanted to scream. I requested anesthesia before the procedure & he refused. He brushed me off. So I thought maybe I didn't need it as I trusted his judgement. Wrong.

I had to plead with him post procedure for pain relief & antibiotics a couple of days later on the phone & he still refused to prescribe antibiotics. I had fever, chills, was vomiting & was in *extreme* pain. I could barely move. I had to see another practitioner to receive antibiotics & pain relief. Dr Sharif even questioned why I had a script for antibiotics upon my next call to him. I had to consult my regular GP to get a way foward. I was promptly admitted to hospital, on IV antibiotics & pain relief (endone) around the clock for 4 days & had my first of 2 surgeries.

The practice manager Rick refused to speak with me upon my request for a remedy. I was told by reception staff, "he wants to leave it as it is (& not follow up with me) ".

Please go to a colorectal surgeon or Gastroenterologist who also bands haemorrhoids (you do have to ring around as typically not all gastroenterologists perform it. All colorectal surgeons will band/clear haemorrhoids). For about $100 more you can be seen in a safe & clean environment, provided anesthesia, antibiotics, pain relief & cared for in the way you'd expect.

I really hope this review helps you make an informed decision. I wish I knew then what I know now!
I usually don't leave negative reviews but feel this could help someone in a positive way.

Approximate cost: $540

In response to the reply from the practice -

You make it sound like a bunch of medicos came to my aid willingly, when that certainly wasn't the case. It was I who had to persevere as things went horribly wrong very quickly & was left in excruciating pain from infection without adequate medical care.

Let's just go over the facts. You make it sound like I was proactively attended too, which was certainly not the case. I had to seek out & be insistent for basic medical care all the way.

Firstly, Dr Sharif did the haemorrhoid banding which got infected, became terribly painful & needed two hospital admissions & 2 surgical procedures under general anesthesia. I am still recovering now, some 6 weeks later.

The second Dr was sought by myself in desperation as Dr Sharif wouldn't prescribe pain medication nor antibiotics. Dr Frank. He was actually helpful & had some empathy. He prescribed antibiotics.

The third Dr was engaged because when I did speak with Sharif the second time, he unwillingly conceded & wrote a prescription for pain relief (panadeine forte) at my persistence. I was in tears explaining my pain.however it was written illegally (a photo of a prescription sent via emai rather than accepted barcode) & the pharmacy would not fill it. I went all that way & could barely drive through the pain, only to be turned away. Not good enough. He needs to get up to speed with prescribing correctly.

& Rick, as practice manager, you refused to speak with me. You were afraid to hear my side & empathize with what I went through. That was certainly the icing on the cake. I certainly don't call that a good medical service. Do no harm? Well, that didn't happen because harm was caused.
I sincerely hope you get some guidance around providing a substantial service, in future. As well, I am not one of the hundreds you mention. Numbers are simply a diversion from the issue I am addressing. As a patient, I matter. As a human being, I matter. Period. Your practice professionalism is certainly under grave question. You still haven't called me. I don't suppose you will but I invite you to discuss this matter.

Terrible Experience

I had a specialist referral to Monash Health from this clinic. I wasted 4 hours of my time on the phone trying to get this clinic send the referral through, and the response I received from them was "Contact your local GP for another referral. " Excuse me, aren't you providing referral services as a Medical Clinic? Why should I waste more time and money to see another GP for another referral?

No apologies, no care given once the bill is paid.

If $210 a session isnt enough for a normal jo blow. Cause of there mistake and couldn't get hold of me charged me extra $10 late fee. Doesn't sound like much but if you wanting to book two sessions a month, most people would have just waved $10. Wont be booking in again to see Michelle. Good way to end the day and lose a psychologist over 10 bucks. 2 sessions a month x12 is $2520 good to lose someone over $10. Now more anxiety start seeking new psychologist.

I have had suffered chronic issues until I found Dr. Wong who changed my life with pain free from severe haemorrhoids!
I am so grateful that I was able to see Dr. Wong who is extremely knowledgeable, explained to super details, I would recommend to anyone who is suffering from haemorrhoids.
Thank you so much again!

I've been treated there since 2017 and I have not one single regret. Top notch staff and medical personnel that have helped me more than any other doctors that I have known.:)

Excellent and amazingly caring Receptionist Ms Rita. Thanking her so much for her kindness and compassion to help. The world can do with more Rita’s.

The receptionist were helpful and kind.

The Dr.whom I saw, was friendly, a good listener and helped me a great deal.

Absolutely fantastic practice the Doctors are experts in their field and admin staff are very friendly, efficient and helpful.

Absolutely fabulous caring Psych iatrist. Wholistic approach. Knew how to get rid of my leg cramps! Does not push drugs and multiple cocktails. Has great ability to explain things and when I was in a nervewraking situation gave me a note FEAR. False evidence appearing real.went out of her way to sort out a very difficult matter for me.l

Bad staff. The reception name Ying. Was rude and wouldnt let me talk. She didn't let me speak about my situation. Was trying to explain to her. Her tone was very rude. Bad service. This is a genuine review. I am a patient there. She was very unprofessional.

Dr. Wong is incredible and very knowledgeable and extremely informative and very thorough. I must also commend the staff at reception who were equally helpful and professional.

Dr P. T Wong is a Legend! He truly cares for the wholistic approach towards better living. How many times do we get to actually understand how our bodies work, Dr Wong helped me fully understand certain in depth stuff by using simple analogies. He then directed me towards a healthy path by giving sound medical advice. Very great experience!

This is one great medical centre. All of their staff are professional and caring, highly recommended.

Ruth Valentine is terrible. She should not be advertising herself as an assault therapist. Telling me to eat bread and butter is not going to do anything. Seeing her made me feel worse.

GP are warm and caring with good knowledge, Receptionists are a great team. I highly recommended this medical clinic.

Dr. Chiew has been our family GP here since 2004; we are very happy with her and the clinic. You will be in good hands.

I've been there since 2011. Very warm and friendly reception. GPs are thorough, caring, devoted and very efficient. Waiting time is reasonable, in a comfortable waiting lounge and parking is convenient too. I would highly recommend this medical centre to anyone anytime.