Southbank Medical Centre

The doctor was knowledgeable and treated me well for my ailment. The lady at the front desk was very rude: short with people over the phone, short with people in person. An Asian man was trying to get service and she just got up and started yelling at staff in the back about how she should be provided a translator. Long wait times, but thats everywhere at walk-ins in this country right now. Thankfully I arrived at the right time of day: about an hour and a half before the walk-in doctor arrives. I also wish the front desk lady would learn to process out-of-province health cards. I had to pay out of pocket and she provided me with a letter to mail to Health Services BC, got compensated about 4 months later. This has never been a problem for me as there is software to use to process out-of-province cards without having to use the mail service, which I paid for of course. A coughing child came in and I asked for a face mask. Was told to go to the pharmacy next door and was charged $0.25 for an individual mask, waited in line. The place is also very dingy and in need of renovations.

I had to visit this place because of a throat infection and a very bad cough. To my surprise, I discovered they're open on Sundays and, I think, even holidays. Which is incredible for people who tend to get sick on weekends or holidays. The service was perfect considering it's just one person who attends to patients, answers calls, and assists the doctor and taking patients to their respective doctor offices. It might not be the best customer service, but I've been to clinics where my wait has been 5 hours. My wait time, from being seen by the front desk staff to actually being in the doctor's office, was less than 2 hours. So I appreciate their attention and especially their extended hours. They treat patients with or without OHIP, as well as patients from other provinces.

I brought my daughter to this clinic on Saturday and had one of the most disappointing experiences I’ve ever had in a healthcare setting. She was extremely ill — very high fever, weak, and unable to stand for long — so she had to lie down in the car while we waited. The clinic was packed, which I fully understand, and I respect that staff can be overwhelmed.nnHowever, what was deeply upsetting was the complete lack of compassion or communication from the front desk staff. When I checked in around 11:00 a.m., I was told to return at 12:30. My daughter was still too sick to sit inside, so I waited in the car with her and periodically came in to ask for an update on our spot in the queue — not to skip ahead, simply to understand where we stood so I could manage her comfort and symptoms.nnEach time, I was met with dismissive responses, no explanation, and zero empathy toward a clearly very sick child. At one point, when the waiting area had cleared and I politely asked again for an approximate idea of where she was in the lineup, the staff member abruptly gathered the health cards and asked if I wanted mine back — which I did NOT request — and then placed it at the back of the pile. This felt punitive and unprofessional, especially when all I was asking for was basic communication.nnI completely understand that clinics get busy, especially during sick season. But what I cannot understand is the lack of compassion, professionalism, and courtesy shown. Families come here distressed, worried, and exhausted. A little transparency and kindness goes a very long way.nnThis experience left me genuinely shocked and disappointed. I hope the clinic reviews how front desk staff interact with patients, because the way we were treated was unacceptable for a healthcare environment. Compassion should never be optional. The two ladies at the front desk should not be working in a health care environment. This needs to be taken seriously. I’m truly appalled.

Very unprofessional experience at Southbank Medical Center on Bank Street in Ottawa.nnI was told I would receive a text message for my pregnancy follow-up, which never came. When I went in person to clarify, the old lady at the front desk was dismissive and cut me off before I could even finish explaining that I am pregnant.nnWhen I politely asked about the wait time, instead of providing information, she said: “I can’t do this. Come later when you receive a text message.” That is not appropriate communication in a medical setting, especially when dealing with prenatal care.nnLack of professionalism, lack of empathy, and very poor customer service. Very disappointing.

I was honestly worried after reading some of the reviews, but my experience was excellent. The doctor took their time, asked the right questions, and really listened. They explained everything clearly and calmly. The front desk staff were polite and patient; none of the attitude mentioned in other comments. I was in and out in under an hour. I hope I won’t need to come back, but if I do, this is definitely the clinic I’ll choose. Highly recommend.

Directions to Southbank Medical Centre with public transportation

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