Annandale Family Doctors

I'm not really sure what to make of this practice. On the day I attended, all the doctors who supposedly comprise the practice were mysteriously AWOL. True, the proprietor, Dr Chalmers, bopped in and out of the waiting room at random intervals, but never actually attended to any patient. All the work was done by a very hard-working and put-upon locum.

I have seen all the doctors at this practice and they are very thorough and have spent time sorting out my health problems. They are open 7 days a week which I find useful whenever I need to see a doctor. The receptionists are very polite and understanding and I have been squeezed in for an urgent appointment when I needed it. You can also book online through Health Engine. I would recommend anyone in Annandale area to go to this practice.

My family has been coming here for many years now. Even though we no longer live in the area, we still go there because it's really hard to find caring and thorough GPs like Drs Chalmers, Acton and Beale. Finding a good doctor is like finding a good mechanic, you always go to them.

We have been thrilled with the care provided by Annandale Family Doctors, especially Sue Acton. Reception staff have always been friendly, kind and considerate. I especially like the way they interact with my children. The rooms are a little tired, but the care has been wonderful and that is what actually counts.

WARNING - think carefully about going here:nnDr Chalmers and his receptionist Mandy seem like lovely people, but this medical practice overcharges for treatment that I have huge doubts about - and as a patient, confidence in the advice and care you’re given is really the only thing you’re paying for.nnI went on a Sunday for a 10.15am appointment, didn’t get in to see Dr Chalmers until 10.30 which is fine, delays are to be expected. Once in, Dr Chalmers proceeded to seek a slow and extended medical history, take my blood pressure and pulse, ask me about where I’m living and what I do for work, despite me having two simple things wrong: a sore ear which I wanted him to examine, and a recurring skin infection for which I needed a prescription. I mentioned I’d been having stomach discomfort in case it was relevant but told him I wasn’t concerned about for this visit.nnHe looks in my ear and can’t see any signs of infection, takes a cursory glance at my skin, examines my stomach. At the end of the session he asks what antibiotics I was prescribed for my skin last time, and has to be prompted to offer antibiotic cream as well. He then prescribes me an incorrect dosage of the antibiotic (according to my dermatologist).nnI leave his office at 10.48 after 18 minutes, only to be told that the session has gone for 21 minutes and that I owe $120 as payment. $120 for writing a script for the incorrect dosage of an antibiotic, that I had to tell him to give me.nnI’m not an unreasonable person and I don’t want to cause a fuss on the weekend so I agree to pay but I politely wanted to offer some feedback to the receptionist. When I point out that I was late getting in, I’m told that I’m wrong. When I politely point out the unnecessary and slow conversation and that I wasn’t advised of the excess weekend charges or time charges I’m told that if I never come back that’s okay with them.nnBeing a doctor is hard, working on the weekend deserves compensation. I very rarely leave negative reviews. But I left Dr Chalmers office $120 poorer, not feeling particularly cared for, with nothing but an inaccurate script and the sneaking suspicion that I’m going to have to go back and see another GP just to confirm that my ear actually is okay.nnWouldn’t return here, and unfortunately I have to say I really wouldn’t trust this place with the health of anyone I cared about.