Dr Bernadette McElhinney

I would have liked to have been given antibiotics after my operation because now (3 months later) I find myself having issues that could have been prevented most likely with better after-care treatment. I am a bit dumb-founded that this didn't happen. I had an endometrial polyp removed but even if this is a minor procedure, I would expect an antibiotic would be given to reduce the risk of infection.

Disorganised and over-committed. Did hospital ward rounds at 6am one morning, 5:45am the next. I had been sleeping so unable to ask the questions required. Next morning, I set my alarm for 6am and had questions ready. She turned up at 5:45am so again I was unable to ask more Q’s about the operation, when I could drive, what to lift, what housework I could/couldn’t do. I emailed her and got an unqualified response from her receptionist to “listen to my body”.nThis was after much stress in the lead up to my surgery, due to delays caused by Bernie not acting timely on my ultrasound results. When I chased up results for this I was told they had not received results (I don’t believe because the Ultrasound surgery, POGU had always been very efficient). Action to book in surgery was only taken when I called and emailed her office several times. This delay happened while I was in serious pain due to stage 4/5 endometriosis.nOnce my surgery was booked I requested another appointment with Bernie before surgery since I had not seen her for 6 moths, and ultrasound scans showed it was much more complicated than first thought, so I had more questions and concerns. Her receptionist told me Bernie was fully booked and could not see me. Bernie did call me so at least I knew that she actually looked at my ultrasound before the surgery.nThis lack of care left me going into surgery very nervous. It was then compounded by Bernie’s 5:45/6am ward rounds not facilitating me being able to get more advice, I left the hospital very upset feeling unprepared for recovery.nOnce I submitted feedback to the hospital about Bernie’s rounds being too early, she emailed me that she also works for the public system and needs to do rounds early to be ready for calls from the public hospital by 8/9am. Why should my care be compromised due to her other commitments?

The care i received was great and the receptionist just lovely. My issue was the hidden costs that they don't tell you about. I asked more than once what my total out of pocket cost would be ,yet i have received two bills from the clinical laboratories totaling around $600-700 altogether.. i have now been taken to debt collectors to get the last amount from me as i just couldn't afford any more costs. Other people i have spoken to who have had this procedure have not incurred these extra costs. Very disappointed as the rest of the service was good.

Amazing, Dr McElhinney took the time to listen to me and showed genuine care. She has a very warming personality and she is extremely good at what she does. It can be nerve racking attending a Gynaecologist appointment however I instantly felt comfortable at my first consultation and her secretary is very warm and welcoming and assisted me with all of my bookings. I am ever so grateful for being under the care of Dr McElhinney. Highly recommend!

Cannot say enough about the level of care I received from Dr McElhinney and her staff.nDr M saw me in the early hours of the morning as it was the only time I could see her ahead of a trip away for work.nShe patiently answered the many questions I had.nThe recovery from my hysterectomy was better than from when I had my gall bladder out. I was shocked.nI made a couple of calls to the office with questions post op and they were always patient and helpful when answering my questions.