Awanui Labs - Lower Hutt

Photos

Reviews

1. Cass ★★★★★

   KATE is magic!! I did not feel the needle go in or come out. SERIOUSLY. I did not know that was possible. The Receptionist/Nurse needs training on being welcoming and informative. Please put up signs on the steps of the system so as to avoid a derogatory experience.

   almost 8 months ago
2. Adrian Davis ★★★★★

   I came in on Saturday morning due to the strikes, handed in my paperwork, and was pleasantly surprised to be called in within just five minutes, despite the number of people waiting. From the moment I walked in, the nurse was incredibly kind and reassuring. I shared my previous experience where the needle had gone through the vein and I nearly fainted, and she took it to heart. She had me lie down, found the vein effortlessly on the first try, and made the whole process feel calm and easy. She even encouraged me to take the elevator afterward, just to be safe. It was genuinely one of the best and most comforting experiences I’ve ever had when having blood taken. I’m truly grateful—thank you so much for your care and compassion.

   almost 10 months ago
3. Jack Tafatu ★★★★☆

   I have been a regular there and sometimes it can get busy. But you can ring and ask if they are not so busy. The old lady at the reception can be blunt but it's not about her. The matured Nurses I found makes you feel relax and comfortable with their approach and before you know it all done. And they give you an option Left or right arm. Could have given 5 star but had one bad experience with, no offence an Indian nurse, really ought to learn to take on board some PR lessons from the mature experience staff. I'll make sure she won't come near my veins next time.

   1 year ago

1. Shanelle Rutherford ★☆☆☆☆

   Grumpy staff and ill-trained nurses. Have had multiple bad experiences here and I was even advised by my GP to go elsewhere, her words “that place is a nightmare”. The wait time doesn’t even bother me, what does is the attitudes of people working there. These nurses must hate their jobs, or hate people. Furthermore I’ve had multiple experiences of nurses being unable to find a vein or draw blood, and have even reused needles after failing to find the vein (thereby using a blunt needle- a big no-no). Ive got pretty juicy veins and I’ve never had issues until going there. Most recently however, was when I went to fill out my form and my sisters, who was a mere 10mins away and had a baby with her. The wait was 30-45mins- difficult to do with a baby. The nurse refused to accept my sisters form to put her in the queue with me. It’s these small things that make all the difference to someone’s day, and it was clear this was a power play by someone who just didn’t want to be helpful. One bad experience could be explained away, but multiple experiences… something is clearly going on there that has people hating their jobs.

   1 year ago
2. Baka ★★★★☆

   Havent been here too many times, but even when busy the wait isnt too long, and the staff are all friendly

   almost 2 years ago
3. Nathan Schofield ★★★★★

   I 100% recommend Prianka if you or your child is needle phobic. She uses a ‘butterfly needle’ which is tiny and gets small children’s veins first time every time!

   almost 2 years ago

1. Megan Wix ★☆☆☆☆

   I’m meant to have regular blood tests. If I go in to have them in Upper Hutt, it’s a quick and easy task. But I’ve moved to Lower Hutt in the last year, and EVERY time I come in, it’s a queue out the door. Why is there such a big difference between services. With Lower Hutt having a bigger population you’d think they’d invest in better service here. I’ve waited and had to leave because it’s taking too long, or I’ve just turned around and walked out when I see the queue. All in all - now well overdue to have blood tests and will have to take time out from work to be able to spend the time waiting. There’s also never enough seats. EDIT: this is not blaming staff - I’m sure they’re doing the best they can with what they have. I just think maybe they need better facilities or more resource. When i actually get to having blood taken the staff are always pleasant

   almost 2 years ago
2. Luisa Ribas ★★☆☆☆

   I have been here about thirty times now for various tests and drop offs over the last 3 years. It has become increasingly disorganised. It’s a clean space, and the procedures are fairly straightforward, but the main area staff are a bit of a disaster. Often, they have no sense of the discretion that people who are ill and investigating their health value and want. Today they dropped my sample (could have been anything right?) and then held it up, fumbled, then giggled nervously - none of it was ok really. I was so embarrassed for them I had to turn around. Such bad handling - despite the fact I’d just said - look I’ve put it discreetly in here in a correctly labeled bag, but the pot label isn’t right, just so you know. They should have dealt with it without embarrassing me and possibly grossing out everyone around (yes lots of looks!). It wasn’t stool (haha now you’re maybe wondering)- the point is they should have had handled it better. It made me wonder about their training. They had a what-am-I-doing-ness that is far from professional. I’ve sat there for many wait times ranging from 0-45 minutes. The other patients often exchange looks about the staff errors we witness. There’s nothing to do but hear them (earphones help but morbid interest can win). It is awkward that they discuss patient things in earshot. It’s without names, but general descriptions like ‘that man’ , and it doesn’t feel respectful. The bulk of the visible staff group in general ranges from excessively bored to excessively stressed. There is definitely a sense that they are friends hanging out in a workplace but don’t carry a sense of being serious care workers. I feel sorry for the ones that are calm and centred. I’ve decided to use a different centre. I’d rather travel further than deal with this atmosphere. Although they use little intro sheets, they still get confused a lot. I feel for patients of serious illnesses that come here. I wouldn’t want to have to deal with the constant flow of accidents and confusion that I’ve seen, while being severely sick. I think it has to do with the standing up group meetings that seem to form just past the counter space. It doesn’t seem like a good place to discuss staff subjects. And until calm clear capacity is restored, I’m sure the negative reviews will continue to flow. I want to say though, that the nurses who took blood on various occasions, especially the slightly older ones, have always been especially excellent, and lovely in manner. They’ve been so nice to talk to, and their technique very good. The older reception staff too. They are why I kept coming for so long. I’d say they’re firmly working to not get dragged into the Gaggle vibe. I do think people should be able to choose where they prefer to go, depending on what they are going through. I am relieved to only have one more dropoff there.

   almost 3 years ago

FAQs