Stay well clear if you're wanting standard calibre, professional and balanced doctors. The nurses are lovely but that is of little value when a doctor is required. The decor could use a complete makeover and the general ambience and tone is quite depressing.
Long waits, - both for appointment dates (up to 2-3 weeks even if urgent) and long waits before seeing the doctor 60-90 minutes. Expensive fees and poor medical advice. Recently charged $100 for a 20 minute doctor consultation as an enrolled patient. Also recently,unpleasent comments made. I had three days off work due to severe pain ( limited mobility). The dr prescribed sedating medication. He then said ' ive stopped being concerned by patients taking the piss by having time off'. Unnecessary and if he thought about it, an idiotic ( unprofessional) thing to say. It would be unsafe for me to work on the medication given. Overall the quality of care has dropped significantly - e.g being accosted for accounts that have already been paid (apparently there is an issue with paying online - takes a long time to show up.) In a full waiting room being told that I had not paid my outstanding accounts and they needed to be paid. They argued the point. I ended up leaving asking them to look into it - giving the date it was paid on. It had been paid weeks earlier as already stated. At an earlier appointment a reception person had asked about it, looked into it, apologised and was really nice about the systamatic error. There are exceptions- a couple of good doctors . I have had excellent care, by reception staff and doctors but it really depends on the doctor and staff. Very hit and miss. Overall, there is a sense that patients are becoming just another dollar sign - exploiting people at their most vulnerable and charging as much as possible for the privilege.
Love these guys, have been going for nearly 20 years, was one of Murray’s patients till he retired and I’m with Oliver now - always super efficient, nurses are great, Moya is lovely. Have been supportive through a health diagnosis and never felt any judgement. Thanks guys keep up the good work.
Went to this Medical Centre for 20 years Murray Smith was an amazing GP, a true family Doctor. Not impressed with the new lot, have moved to another clinic.
Patients that go to this practice are just seen as walking $$ signs. I asked the gp for an application form during a consult. As sometimes happens we remembered on the way out of the consultation. The gp got the form for me, asked me to fill it in, return it and she would complete her part. I did as requested. When I went to pick it up I was charged a further $30. In total....$54 for the consult and $30 for the form filling which should have been part of the consult. Consequently we have found another gp where I've been assured we will not be treated as walking $$s. It's sad when the once family doctor and medical practice has become nothing more than a money making exercise where patients are not valued and making money is the target. Further to my post above.... I am pleased to say the practice manager phone on behalf of the principal and apologized when I told her about the above issue and also another couple of similar issues. In light of this I have to say I was pleased they took this step. I would also like to say that we had no issues with the care we received from the two GPs we saw at the practice.
For 39 year my husband and I plus family have gone to this Medical Centre with wonderful John Hudson and his great nursing staff. On our many visits it was quiet normal to wait awhile to see him(anything from 15 minutes to an hour) but it was worth it. Even since John has retired these been many times when my husband has had to wait. Today my husband was 15 minutes late and Oliver (Superior) would not see him and we were told to make another appointment. We just walked out after a few comments. Yes it was my husband's fault but I am in disbelief that this has happened at this Surgery. What the hell is the place coming to.
My family and myself have been looked after by North Avon Medical Center for many many years. Firstly by Murray Smith for many years, great man, now I see Oliver Satchell. Another great man , extremely caring ,takes time to make sure I'm ok and thorough. Genuinely cares and I'm very grateful to see have another fabulous Doctor. The nurses are fabulous and the receptionists, Moya and Bethany,there's another lovely lady there too but I cannot remember her name right now, are wonderful and always happy to see you and always have a smile. All the staff work extremely hard and take pride in caring for their patients. The surgery has grown from strength to strength over the years and it's been wonderful to see. Highly recommend !
Have been with this clinic for 5+ years. When Murray left I was guttered as he was an amazing GP but I've seen Hillary twice since and cant recommend her enough! Also Bethany at reception...always cheerful and welcoming. The staff have all done exceptionally well during Covid to keep enrolled patients safe
North Avon Medical Centre is located at 28 North Avon Road, Richmond, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
You can contact North Avon Medical Centre at +64 3 389 6655
You can find directions to North Avon Medical Centre by following this map link
39 Park Avenue, Oxford 7430, New Zealand
18 Wycola Avenue, Hei Hei, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand
249 Papanui Road, Strowan, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand
324 Main North Road, Redwood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
182 Withells Road, Avonhead, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand
Kaiapoi, Christchurch 7630, New Zealand