Howdale Surgery

Prescription system needs serious rethinking

Personnel are mostly accommodating. Physicians are typically competent. The recently implemented prescription ordering system appears to pose potential risks for controlled drug patients

Doctors who just don't care

The general practitioners here are subpar. They demonstrate minimal to no concern for patients and burden their staff with unnecessary demands and running around.

Tough time booking with this practice

Challenging to schedule an appointment, constantly being told to call and talk to the physician directly.

Quick and efficient airport parking

Quick and hassle-free transaction from start to finish

Terrible support for mental health concerns

Completely inadequate when addressing psychological well-being. It's a classic example of dismissing mental health concerns with minimal engagement. A family member endured a three-week wait for a single phone consultation, only to be redirected to browse online resources. The support provided was shockingly substandard and demonstrated a profound lack of genuine care or effort.

Quick follow-up after my hospital visit

Thoroughly delighted by the medical team's prompt communication and swift follow-up regarding my recent hospital visit just the day before.

Friendly receptionists amid terrible care

I'm rating this place one star overall for the surgery, mainly because the reception staff are genuinely kind and would sincerely attempt to help if they could do more than just try to push work onto the GPs. As for the actual practitioners, I'd give zero stars if that were possible. Dr Makarza deserves to have his medical licence revoked. He is an appalling individual who completely disregards the fundamental principles of medical ethics. Absolutely avoid this surgery if you're seeking mental health support, as they will deliberately mislead you about referral possibilities to minimize their professional responsibilities. It's clear that nobody enjoys being at work, but this profession is fundamentally about human compassion - something these practitioners seem to lack entirely and appear completely unfamiliar with. Do NOT seek mental health assistance here.

Welcoming staff made my visit easy

Incredibly supportive and welcoming employees. Bright and pleasant reception area.

Tight squeeze through gravel parking lot

I assisted my mum to and from her appointment, navigating the gravel car park with her walker without much difficulty. However, what caught my attention was a car occupying the sole designated handicapped hardstanding area. The driver, seemingly fit, walked into the surgery without any apparent mobility issues. Subsequently, another vehicle arrived with a frail elderly lady who needed to unload her passenger into a wheelchair. As the passenger struggled to transfer from the car seat, I stepped in to help. Once seated, the elderly lady attempted to maneuver the wheelchair through the gravel, but was impeded by the poorly parked car blocking the path. The passenger claimed he couldn't move the automatic vehicle and suggested his wife might help. She emerged and offered to relocate the car, but by then, the elderly lady and I had managed to navigate the wheelchair around the car, squeezing between the protruding wheel and nearby shrubbery. Visibly frustrated, the elderly lady told the woman not to bother moving now, and she quickly retreated inside. My frustration stems partly from the surgery's lack of additional disabled parking and primarily from the driver who unnecessarily occupied the disabled bay. Despite potentially having a blue badge, she appeared fully capable of walking briskly multiple times in and out of the surgery. A considerate person would have avoided parking in the disabled bay if not required and would have promptly moved their vehicle upon realizing the inconvenience caused to others. I hope the wheelchair user found it easier to return to his car.

Phone system drove me crazy

Scheduling an appointment here is an absolute disaster. After making countless calls—around 30—and finally getting through, you're forced to navigate a frustrating menu where selecting option 1 or 2 just results in another disconnection. They desperately need to fix their booking system.

Frustrating manager never returned my call

I am utterly dismayed by the treatment I've received from this medical practice. After deciding to switch from my current surgery, I submitted an online application. The reception staff repeatedly informed me that the manager would ultimately determine my acceptance. On multiple occasions, I was promised a callback, but no call ever came. When I reached out, I was consistently told the manager was unavailable or in a meeting, with the reception team unable to provide a suitable time to contact him. Despite my persistent attempts, I never received the promised phone call. I find this behavior extremely unprofessional. Today, when I contacted the reception team again, I was met with neither an apology nor an explanation. I am thoroughly disappointed with their lack of communication and customer service.

Caring doctor who truly listens

The medical professionals here demonstrate an exceptional level of compassion, particularly Dr Lidgey, who is my primary physician. Her approach is reminiscent of traditional, personable healthcare, and she truly shows deep concern for her patients' well-being. Moreover, all the other doctors at this practice have consistently provided me with respectful and attentive care. I am completely satisfied and have no desire to seek medical treatment elsewhere.

Compassionate care when I needed it most

I feel incredibly appreciative of the medical attention I've experienced at this surgical practice. Following a challenging health period last year, the exceptional support and pain control I received during my pre-operative period was truly remarkable. I particularly appreciate how the medical staff efficiently manage phone communications first thing in the morning. Their approach allows them to provide immediate guidance, assess whether an appointment is necessary, and ensure urgent cases are typically seen the same day. It's a brilliantly effective system that saves time for both patients and healthcare providers. The nursing staff are consistently warm and compassionate, ensuring patients like myself always feel thoroughly cared for. The two clinics I regularly visit demonstrate an outstanding commitment to preventative healthcare, which I find extremely valuable.

Caring doc who never rushes patients

Fantastic physician who consistently prioritizes patient care and availability

A lifeline for patients with compassionate care

Every single staff member goes above and beyond, providing top-notch assistance to all patients. Urgent medical need today - you'll definitely see a healthcare professional, possibly not your regular doctor, but you'll receive care. Next-day appointments are straightforward, typically with your preferred physician. Scheduling is flexible and convenient. For individuals like myself with disabilities, their service is truly outstanding. The physicians are compassionate, understanding, and completely transparent. When a medical issue cannot be addressed, they communicate this directly. The nursing team maintains the same professional and empathetic approach. Overall, it's a remarkably smooth and tension-free experience. Other medical practices should take note!!!!! This level of care is absolutely achievable.