Alfred Health Care Australia Review

I was admitted under the Mental Health Act three times within 24 hours in February 2019. My parents requested that I not be discharged without their consent and I was clearly severely unwell. The hospital disregarded the help I was seeking and I was readmitted again, and again.

I sought assistance from the Crisis Assessment Team/Psychiatric Triage tonight due to suicidal ideation and was dismissed and hung up on with the comment, "Maybe you'd get further in life if you had a better attitude."

I understand they have a difficult and stressful job but I was legitimately seeking help and trying to seek ways to improve my situation.
It was the last thing I needed to hear.

Perhaps I would get further in life if I had a better attitude but I am actively pursuing ways to achieve that and was in a crisis where I needed help.

This great Hospital has on a number of occasions saved my life.
I am truly grateful to the Specialists, Doctors, Chemists, Nurses, Domestic services and anybody in between. I have no reason to complain.
Thank you for all you ve done for me and God Bless You all.

I owe my life to the amazing nurses, surgeons, doctors and staff from this hospital, I have had 2 double lung transplants, the first not so good but the second all is perfect, I can only say thankyou

Best emergency ward! Saved my wifes life one saturday night, she had lower abdomen pain and they knew the causes within half an hour and nxt day transfered her to sandringham for an emergency operation thank you to all the staff!

Horrible! I had a neurosurgery appointment at 11am 13/3/19 and the surgeon was a condescending, Narcissistic. I was clearly distresssd, crying and frustrated by my situation, yet the non empathetic sadist showed not one ounce of kindess whilst talking down to me like I was an uneducated moron. No matter what we do for a job, it is imperative we deal with people on a personal level with a sense of care and understanding. Disappointingly, this was not displayed today at my appointment by ANY of the staff at this hospital other than the young lady that attended me prior to the surgeon with a God complex entering the room. I don't make personal opinion or judgement of those I assist in my line of work, and would expect a greater level of tolerance by an expert in this field of practice.

Father admitted on Boxing Day. Rang up for information. Put on hold five times! Finally got a half answer.

They saved my brother from dying after he had his car accident. God bless.

The food was atrocious. No flavour and so dry. Nothing appetizing about their food. Just could not eat it.

Took care of my facial burns very well. Though it was only first degree burns, the specialists came at once and talked to me in simple terms and supported me throughout my stay. Thanks for all the care.

Came to the hospital at 7am with severe food poisoning, only because GP's weren't open yet. Triage nurse completely overlooked my symptoms. Was having to lie on the floor with terrible nausea and was refused to be seen. Other patients with minor problems were seen before me. Completely incompetent nurses and staff with no compassion.

The emergency Trauma Unit is fantastic. Wonderful service when transported there by ambulance after a bicycle accident.

The doctors and nurses here really work hard and care. My dear aunt attended for surgery and received A+ care throughout. Needs a lick of paint and more funding all public hospitals, but the 'Hospital by the Yarra' is a credit to Melbourne town.

Excellent care for my mother from emergency department to ward

Excellent facility and the nurse are always caring and have a positive attitude during my time at the hospital.

Because This Hospital was Seen in the Show Medical Emergency on Channel 7 in a matter of Fact most of the scenes was actually filmed in the Emergency Department but some of the Scenes were also filmed at the Sandringham Hospital in which is across Town.

I am grateful for the doctors and nurses at the emergency department who helped me and comforted me last week.

I broke my wrist and the care and empathy from staff here was outstanding. Please donate to the Alfred #AlwaysAlfred. And the Lamb Korma i had for dinner was up there with the best. And I eat a lot of curry.

staff are ok, but f*** the waiting time! just waited 4 hours to be called then another 25 min just sitting in another room for a 10 min consult, jesus christ!

Here is where my Mum and Dad work but on different levels

Still cannot come to terms with the fact my cousin was taken to this hospital in the ambulance with heart problems, an hour later because he couldn't get his wife he called my mobile, he said there was no one to sign him in!! I raced to get there from Vermont South to find him left in the ambulance passage on the trolly FFS! No one to sign him in? The man had a damn heart attack! I am only doing this review now because of the nightmares I have of him lying helpless alone on a trolly. Sadly he passed away after he was operated on.

Got my appendix taken, very good service.

Thanks for saving my life :)

After waiting years for elective surgery, I decided to enquire (yet again). This time I was informed they had no record of my request and would need to apply again. Don't bother yourself. St V's will do it in six months time.
Having said that of your admin, The Alfred saved my life three years ago and cannot fault your nursing staff and surgeons.

Was admitted to The Alfred during a visit to Melbourne on our return trip from NZ to UK. I had contracted pneumonia - I was in hospital for 5 days - during that time I was nursed back to health by the fantastic staff at the hospital, so professional yet so caring. I thank you all so much.

Some of the doctors and nurses are actually really good at their profession that work here but some of them a not professional in their field and quite rude towards patient.

Thanks to CJ, Annika and other nursing staff on ward 6 East for the great care they gave me over the past 2 days. Also thanks to Kaz and the other surgical staff who helped me :)

This hospital gave me the best burns surgeon that gave me the best possible use of my hands considering the extent of the burns and amputations I suffered as a result of my accident

Absolutely terrible phone service. I'm in NSW trying to check on the condition of my sister after her serious operation. If you can get through to the switchboard and get put through to the ward the phone will just ring out. The last time I got through to the switchboard I was told the nurses arn't there to answer phones ??

I ended up in the ED at the Alfred and spent a night in the Short Stay Unit. The ED was busy but I did not have to wait too long for a bed, review by a Doctor(s) or the tests I had. I was kept well informed at all times and every single Nurse I encountered in my almost 24 hour stay was wonderful. I also had a great pair of paramedics in my initial assessment who made me feel as calm as possible in my first ambulance ride. It is beyond me why anyone would abuse Paramedics, Doctors or Nurses. I am supremely grateful for the medical and general care I received.

My wife had a double lung transplant 18 months ago and in all that time we have met all but nice
helpfull people where ever we go in the hostpital. The lung transplant team especialy. We will ,be forever gratefull.

Food is revolting and there's a mouse plague in the psychiatric unit, just disgusting!

All I can say Emergency Department thanks for looking after me over the last 14 months. Understanding and always made sure I was not to distressed each time.End of month Surgery finally. No more fear of h having to disturb u all again..
Seriously Awesome work guys maintaining my injury x
Sick of me lol 23 times they rushed me over .
But now Its a stressful time severe
Became very ill.
So surgery on hold was last friday booked.
The stress no one can deal with .
But the specualust said all safe to go ahead now shoulder reconstruction.
I am alone and no help pain.
Spoke to Rebecca orthopedic nurse.
Broke crying begging please 15 months not another 3 months And reason why i became ill.
She was so nice i wont talk about it
I dont wish what im going through on anybody With acute pain an tempirarily disabled. Rebecca rushing my surgery.
What a gem she is so greatful to her..

Very lazy and neglectful staff. Very poor care to elderly patients. Doctor tried to talk me into "euthanasing" my Mum on the weekend. I refused so they have just been neglecting her.
Shame on Dr Han!

My last experience staying at a hospital was very bitter, recently however I had to attend the Alfred for minor surgery. I had to wait 24 hours to see a surgeon as i wasn't high priority but i was still treated as one. The nurses here gave me the respect and care that you would expect, the night nurses were pleasant especially a woman named Jenny, she went above and beyond for me knowing I wasn't too keen on being here. After surgery I was given all the information I needed and reassured and did not feel once that i was being rushed or a burden. If anything I was being annoying as i am a smoker and was asking constantly for my drip to be detached. I'm very pleased with my second experience at a hospital stay.

Parking fees are somewhat reasonable....... Great staff, visiting a mate and says they are great. Well done to the staff and doctors.

Staff in ED and ED short stay are absolutely incredible! So caring, understanding and helpful. Just what you need in an ED! Thank you for looking after me.

Our favorite place to get fresh healthy clean juice :)

Not overly impressed with my experience in ED. Was openly told there were no beds and was asked why i had gone to hospital that day in a tone that was unwelcoming. I had attended on advice of GP after pneumonia diagnosis. Was sent home only to end up back at a GP on a Sunday getting an emergency drip of anti biotics, something the Alfred told me I didn't need. GP was horrified when I repeated the experience.

I have been here quite a few times over the last few years and have always been well looked after by the great staff.

Duty of care is very low here.
Just came out of ICU to ward 7 and the neglect is apparent. Average wait time for a nurse is 1 hour which is far too long for a critically ill patient.
The nurses are not familiar with their charges and a general sense of bedlam and confusion overrides this ward.

ICU however was exceptional service.

Thank you to all ICU staff hopefully around for another 50 yrs now you saved my life I'm now cancer free

Best public hospital in Melbourne, hands-down. Great staff, great service!

They helped me overcome my suicidal ideation but the initial admission was anything but helpful: staff were dismissive about my requests to be seen by a psych, the psych who came was patronising, security staff were rude and one of the nurses doped me up with drugs so I'd pass out, on purpose. Also they told my parents who visited later when I came to from the drugs that I had assaulted someone which was a blatant lie. I have no memory whatsoever of this occurring. Apart from that, the staff were competent and helpful so, overall, it was a good experience.

They have messed me up with so many different meds that now I'm all blocked up and plumbing area is so bad!! They gave me something for it but now running to toilet every 5mins with accidents before i even reach the toilet!! I came in for a spine problem/pain and now suffering with pain in the plumbing area and difficulty!! This is messed up!

This is Alfred for you:

(I wish i had the option to post photos which I've taken for all of them below)

1) Obstruction in toilet.
2) Replacement of toilet paper left in sink.
3) Towels with poo has been in bathroom all day.
4) Pee on the floor.
5) Toilet bowl filthy which I've had no choice but to use being an inpatient which I still am at!
6) Curtains torn.
7) No one has cleaned the bathroom all day!!
8) my dinner cutlery had hardened remains from previous use.
9) the clean gown given to me for a change in the morning had blood stains on it.
10) I witnessed nurses being impatient with elderly patients, where I tried to voice out but the nurse told me off saying she knows her job!
11) I tried to approach the head nurse on duty and he brushed me away showing me his palm saying he's busy very rudelt!

Very appalling especially for a hospital in general, let alone The Alfred!

Wonderful and friendly staff. Nurses were exceptional and that's coming from a RN myself. Cardiologist teams and radiology staff very understanding. Cannot fault my treatment.

Caring staff who treat every patient as if they were the only patient in their care.

I went to see a doctor over 12 months ago and was booked into get a Colonoscopy. I was classified a CAT 2 as some family history of cancer. I was told by the doctor 6 month wait. I waited 6 months not a word. Called up and Anna from admissions said NO 12 month wait. Call back after 12 months..NO wait another 2-3 months. Hate to have anything wrong with me, it will be too late.
Very poor attitude by Anna too. V rude.

terrible all they care about is pushing patients out the door and money

it was OK waited ages was in lots of pain but the staff were really professional but as to the waiting was to long but the drs did not pick up my sleeping apendecidus

My sister was seen in emergency today (14/7/17) with a blunt eye trauma & I can't praise the team there enough. We were in C6 & our nurse, doctor & opthamology team were amazing. Thorough, efficient & kind. It was so busy in there for you all but you had it impressively under control. Thank you so much team Alfred for making our extremely stressful & traumatic experience, better.

No one likes going to hospital, but if ya must, this is the one to go to.

Fantastic emergency ward with caring staff. I have come to the Alfred for various appointments and all the doctors have been super kind and caring towards me

I underwent hand surgery at the Alfred Hospital and had an outstanding care and medical attention. The staff were very professional, caring and attentive to my needs. The surgery went very well and I felt quite happy by the way the procedure was handled. Keep up the amazing work!!

The emergency department saved my son's life. Big thank you to the team there. Thank you

Emergency serrvices are efficient and assuring, doctors and nurses show great care

I've been in the Alfred A&E twice and I can't fault the care that I was given. I can't thank the staff enough for the work they do often under very difficult circumstances, thanks a billion!!

Worst service ever!!! If I could leave zero stars I would. I have been trying non-stop for the last 3 days to call the Neurosciences Department at The Alfred who were meant to schedule me in earlier for an EEG test, they wait until I am now almost 38 weeks pregnant, which my physician has advised against! The only number that was provided in the letter to change the appointment has not been working for the last 3 days and there is no email address whereby I can contact them nor is there a voicemail to postpone the appointment?!?! I have just spent the last 20 minutes being transferred to 10 different departments and no one can help me get in contact with someone to change my appointment????? What kind of horrible system is this? So I just have to not show up? This is beyond appalling for such a big hospital to be SO disorganised and incompetent. Very disappointed.

Stayed at Alfred 2 weeks after a recent illness. The brilliant doctors saved my life and I am absolutely grateful. Few nurses were very rude and they should not be in the profession at all. The hospital was very good and I was well looked after. Thank you and God Bless you all.

Attended today with *severe* lower back injury and muscle spasms (I had to crawl to the taxi because I could stand at all).

Similar experience to other people here who gave low rating - not sure if the man attending me was a nurse or doctor, in retrospect I suspect he was a nurse and a doctor never even saw me. He palpated my lower back and provoked pain which made me scream and moan for a good 10 seconds (intense muscle spasms).

He was happy to dose me up on endone, Valium and and anti inflammatory due to my pain , but he refused to give me a script for anything and just told me to take ibuprofen and paracetamol and ice it every four hours for the next few days.

Thanks moron. As I told you I had already been doing that but have had to crawl around the house because I can t even stand, and I ve been completely Incapacitated by these muscle cramps which are seriously the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life.

Get a clue. I didn t come to the hospital to be told to take some Panadol and get some rest, and the fact that you gave me painkillers while I was there shows that you re aknowledge that I need them.

Very unprofessional. I m a healthcare professional myself (AHP) and you should be absolutely ashamed, public or not.

Excellent ICU Nursing staff - kind compassionate and so supporting patients and families.

To everyone working today thank you so much for your professional and caring service.

Waited three and a half years for an orthopaedic appointment here and now they send me a letter via text telling me they re cancelling all non-urgent referrals and I have to go back to my doctor and get a new referral and start all over again, due to a backlog. Outrageous. I don t understand why I can t stay on the list.

Most of the people here are probably, most likely, very young and looking for some fun to have. The Alfred is an amazing hospital. My friend's uncle had heart surgery, and he stayed in the ICU for a while. He came out perfectly fine. He came out healthier, thanks to the Alfred.

Great hospital with friendly staff and very little waiting time before being seen in the ER.

Excellent hospital I was very sick but felt safe and reassured
ER very efficient as were ward staff although there is always one who hasn't read the notes.

One of the best emergency services in Melbourne I would say. I got a high fever yesterday and the staffs immediately put me to care and gave me some IV fluid to make me feel better. They then transferred me to the short stay ward where people were friendly and the place were pretty comfortable. Nurses were professional.

My recent admissions have indicated that the hospital is filthy and I quote a senior ENT surgeon; " the filth in the discharge area is not our responsibility"
A complaint to the feed back staff resulted in me being called at home with a torrent of abuse from the nurse manage. They lost my teeth, and my antivirals. I was discharged unexpectedly at 9;30am having been admitted for oral surgery under general anaesthetic and informed I would be in hospital for some days. I was groggy, in pain and arrived home with a temperature of 38.5 The nurse at the time of my discharge said she should take my temperature but could not fins a thermometer. And so it goes... The comment of one surgeon on reading my file commented that it looked like discrimination to her and that maybe I would be better served elsewhere. My final meeting with ENT at the Alfred was with such an offensive male surgeon that I informed him I no longer required his services and would seek treatment elsewhere.

Is there any cleaning staff at the Alfred hospital! It is a disgrace and breeding ground for diseases ,such poor poor hygiene for this day and age.Yesterday on the fourth floor the family gathering room was disgusting ,I would hate to think how long it had been since the bin had been changed.I had to write this note as the last few times that I have had to be in your hospital I have not witnessed one domestic staff member around,what is going on(nothing by the looks of it)

Best Hospital good stuff friendly people but the most expensive hospital in Victoria, usually for international people I just paid $350 for consultation over the phone for 10 min. My insurance covered only $79, this is not normal how can this hospital treated International students

I own a commercial establishment, my property s maintenance is thoroughly done each month, I bring in this company to update partial areas of my huge property which is always a great way to keep things fresh. I would highly recommend them.

Treated my mother for a stroke. Very efficient and professional. Staff were willing to listen and considerate.

Spent 7days in the Alfred Centre, having gallbladder op. Can't speak highly enough of ALL the staff. Absolutely fantastic, caring, Very very special people...and a very very special hospital! ....many many thanks!

First time going into the ED, friendly and helpful staffs. Doesn t have to wait long, given the right care and respect. The Alfred hospital deserves the 5 stars! Well done!

While I didn't spend several days here by choice, it was pleasure to meet the various nurses and medical staff, Geoff being my main nurse. Everyone was friendly, helpful and competent. We are lucky to have such a hospital and I would recommend it to anyone who needs hospital treatment. I think the delivery of meals that I didn't order was a minor organisational matter, but I wasn't very hungry, so have no comment about the meals as such. I would have liked a written summary of the doctors involved in my pacemaker procedure, as the people whizz past with minimal opportunity either to read the tags or hear the names: world class people nonetheless.

The receptionist (working in "Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology Service" - Private Consulting Suite) was so RUDE who not want to change my wife's appointment. The reason she showed to me that my wife have to call to change the appointment (not me - even husband cannot request to change just a doctor appointment!! Unbelievable!). I never heard or faced this kind of weird rule can be in the hospital's regulation.

I would like to point to The Alfred hospital management, if there have really this sort of rules which prohibits/applied to the outdoor patients.

Been here for myself and loved ones before. always been treated extremely well. The doctors, nurses and other staff generally go above and beyond. Thanks.

Was treated with the upmost respect and felt comfortable and safe. My nurse was a legend and really made sure i was aware of what was going on. Thank you!!

I was patient of ENT unit.
Very bad experience. But the worst thing is that I haven't received any help or solution for my throat problem.
No empathy from the dictors, not professional by any means.
I still have problem with throat, and suffering every day. But noone care. I was dismissed and diagnosed with "dillusional dissorder". Thank you for making idiot out of me. Best explanation for everything.
Auatralia really makes you tough. But it is not because of the weather, but because nobody will care and you are on your own.

Brilliant covid 19 testing service. Friendly, professional and quick turnaround time. Couldn't be better. Once more the Alfred has shown itself to be a world class health service.

If I was one of the higher authority I would have got them all fired ! Just being nice doesn't ' work waited too long in the end of the day I waited there for 3 hours , two nurofin and they said if dint work go to GP ! But why such a freaking long wait I mean it was empty

Mental health patient received ongoing physical & verbally abuse and threatened not to give evidence at the recent Royal Commission into Mental Health Victoria or face dire consequences. Patient tried to commit suicide on 6 consecutive days but sadly was abused and told not to return. Patient did not receive treatment or counselling.

Amazing hospital! Was transferred to here from Ballarat in 2015 after suffereing 3 x cardiac arrests, suffered 4th arrest upon arrival at Alfred Icu. All caused from Salmonella & a reaction to antibiotics. Ballarat saved my life, so did The Alfred. Now have a implantable defibrilator & an acquired brain injury, but also have awesome team of drs. Shout out to DR ARCHER BROUGHTON - cardiologist for keeping me going

Most experienced doctors who do the most possible to help patients.

I recently had to go to emergency and everyone was very caring and treated me with professionalism. Also wanted to specially thank the nurses Natasha and Kelly, they were EXTRA nice and even thought they have to work long shift they were amazing, this makes all the difference specially when you are passing through a bad time. Thanks so much again!

Fantastic, caring staff. They saved my life! Didn't care about the food...

Great staff, nurse's Doctors ,cleaning staff ,the lot. Friendly and caring.

on the 17th of august this year i attended an appointment at the movement disorder clinic with a friend of mine. we both suffer from the effects of parkinsons disease. first up the reception staff were more concerned about what they got up to on the weekend than the job at hand dealing with patients. second point the way my friend was treated by the neurology professor was very unprofessional. looking at us like we were a pair of second class citizens.

The doctor nurses and staff are Superb ,Brilliant covid 19 testing service. Friendly, professional and quick turnaround time. Couldn't be better. Once more the Alfred has shown itself to be a world class health service.

Very good hospital, been in and out several times due to cancer. It has its problems but all public hospital do. I recommend it highly.