Tristram Clinic

Appalling service and an extremely disappointing experience from start to finish. I waited over three months for my appointment with Dr Sarah Jenkins after being referred by my GP, and I was genuinely looking forward to finally getting clarity around my skin condition. When I booked, I was under the impression that the laser treatment I required was offered at the Tristram Clinic. However, upon seeing Dr Jenkins, I was immediately referred elsewhere. This was frustrating given the long wait time, as I could have arranged that referral much earlier. Dr Jenkins was over 40 minutes late to the appointment and did not acknowledge or apologise for the delay. The consultation itself lasted approximately 15 minutes, which felt completely inadequate, particularly given the $430 fee. At no point during the booking process was I advised that the consultation would be limited to 15 minutes. It is difficult to understand how a complex or ongoing skin condition can be properly assessed in such a short timeframe. I came prepared with the skincare products I use and photos documenting my flare-ups, hoping these would assist in understanding the condition over time. Neither were reviewed properly. I was not asked meaningful questions about potential triggers such as diet, lifestyle, or inflammation factors, and my skin was not thoroughly examined before I was referred on. Overall, I left feeling unheard, rushed, and deeply disappointed. After such a long wait and significant cost, I expected a far higher standard of care and professionalism.

Absolutely appalling would be my only way to describe my experience in using this clinic and specialist to assist a year long battle I have had with my skin. I would not recommend Dr Sarah Jenkins to anyone else, or her nurse. Both operate with a level of perceived arrogance that is hard to believe at the time. She rushes you through the consultancy in time to make up some unfounded quota she is obviously attempting to negotiate is certainly how it feels. I have never been as shocked in the medical system before in my life. Right from the first contact, she had obviously not read any notes from my GP or a previous specialist - so her question - 'what can i do for you' was amazing. She then went on to tell me how old I was and my skin was an issue of my age - then - 'at my age, I was lucky to still be around and that I am sure I knew lots of people who weren't'. "Your skin just ages like you need to wear glasses" - point of order - some people never have to wear glasses. Can I just bring in the fact that I am 66 - not 86! Empathy and understanding of sun damage due to lack of education in our time would add to the need for a more intense consultancy - not to be berated and attempted to make feel old. Her philosophy I do not subscribe to at all - I actually found it quite amusing but terribly rude. There was lots more but the next lack of medical assistance was when I asked her politely if she would mind checking my skin for any strange signs of melanoma, I knew that this was not why I was here but I hoped she would help as I had been quiet sick throughout the year and was looking for any untoward cancers that might be lurking. This took 5 seconds max and only one look at a spot. My skin is riddled with spots from over sun exposure. This was disgraceful to say the least. It appeared that she could not even take the time to do a proper consult, or attend to her patient when faced with genuine concern. To top it off she showed me a website - not sure why - I had already done heaps of research throughout the year to help myself with the issue. An already autoimmune disease I have been dealing with for 20 years, I was well versed with the site!! To charge $402.00 for a 30 minute consult is interesting, but mainly because the level of care was abhorrent. There was no discussions around the medicines or any alternative to taking quiet hard medicine. There was no discussion around any alternatives - what I could expect! It was rushed and totally uncaring and I do not think it is just because I have lived in a time when at one point medical professionals actually made you feel like they cared!! This clinic and it's owner should be brought before a board. To allow this type of consultation within his clinic is reproachful and to palm it off as 'specialist care' is a joke. I will be requesting my notes and never ever entering their clinic again and I suggest, that if you have skin issues you take yourself to a clinic that you have researched, and read their reviews. Had I done so, I would not have gone here based on other reviews as well. I only read them after the fact. I am sure what she has given me will work but I will be doing lots of research again to make sure. I have already had a consult with the pharmacist as they are the ones that dispense the medicines. Luckily my pharmacist has great people in it, who take the time to explain. How I was treated needs to be highlighted so others can go somewhere where they can feel honoured and respected when they require medical assistance and help.

I wouldn't normally post feedback but I had such a friendly and positive appointment this morning with Sarah Jenkins & the reception staff were also supper nice and helpful, that I had to share.

I walked in today with an iv straight into the clinic from hospital. The clinic reception staff were super amazing and cared for my health so much. I wasn’t judged for having an IV or coming straight from hospital. They cared so much and just wanted to help me. This was my first time to the clinic and they really showed massive amounts of empathy. Dr Sarah Hill was an angel and showed me a lot concern for me. She wasn’t judgmental and understood my situation. The knowledge and the expertise of her and the staff was a blessing and rate 10 out of 10

I’ve never been one to write reviews, especially not a bad one, but my experience earlier this year at this clinic was so disappointing that I felt it was important to share. I’m writing this late because I've been busy, but the frustration from my visit has stuck with me. After waiting for months for an appointment for my hair loss concerns, I felt completely dismissed. I had hoped they would perform some tests, like a blood test, to get to the root cause of my severe hair fall. Instead, the nurse who saw me first was unhelpful, essentially telling me that my hair loss was a normal part of aging. To make matters worse, I was not seen by Dr. Sarah as I had expected. I was then charged the full price for an appointment where I received no meaningful consultation or advice. The entire experience felt like a waste of time and money, and I left feeling frustrated and unheard.