Barwon Health

I’m not sure if any of the management will see this, but based on other reviews, it seems that positive experiences here are rare. I regret not checking the reviews beforehand—had I done so, I would never have gone. This was our first visit to an ED in Geelong, and unfortunately, it was deeply disappointing. My daughter, who is just shy of 16, was experiencing excruciating upper abdominal pain. We arrived at the hospital at 12 AM and waited for over three hours, despite there being no other patients in the queue and receiving no updates. When we were finally seen, the nurse was extremely unfriendly, making us feel unwelcome. The doctor showed little effort in diagnosing my daughter’s condition, simply prescribing multiple pills and, after a long wait, dismissing us with no real resolution—sending my daughter home still in significant pain (7/10). The following morning, we went to a private ED, and the contrast was astounding—professional, compassionate, and efficient care. The level of service we received at this hospital was utterly unacceptable. I sincerely hope I never have to visit again.

Terrible experience. Attended with 16 yo in excruciating pain. Waited for 6 hours, despite being told we were at the top on the list..ended up leaving without being seen as my child could no longer tolerate laying in the waiting room in pain. Returned (reluctantly) a few days later. No one else here yet still waiting. Nurse said will look into pain meds, then forgot…busy talking to colleagues. Had to ask multiple times.Disgraceful

Went to emergency on Sunday morning 10 hours in cubical in agony, go up to ward, no water. No drip. Monday no food, no water no drip until night shift they want to put a line in.. miss vein arm swells, try again, no. Order food for Tuesday. Get moved late Monday night and they want to try another line, drink 3 litres water in one hour!! Vomit and almost pass out. Try again, still can't get a line in. Tuesday morning breakfast all wrong as I have allergies, not what ordered...apparently order doesn't come with the patient. Not good enough Geelong!!! There's ALLERGIES!!!

This place hides test results, won’t give discharge summaries and after being told the GP will get them they don’t. I’ve had blood tests come up inaccurate after immediately checking somewhere else and I’ve had important ECG changes hid from me. I was left in the waiting room with a heartbeat of up to 150 beats for 48 hours and sent home with worsening symptoms. Something sinister and shady goes on in this place as I’ve caught staff outright lie to me on many occasions. As I was said to me by a Nurse from another hospital “I wouldn’t send my dog there.”

We went to the Children’s Emergency Department yesterday after my son suffered an injury while playing footy. It was the first time using this facility, and we were really impressed. During our time there, we saw other Mums and footy players come through and there was a shared empathy between the patients and visitors in the waiting room. In total, we were there around 3 hours from checking in, to X-rays and then having the lovely Dr Erica plaster my son’s broken hand. Hopefully we don’t have to return any time soon, but we really appreciated everyone’s help.