Sydenham Health Center

Very rude staff… if you don’t have enough patience you shouldn’t do a job which you have to communicate with people!!!

Okay,
So I’m going to write a fair but honest review of Sydenham Health Center. My overall point is if you have any other options consider going to another health facility/​hospital but if you don’t they will do. I’ll start with the pros and then discuss the cons:
Pros:
–Accessible, they offer a sliding scale based on your income (which is why I’m registered with them).
–The care is adequate, you will get what you need.
–Most of the staff is very friendly, security is always very pleasant.
Cons:
–Disorganized (I’ve had an appointment scheduled when the doctor wasn’t actually there among other mishaps).
–EXTREMELY SLOW. It generally takes an hour for them to see you even if you have an appointment. If you’re a drop in forget about it! Plan to bring something to eat, a book and a blanket (no lie) because there is a good chance you will be there ALL DAY. On average I’m there for two hours (at least) for an appointment that only takes 15 – 20 minutes to complete.
–Somewhat Poor Customer Service. Most of the staff is pleasant but some of them are overworked and have slight attitudes (not professional).
–I Can’t Understand MY Doctor. He speaks very quickly and has an accent. I have to remind myself to ask him to slow down so that I don’t have to pretend like I understand what he’s saying when I don’t.
I am from California and am accustomed to having efficient service all the time. When my appointment is at 10:00 AM, that means the doctor is going to see me at 10:00 AM, not 11:00 AM. Once I am insured I will be going to a different hospital. I am grateful for the services provided at Sydenham but I can’t completely suggest them because I have had such stellar service in the past. I also volunteer at another NY hospital and am acutely aware of the organizational differences between that hospital and Sydenahm.
I don’t think the people at Sydenham are bad. I really do think they care but they need to become more organized. If other hospitals can be efficient and more professional than surely they can too.