Hamilton Birth Control and Sexual Health Clinic - Hamilton, Ontario

Charlotte B.

The doctor was lovely but receptionists need better communication and etiquette.

I got an IUD and the doctor explained all the steps and made it more comfortable. However, right after one of the technicians burst into the room, despite the Dr telling her we were in here when she knocked, to tell the Dr something that could have waited a few more minutes (mind you my pants were still off at this point)

Also the Dr took a sample to test for STD while I was there. She told me that I would get an email if everything was negative or a call if something was positive. A few days later I got a call from a receptionist to book a phone appointment with the Dr for a few days after that. So I spent those days convinced I had chlamydia or something only for the doctor to apologize and say she wasn't sure why it was booked and that nothing came up.

Hannah C.

I want to preface this review by saying that the doctor I had was amazing and this has nothing to do with her. She made my entire IUD process manageable and helped relieve my anxiety.

However, 2 weeks after I got a call from my doctors office asking if I intended to get my IUD out next year because of the papers sent forward from this clinic. When I called to clarify, the receptionist gave me incorrect medical information regarding my IUD and the expiration date. When I asked her, she said it was “my fault” (her words) and that it was because of the device I brought in. When I asked why I was told 5 years in my appointment, she proceeded to tell me it was my problem and that I should have known. How is it the patients responsibility to understand how the devices work when you are the medical professionals? I then asked to speak to the doctor or manager and was told I would get a call back to clarify by the end of the day. It is now days later and they are not answering the phone whenever I have called.

On my own, I found out the information she told me is wrong. That is deeply concerning for someone who works in a clinic and I’m grateful I was able to clarify with my doctors and ask around to others.

shitt_ S. (.

Great doctors, terrible organization by other staff. First appointment went well and I was able to get some tests done. The doctor told me I needed an ultrasound and that the reception could book it for me. But when I ask reception, they refused. I booked a follow up appointment for the results same day as well.
The second appointment was weird. I was brought to a room by the same nurse as the first time. But despite already having me on file and asking me lots of questions the first time, she did it all again? “Any allergies?” Bro, you should have that on file.
Then she asked me to get undressed from the waist down and lay on the table. Also odd because I was getting results, but maybe they had to double check something. I laid on the table for 30 minutes waiting for a doctor! Finally someone opens the door. The doctor says “oh my gosh! How long have you been waiting? Did she ask you to undress?! I’m so sorry!” Like, did the put me in the wrong room? Confuse me with a different patient? I don’t know.
I then get my results and the doctor was very thorough and kind while telling me what I need to do. I got meds and was told to book a re-test in 1 month, so I should call a week ahead to book.
Trying to book was a frustrating endeavour. The receptionist didn’t understand my questions or my situation. He put me on hold 3 times trying to figure out what the appointment was for. I told him what days I can come in, but would only suggest days that I had already said I couldn't attend. “How is Friday ma’am?” “I already told you I work Fridays. I can only do Mondays and Thursdays” “what about Wednesday ma’am?”. Ugh. So frustrating and annoying.
I just hope that they will start hiring receptionists that can do the job and understand clients.

Ms S.

I've been playing telephone tag with this place for about a month now. I had a referral sent by my doctor, they called me during work hours and left me a message. I called back, had to leave a message. This went back and forth. I tried explaining that when I go to book online, none of the options apply to me and asked for guidance to book correctly. I just kept getting messages saying 'just call us to book'. After maybe three weeks of trying to speak to someone or clearly explain my difficulty with booking, someone finally left a message saying I could just email them and request time slots that would work for me. Great I thought. Went to their website where they told me I'd find the email but of course it was not on there. I'm going back to my doctor to ask for a referral elsewhere. Ridiculous process in this day and age.

Cheryl (. W.

I spoke with Miriam regarding options (similar to what Planned Parenthood offered 30 years ago) for sexually active teens who require birth control but don't want to go to their primary doctor because their parents might find out.
I got all the information I requested and she even talked to the pharmacist to get me the answers she wasn't sure of. Great phone experience, she really seemed to care about my concerns.

Imogene O.

Good doctors.
Incompetent receptionists and staff overall.
No one knows what an appointment costs and have to call multiple people and managers to confirm. I usually pay for blood tests in cash at reception; yesterday after my blood was drawn, I mentioned the payment and was told by TWO members of staff that I do not need to pay since the test are handled by public health (which I found strange since I always pay)
Today I have gotten two messages and a call from a lab saying my results for my test won’t be processed and released because I haven’t paid.
Save yourself the time and trouble of going here and find a clinic with staff who actually know what’s going on in their clinic.

Minjung H.

Been here more than 4 times already. Given their high volume of traffic, I have nothing but good things to say. Phone line may be hard to get through right away but I have NEVER been left hanging (even if it means they get back to me the next day). I just assume wait times to be long (given their volume), but I accept it given that once I reach a doctor's room, I am always treated with patience and given full attention. Makes me assume that maybe my apptmnt is pushed back BC the patient before me was addressed in the same way.

Blood work was done on the spot with results reported right after w the doctor on-site.

Their staff are prompt, and if you chat them up, they are human ahaha. They smile and are very friendly. They're just busy at their job BC they have SO many walk-ins from passerbys and trying to get through their daily schedule.

Requisitions have been given accurately and setting up appointment dates has always been easy and never too far away from my request date.

Regina P.

I had a wonderful experience here with Dr. Ashleigh and “George the Magician”. Both Ashleigh and George were very professional and comforting to me during my stay. Ashleigh was very thorough, patient, and informative while helping me. George went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and cheer me up when I was extremely nervous for bloodwork. I am a hard poke but he was successful on the first try, and with no pain like a true magician (this never happens to me as it usually takes several tries with other people)! He even made me laugh by bringing me a juice box and cute bandaid after I was all finished! Thank you so much. I definitely recommend seeing either of these two professionals.