The Dr.’s here are always great, but they have an older grey haired lady that deals with Reception who is nasty & extremely rude to people. It is uncalled for and unnecessary. Do you think we are all happy about having to sit for hours on end to wait to see a Dr. Arriving 2 hours before your even open. We are all frustrated in this situation. Maybe a smile & a good morning instead of snapping at everyone would work better for all involved. Let’s make the best of a bad situation😁

The receptionists at Medical Arts Centre in Nanaimo are some of the rudest and unpleasant I’ve come across in a doctor’s office. You feel as though your inconveniencing them by being there. It’s already not a fun place to be if you’re feeling unwell, and rude/ unpleasant front-end staff only exasperates it. May I suggest these receptionists find new jobs if they don’t like the ones they’ve got.

Called ahead to book a walk in to be told the next time they were taking patients for walk in was 330pm and to arrive before then and she would reserve my spot. Called again an hour before my appointment to confirm it and she told me I had to arrive before 330pm to see a walk in as they had limited seats. When I told her I was confirming a reserved spot she said they didn't do that for walk ins. Arrived at 2:40pm was told i needed a mask and I bought one only to come back and be given a medical mask to wear instead while I was in there. Talked to the receptionist about my appointment, filled out an intake, and was told to come back in 1.5hrs. I was very unwell and asked if I could wait in their waiting room to be told I had to leave and come back. After mentioning I took a bus here she reiterated that I had to leave and there were plenty of places to go. As a dizzy patient with a terrible center of balance and standing outside for 40 minutes this was very frustrating. Next time I will go directly to the hospital unless it is not urgent (like a med renewal). This is very annoying as I do not have a doctor here because I just moved recently.

Dr. Alison was great, he was very personable and approachable. The front desk workers need work on patience and mannors unfortunately, especially the older one with dark brown hair and glasses.

If you are lucky to make it on the list to see a dr that day consider yourself luck, after 3 days of trying i manged to make the wait list for that day. The Wait times are absolutely atrocious, waited over 4 hours just to see the dr. I also notice somehow a few people managed to get snuck in between me and the lady that was in front of me as the number of people ahead of me magically grew. When asked how ppl were getting in ahead of me that were behind me in the line up the receptionist said i was wrong and that it couldn't happen. Sorry but when you spend 30 mins waiting to see if you make the capacity list you pay attention to those around you in line. Almost better off to go through emergency as most times its faster in emerge then this clinic and atleast you will get to see a dr that day. The doctor however was very polite and professional which is why im given the 2 stars.

It wasn't too busy, I dropped by around 10:30am but there was a sign on the door saying they don't take walk in patients until 12:30pm so I left and came back at 12:30pm. I came in the security guard immediately came up to greet me, the whole time I was there I noticed he was very attentive and I appreciate that. I waited in the waiting room for about 40 minutes then saw the doctor for about 1 minute, lol. Quickest doctor's visit I've ever had.

It's unfortunate that the order you line up out the door in, is not the order they see you. For example- a lady who came in 2 hours before they opened, stood 2nd in line, didn't see the doctor 2nd. There are 3 intake receptionists- if they take person 1,2,3 at the same time, whatever receptionists gets finished processing patients first , is who sees the doctor first. It would be better if the patients took a number first, then delt with paperwork. Sucks to see an elderly woman wait hours extra just because she needed to update her adress.

For being the only walk-in clinic in the city, they're doing a fantastic job. Can't imagine how overwhelmed they are and the doctor shortage isn't their fault. If you need to access the walk-in clinic, my best advice is to show up as soon as the mall opens at 7AM. Even when I arrive that early, I'm often between 10th and 20th in line. I've always been treated well here, the doctors and nurses are wonderful. It's also very easy to get to--most bus routes in the city stop across the street at the bus exchange.

Because healthcare in Nanaimo is so unaccessible right now I feel the need to leave an up to date review. I arrived as a walk in out patient at 7am which seems to be recommended and was about 8th in line. By 8am there was a decently sized line. Reception said that the doctor wouldn't be available till 10am. They took our names down and and gave us estimated times to return. Came back at 10am and was seen by 10:15am as some people did not come back. When I came back at 10am they were not taking any more walk ins till 4pm so recommend going early. Doctor and staff were all friendly and doing their best with the demand.

I'm so thankful that people with no doctor are able to use this walk in clinic. They are the only one left open in Nanaimo and I hear for most of Vancouver island. The system can be frustrating but the front desks people are doing the best they can to accommodate everyone. Luckily you don't have to stay at the clinic. They give you an estimated time to come back. I think everyone should be more patient and be happy they decided to stay open because what would we do with out a walk in clinic and no family Dr? THANK YOU!

Wouldn't go again. Went in the morning and was able to get a time for 2 pm which was great, but the receptionist could not care less about the human beings outside the barrier. She was very rude and didnt have a care to give. Back at 2 there was a lady in the waiting room on her phone (or talking to herself) about her mental health and how it has her banned from schools, extremely sexual things as well and the Hells Angel's. She was naming people (first and last name) over and over as well as swearing. The staff didn't care, it was weird and uncomfortable. Especially regarding the sizes of men's privates. The doctor didn't let me get a full sentence in before completely taking over and not letting me say anything else. I tried, but it was interrupted and disregarded. They may have known what they were talking about but I didn't feel heard at all and regretted going. Glad I got a diagnosis, but would never go there again unless I absolutely had no choice.

The doctors and nurses actually care, as I've used them before, but one of the ladies working reception is quite rude and appears to lack any compassion for the incoming patients. I was turned away by the aforementioned receptionist without a second thought after she determined my recent negative covid test wasn't recent enough. She even took the time to snap at me when I both tried to give her information (I lost my voice the day prior and it was just coming back) and when I became exasperated and simply rested my head in the palm of my hand as I propped my elbow on the desk. She became annoyed, snapping at me once again and saying, "I don't make the rules!". I did not speak to her disrespectfully, raise my voice (I couldn't, really), nor did I hurl abuse her way. Also, I would like to note a significant lack of signage regarding covid testing protocol the day I was there (January 6, 2023). The negative test had to be within 48 hours, and mine was within a couple of days of that. I contacted numerous health care officials in an attempt to ascertain the origin of this rule, since I thought it might have been a provincial protocol for medical offices. I could not find any such rule. (I am willing to amend this review if I am incorrect in any capacity.) The only signage in the office at the time noted that masks MUST be worn on the premises, nothing mentioning the timeframe for negative covid tests. I was fully masked and was honoring social distancing protocols. I also tested negative for covid twice beforehand. Consider using this place only as a last resort. The experience I had at reception left me feeling embarrassed and utterly demeaned. I did not seek any further help for my ailment and chose to self-medicate at home using OTC medications, prolonging my recovery.

Who ever runs this facility needs to seriously assess their own reception staff’s job satisfaction. Today I had the worst possible experience from a relatively sensible looking & apparently seasoned Secretary who clearly considered herself entitled for God knows what reasons. One could easily pick her racist flair upon seeing a Muslim woman but I would rather choose not to touch that topic for being an IMG doctor and for the respect of the health care staff. However, Someone may need to remind her she can choose to stay home for her own mental health and not to cause stress for people contributing for their wages. Also there isn’t any clear mentioning of a feedback email address on their website even though it says to come in person or write an email to register any complaints. The number is however the same with the same person answering the call 😂 . Nothing but a big joke and waste of valuable resources serving thousands of vulnerable patients throughout Nanaimo. Big big red flags 🚩🚩🚩

They are all trying so hard to help as many people as they can and I felt it while I was there. Yes, there is limited intake in the walk in because too many people need this service and they only have so many doctors… They have figured it out to avoid people waiting all day to possibly not be seen! So come early for the walk-in and read the patient count they are taking on the door, as that was the process they used while I was there Saturday to help everyone understand their capacity for the day. If you are within the count, what they then did, was take your name and gave everyone an approximate time they should come back for. Note: this was NOT an appointment time but rather to avoid you waiting in an overcrowded seating area until that time. Much appreciated on my end! My daughter was unwell and we are one of many families that are without a family doctor at the moment, but we were lucky enough to get there early enough (8:20 am for a 9am opening - I’d recommend earlier though) and be one of the last patients to see Dr Chris Collins. He was awesome; attentive, professional yet warm, and really seemed to care. Despite his (I’m sure) packed day and the fact he was running over as the clinic was supposed to be closing, he took the time to listen and carefully check everything and then explain things to her and recommend/send her for additional tests (bloodwork after asking how she felt about it) so his diagnosis could be confirmed. If I could have him as a family doctor I’d take it in a heartbeat. But I’m sure I’m not the only one! Thank you to the staff who are trying so hard there and are still showing kindness despite the hardships in medical care right now. Hoping that the newer physicians being able to give some prescriptions out is giving you a bit of relief? I wish more clinics could take a page out of your book though and help Nanaimo out with the current lack of walk-in care!

The Medical Arts Centre is an absolute God send. In a city where waiting times are the norm for medical emergencies or otherwise, if you play it right, you can walk in to this clinic. Especially if you're an international student and don't have access to NRGH or a private doctor. I was there by 7AM for the 8AM opening and middle in the queue at the waiting. Thought I was only seen around 10ish, Dr Renier and the nurse staff were super courteous and professional. They patiently listened, immediately diagnosed, got a minor surgical procedure done and had me on my way with regular follow ups after. Even the accounts team were super sweet and made sure I got everything that was needed to claim insurance. After suffering for two full weeks stressing about NRGH, coming to Medical Arts was the best decision. I am super thankful to everyone there and highly recommend them!

Fantastic staff and Doctors working in the hardest situation. This is the only Walk In Clinic open in Nanaimo and they are doing an amazing job carrying the load for a large population. The wait times are long that’s for sure. But I was greeted by a friendly dark haired receptionist and then the nurse had me laughing despite how crummy I felt. The Doctor was very friendly and quick. I called in later to get my results and the switchboard operator patiently walked me through how to get my results. Bravo to you all!

Got there at 7am. I was 7th in line. Opened at 8am and I saw a doctor at 845am. The front staff were great. The doctor was great. Getting there an hour before they open is key. By 8am there were 30 people waiting and a sign was put out that there were no more drop ins until 330pm

Port Place mall opens at 7a weekdays, arrived at clinic 7:15a to be #11 in line-up for clinic doors to open 8a. After check-in, sat in waiting area for 90 mins. Quick meeting with MD then to nursing station. Staff very efficient & somewhat cheerful, reason perhaps it was early in the day. Would not recommend walking in much past 10a if expecting to be seen the same day.

The Doctors are great and have a wonderful way with patients. The reception staff can be very rude I get it you are the ONLY walk in in the city but talking to people rudely and complaining about the long line ups to the people who have been waiting 2 hours for you to open shows a total lack of professionalism or empathy. I hope your office manager reviews attitude.

Doctors take time and are very considerate. One lady int the staff was very rude, she seems to be burnt out or overworked, she had no capacity to listen and understand my need. When you're in physical or emotional pain and need help it's really making things worse to not be taken serious and be cut off. She hung up on me on the phone.

Omg the staff are SO rude!!!! After a week and a half of trying to get in to see a doctor, they finally were able to take me. The receptionists didn't tell me how long the wait would be, so I asked one of them. She said, "You only just got here 12 minutes ago, you shouldn't be so impatient." Like wow, thank goodness I have a friend on the mainland who can get me into a place that isn't a total joke.

I’ve gone to medical arts since I was little, I’ve always had great care and understanding. My GP is Dr Barron. He always listens and helps me with all I ask. When it’s on a walk in bases, the staff always try to get me in as soon as possible. I hope they know how appreciated they are in the community.

Billions of bottomless dollars into "healthcare" unions with benefits that would make a prince blush, yet we have no medical care here. A friend who had severe pain tried to go intothe clinic, booked full. She died in the hospital emergency room. Nobody cared. The Americans are right: screw out socialist "free healthcare"

Went in with very bad chest pain + struggling to breathe, I had lost my voice and was unable to speak and the receptionists and doctor were all very accommodating and took great care of me, even checking on me when I had a coughing attack in the restroom (NOT covid). Very kind, empathetic and patient staff. I really appreciated it.

Good location for a Walk in Clinic, very busy but friendly, 3 waiting rooms, allow scheduling for doctor or nurse appointment, friendly staff.