This review is specifically for the Obstetrics department which is located in the Bond street side of the hospital (accessible through the Queen St. side as well).
I moved here from the States(private health care) about five months ago and found out I was expecting during that time. I contacted my local md who recommended that I go and see Dr. S. Kives at St Mikes as shes a great OB and surgeon not to mention also her doctor as well. I double checked with a quick online search and most people had great reviews of her so I was game. This is the beginning of my experiences as and adult using the health care system.
I guess St. Mikes is undergoing some renovations (correct me on this if its always like this, it was my first time going so I dont know if it always looks like this) because the office that they are usually in has been moved to the other hospital building and is in one of the basement floors. The waiting area is a series of chairs and enough room for a stroller as well. I didnt have to wait longer that 7 minutes so it was fine. The front staff was nice but behind a glass window...not sure why. The nurse who saw me first was not Dr. Kives' usual nurse but was covering because the other nurse was busy already with some patients. This nurse was so nice and took the time to explain everything to me even as far as some logistics at the hospital because it is very different between here and the care I had in the States(tests and so forth). It turned out Dr. Kives was away in Guatemala doing surgeries there,(cool eh?) so I would be seeing the other doctor in the practice, a male! I was like as long as there is no internal checking im fine. He was nice too and took the time to talk to us and explain quite a bit to us again as the nurse before. I mention taking the time because many health care professionals often dont and I think its important that they take time because we as the public dont know anything about medicine or the health care system so its refreshing when someone explains us stuff.
All in all the office staff was very friendly and the nurses were quite helpful. I will update once I get to meet my specific OB. Yes the office looks shabby and is in the basement with low ceilings and nasty lighting, I doubt the staff likes it much as well so I shouldn't complain they have to see it every day. My mantra was "Stop complaining, its free and you are lucky to have it!!!"