Hi, I’m Justin, Talaria’s Social Media Marketing Manager & one of the Receptionists – and I actually have a lot of anxiety around health appointments. It’s quite common for a lot of people, and is part of the reasons I wanted to work at Talaria and help foster their existing great practices and take it even further for us anxious folk!
One thing that we try to stand out for above the rest is going the extra mile for our patients needs – to make sure they are comfortable, seen, heard, respected and treated well. We like to treat patients like they are one of our family members.
I have recently created a series on our Instagram that helps people with anxiety, autism, ADHD & more to help navigate our clinic. From visual steps on how to find us, videos on what to expect at an appointment and clinic tours. I understand the value of SEEING what to expect, and how even that can help put someone at ease and feel comfortable to come see us. That’s why we have a focus on anxiety reduction – partly because I personally would also benefit from these things, and hope others can as well.
Another factor we like to set aside from other allied health services is we don’t just treat you like a number. You are never rushed aside or pushed through, we take the time to listen & commend ourselves on our bedside manner. Making you comfortable and relaxed is our priority. I’ll always offer you a tea, coffee or water, or to let me know if there’s something I can do for you. Our Podiatrists are great at putting you at ease and getting to know you. We treat every patient as if they are family & will do our very best to do everything to help patients with their feet.
My experience at an allied health service recently left me realizing just how differently we do things here. We know it can sometimes be tempting to go somewhere cheaper or free in the current climate – but it helped me realise what are you really paying for, and what it can mean down the track – possibly more work needs to be done due to the less comprehensive level of treatment. Or giving you more fear of returning or attending appointments. There was little bedside manner, some of my requests to ease my anxiety were not considered, and I was left shaken to walk out the door on my own, with no follow up offered of making another appointment – something I am just expected to do on my own accord. At Talaria, we always make sure to offer to make your next appointment on the spot in case making phone calls means you put that off, or offer to rebook online – whatever works best for you. The Podiatrist often sees you out to the desk, and makes sure that you book again if needed, communicating for how long etc. At this allied health clinic, I felt a bit left at the treatment room door to my own devices – I am still unsure if I am meant to go back for a review, or if they are contacting me. Which will probably lead me to not following up and my health suffering.
This is why what we do at Talaria is so important.
I also saved money yes, but I will likely have to go back to my old full fee practice as you can really see the quality of treatment that you pay for. Sometimes experience, comfortability, connection and personal touches are priceless. You get what you pay for.
Other things we have actioned in my time here include adding pronouns and gender identity to new patient forms, so that people feel accepted and seen for who they are. I know for a lot of LGBTQIA+ people that attending health clinics can make them feel uneasy – we want people to know this is a safe space to come as they are.
If you like me struggle with anxiety, or autism, ADHD, sensory issues or anything, I want you to know you can contact me personally, either at my email justin@talariapodiatrist.com.au or call the clinic on 9480 4935 and ask to speak to me, or leave a message with the team and I’ll get back to you. I work most afternoons Tuesday to Friday 😊 We want to make sure your visit is comfortable, so please let me know what we can do to make things easier for you. Let us know how we can accommodate you so that you aren’t holding back on your health.
