KFL&A Public Health - Kingston, Ontario

Maria B.

I had a 1 o’clock appointment I checked in talked to the front receptionist who was a skinny black woman. I told her I had a 1 o’clock appointment and she told me she was going to call The nurse to let her know that I’ve arrived. I was sitting there watching the time by 1:15. No one came to talk to me so I got up and told the receptionist I don’t have all day. What did she tell me? Oh, I forgot to call them. What? I have autism I like to do things by routine so if I have an appointment at 1 o’clock, I like to keep it on time. I had other errands example I had to run to the pharmacy to pick up my medication for my asthma because I was having an asthma flare. They shouldn’t be hiring lazy people to work as receptionist And who forget to call. I was not impressed at all by that woman and her short attention span.

Alistair M.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my extreme frustration and disappointment with the way Public Health has handled a serious incident involving my wife.

Two weeks ago, my wife was attacked by a dog. The animal was on a leash, but the owner made no effort to control it. The dog latched onto both of her legs, causing puncture wounds and massive bruising—some the size of baseballs. She went to the hospital and was told that Public Health would be contacting her regarding the incident.

Public Health did reach out the same evening, and there were a few follow-up calls over the two-week period. However, at no point during any of those conversations did anyone mention that she should contact Animal Control—or the police. We were led to believe that Public Health was handling the situation and would contact the dog’s owner. That never happened.

Two weeks later, Public Health called again—not to provide updates, but to ask us if we had seen the dog around. Only then were we informed that no one had contacted the dog’s owner, despite having the address. We were also told this matter actually falls under Animal Control’s jurisdiction.

Why wasn’t this communicated earlier? Why go through the motions of follow-up calls if your department has no authority to act?

This has been a complete failure of communication and responsibility. If we had been told on Day One to call Animal Control or the police, we would have. Instead, we’ve lost valuable time, and the owner continues to walk the same dog near children on their way to school.

I don’t usually complain, but this has been handled so poorly that I’m compelled to speak up. We trusted that Public Health would either take action or direct us to the proper authorities. That did not happen.

I strongly recommend that your staff receive proper training to ensure that citizens in urgent situations are directed to the right resources immediately. The safety of the public depends on it—and frankly, so does your credibility.

Do better.

Sincerely,
Alistair McCreedy

Sonika S.

The nurse I spoke with over the phone was so helpful. She explained, every vaccines my son needed at his age, nicely and scheduled an appointment for him to get his vaccines done ASAP so that he could attend the scool without a delay.
Thanks so much 🙏

Sharon L.

Always a pleasurable experience with all the employees in this unit for over 2 yrs now as required.
Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful service. A true listening skilled bunch here!
Shout out to Inspector Tim Barney who has been an excellent advisory/coach above all else, and advisory officer Joanne.
Thankful for all your services.

Shannon S.

Despite health care being what it is all the staff were amazing. Helped us understand as new to Kingston what happens with the vaccines and even took the time to try and help me on another health inquiry. Every staff we dealt with was kind and patient

Rachelle M.

Had a great experience with the hearing test for my newborn but didn't feel safe or that it was a good use of my tax dollars to give out free crack kits in the doorway...

Sara L.

The nurse who gave my teenager their vaccine was terrific! He provided different options to help my child feel comfortable. His demeanor helped my child stay calm. We appreciated the attention and care given, as well as the time taken to help my teenager deal with how the vaccines made them feel.

Mary C.

I went to the mall today to sign up or receive my Covid and flu vaccine. The place was completely empty and there were nurses standing around. They informed me that they could not take walk-ins. They gave me a pamphlet with a phone number. And a website. I already tried that and where it went in circles. That’s why we went to the mall. I explain that to them. so they turned my husband and I away. Again they had no customers whatsoever. I walked back a little later and they were closed for an hour long break. Is this the best use of our resources? Very disappointed. Mary Cross.