On 3/6 went to TVRH ER at 11 PM for Hemorrhagic Cystitis. My experience was much the same as those already mentioned: inefficient and ineffective triage, long wait (3 hours) for physician visit (actually timed at 2.25 minutes =$600+), slow discharge due to computer speed. Then it got worse, orders for Culture and Sensitivity to insure correct medication for infection was not done by the lab. They threw away the specimen after a quick Urinalysis that showed serious infection with high blood counts, high bacterial involvement. Necessitated a follow-up visit to the Urgent Care center for another antibiotic and the C & S.
Okay, that was the experience. Here's the follow-up. Received a letter from the RN in charge of Quality Improvement along with a questionnaire about my experience. I took the time to write her a letter explaining my concerns. I have 43 years in the medical field. My spouse has 50+ years in hospital management and nursing. So, I felt like I understood what were dangerous areas in need of improvement and what were highly annoying but not dangerous. OUTCOME: not one word. THAT is what is wrong with the hospital. The ER is understaffed for season. It is contracted out to another firm so they get paid regardless. The citizens of The Villages must speak out. The hospital, being run like a business, needs competition. Contact Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Mayo, other top tier hospitals about opening a small hospital and then watch the quality improve. Use the "fastest growing MSA" to attract some competition.
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