[paulat585]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

I am not sure how the rating system works, but regardless of age or health I believe the desired outcome for anyone having to go to a hospital is to be in a sanitary and welcoming environment, to be seen by competent professionals in a timely manner, and to be properly diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, my experience at the Villages Hospital was the exact opposite. I spent approximately 11 1/2 hours in an absolutely filthy waiting room, most of the time with an IV port in my arm that wasn’t hooked up to the fluids which I desperately needed. The only restroom available was probably the most disgusting public restroom I ever had to use. The environment was the opposite of welcoming. I was so sick I was in serious risk of death, and no, it wasn’t Covid. All I did was wait and wait and wait, the whole time in total agony. At one point I fell out of the chair I was trying to stay upright in and passed out on the floor. I am not sure how long I was on the floor before I came too, but I am guessing it was at least 45 minutes. No one ever even came over to ask how I was or if I needed help? When an incompetent doctor finally misdiagnosed me, I was subsequently mistreated and sent home to die. I was in no shape to drive, let alone take care of myself, and desperately needed to be admitted to intensive care. Despite that, they sent me on my way to drive home in my golf cart at midnight. I still can’t believe I somehow made it home without killing myself or someone else.

Fortunately, my wife arrived at our Villages home two days later and brought me to a real hospital, North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. We went to a stand alone ER affiliated with the hospital. The triage nurse took one look at me and within 5 minutes I was in a bed with a doctor at my side running a bunch of tests. After the doctor evaluated me, she made a phone call and I was in an Ambulance and on my way to an already assigned room in their critical care unit where I spent the next 8 days. What a great hospital, they saved my life. That’s how things are supposed to work. That was last June and now I am back to even better than I was before I got sick. I have always taken great care of myself, but a close brush with the grim reaper now has me doubling down on my exercise, diet, etc…

There is no grade low enough for me to give to the Villages Hospital!

Sad to hear this & sorry you went through it, but thank you for the great information. We have avoided TV hospital by driving to the free standing ER on 441 almost across from Market of Marion. A longer drive, but worth it.