[starflyte1]

We have just experienced two visits to the ER in March and spent approx 16 hours total in the ER. It is my opinion that the ER is not that busy. It is used as a holding area for people that need to be admitted into the hospital. They try to only take someone from the waiting room into ER when there is a vacant bed, which only happens when someone checks out of the hospital. There is even a TV set in every ER room and meals are brought in for patients.

The first time we were taken back within 30 minutes, but my husband needed attention. The ER halls were lined with beds and all were full. The place was packed.

The second time, we first went to an Urgent Care Center, to avoid the ER. They found my husband to be in CHF (congestive heart failure) and possible pneumonia, and sent him directly to the ER where we waited FOUR hours. I was quite concerned, but the triage nurse did not consider it urgent. IOW, no room at the Inn. When we did get into the ER, he had a bed in the hall for a short time. The halls had several occupied beds, but it was not as packed as the first visit.

I do think the care was good, once you get into the ER, and they are not going to let you die while you are waiting, but there is just no room to take you in ER.

For broken bones and cuts, go to an Urgent Care Center. For life and death problems, go to the ER, by AMBULANCE. You get in the back door.

My husband is doing well, after a total of eight days in the hospital. We are going to Mayo next week to see his cardiologist.

This is the height of the season, and our 1st trip was on a Saturday afternoon and the next, on an early Friday afternoon.