[loonlovers]

I just returned home to TV this afternoon after a six day stay at Monroe Regional Hospital. My ambulance was "diverted" by The Villages Regional MC last Tuesday morning to Monroe (my choice). My experience at MRMC was exceptional care by both the medical and nursing staff. Unfortunately, I was removed from my ambulance stretcher to a crowded ER waiting room where i remained for more than five hours after suffering a TIA and severe hypertension. I was not alone...many ambulance patients joined me in the long wait to get to the exam room. There were more patients at Monroe than they could possibly accommodate but they were trying!
There was then another long wait for a hospital bed in the stroke unit. Once in Neurology, I received outstanding care while the staff battled to lower my BP from the critical stage. I was not sure I ever would return home but the staff stayed with and encouraged me for two long days in "hell."

I have been a patient at the Villages Regional and my experiences with nursing staff were so negative that I was contacted by a patient care manager who documented my difficulties, told me that I would be contacted by hospital staff and apologized for the substandard nursing care.

Last night my roommate at Monroe coded and I watched their team in action. It was horrifying experience for me that lasted nearly all night. Since it was too late to try to move me, a nurse sat holding my hands while I cried and prayed for a very sick elderly lady who was going through her own "hell." Never have I seen nursing staff working so hard to keep someone alive. I will continue to pray for her and ask God to bless those who struggled to bring her back. Last I knew early this morning she was still in ICU.

I would have returned last week to TVRH had I not been diverted. Now, I hope I never have to return and my first request will be to Monroe. I can't say enough about the nurses at Monroe......very professional, kind, compassionate and well trained. Kudos to Monroe.

Sorry to have rambled so long (since I don't post often) but I wanted you all to know that there is one outstanding facility just up the road in Ocala.