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I've had several experiences with the Regional hospital here in The Villages. All of them were positive - even the ER waiting time when a neighbor had a crisis. And, my recent surgery was uneventful (just as I had hoped) and the staff were exceptional.

However, a friend used the ER last week, arriving in mid-afternoon and didn't leave until almost 4 a.m. Other patients waited up to 7 hours to see someone.

Based on what I've heard, I am inclined to think of a few things. First, there needs to be a better triage system to get patients cared for quicker. Second, there is a severe shortage of available physicians in the ER. Thirdly, it is short-sighted to close Urgent Care at 6 p.m. Having this type of unit open 7x24 might be costly, but it would decrease the obvious burden placed on the ER, allowing non-emergency but yet important problems getting attention in a timely manner.

I've noticed in the past 3 years, that though we are a burgeoning community, many services aren't keeping up with our growth. It appears we aren't proactive in our expansion programs throughout The Villages. By the time a new or increased service, business or development project is approved and finalized, our needs have exceeded the newly increased capacity.

To answer your initial question, Yes, the hospital is terrific; Yes, the waiting times in the ER can be extraordinarily long at times. The bottom line is we've got first class residents who demand first class service and the needs vs. capacity is out of balance.

All in all, I love it here in The Villages. It was definitely one of the better decisions I ever made.