[Bonanza]

A few nights ago I wasn't feeling well after being away for a week. My husband thought the symptoms I was experiencing mirrored some of those regarding possible heart issues in women (which are different from men). He insisted that we go over to the emergency room at the Villages Hospital.

After signing in, we sat there waiting to be called. I recall there being a few other people also waiting, but it wasn't crowded. After about 3/4 of an hour, a nurse came out and made an announcement that people were not taken on a first-come first-served basis; they were seen as determined by how serious their ailment was (remember, my husband thought I had a heart problem).

During the time we sat waiting, others arrived and signed in, waiting to also be seen. I was finally called in. The nurse took my temp and blood pressure which was very high and I was then told to go back out and have a seat. An hour passed. Still nothing. We sat there in wait, freezing our butts off. It felt like a meat packing plant, it was so cold.

True -- I don't know what was wrong with the many others who were taken and seen before me, but after more than two hours, we had had it. We left and went home.

First thing the following morning I was able to get an appointment with my doctor (with whom I was a relatively new patient) who graciously squeezed me into to his schedule.

The treatment at the Villages Hospital (or should I say the lack of treatment) was reprehensible. Outrageous is another adjective I would use. It's unfortunate there isn't a penalty for a hospital emergency room that operates like that.

I'm sure there will be many comments to my post, by those who voice accolades for this hospital. However, I can only say that they will never see my face again. I'll go elsewhere, even if I die on the way.