The villages hospital experience

[sam&rog]

We took an 85 year old neighbor to the 441 urgent care Friday.
She had severe chest pains, was diagnosed with arterial fibrillation .
They suggested we go to the hospital ER. There they promptly took her in which was a surprise because the waiting room was packed. The house Dr. saw here and prescribed meds and said she also had pneumonia. All seemed ok after they said they would move her to a room.
Went to check on her at and she was just moved to a room after spending all night in the ER. After a long wait the nurse came in and took endless information, Still in great pain. Finally about 5:30 the gave her morphine ( 22 hours after being admitted) Still could not locate a Dr. or have anyone to help her as she was in worse pain then before.
I thought other complaint stories about the hospital were embellished a little.
Boy was I wrong, they were more than true.

[klough53]

Wow, where is the nearest real hospital!

[looneycat]

Wow, where is the nearest real hospital!

Leesburg regional isn't bad, I go to UF/Shands in Gainesville for anything of consequence.

[ScorpioSquared]

Took hubby to The Villages Hsp with kidney stone. They would not administer any pain meds until they could do an MRI...it was not done real soon. My husband could barely hang in with the pain. The triage nurse was a doll and got us through the process as quick as possible. I wouldn't make The Villages Hsp our first choice again.

Had to go to urgent care today, hubby tore an arm muscle (he's not having fun) and the doctor there was very nice and seemed professional..this was Leesburg Urgent Care next to the hospital.

[bagboy]

85 years old and severe chest pain and you didn't call 911 ??? Why not ???

[dbussone]

85 years old and severe chest pain and you didn't call 911 ??? Why not ???


Excellent question.

[kstew43]

Ocala Munroe Memorial....one of the best...been there done that.....a drive but maybe worth it...

[golfing eagles]

Two points, one from each story:

1) Atrial fibrillation with chest pain is unstable by definition. If the facts are as presented, and the patient suitable, it sounds like a CCU admission with urgent treatment at the very least, and possible transfer for cardiac catheterization depending on response. Hard to believe it was 22 hours to just get MSO4. Experience tells me there is more to the story.

2) Why would they do an MRI for a kidney stone? The test of choice would be a spiral CT with "stone protocol", assuming there was nothing diagnostic on a plain film. It is an easy diagnosis on clinical grounds in most cases---flank pain, CVA tenderness, hematuria and possible radiation to the groin---about the level of a third year med student. I can't understand withholding analgesics for an imaging procedure. Again, I suspect more to the story.

[Northwoods]

My understanding is - Although it's called "The Villages Hospital" it has nothing to do with The Villages Health System. So don't assume you're going to get the same level of care. My doctor in The Villages Health System told me the same thing.
So... I would advise everyone to make their healthcare choices carefully. And have a plan if an emergency arises.

[CT514s]

Leesburg Regional far surpasses TVRH, especially for cardiac care/surgeries.

[outlaw]

Two points, one from each story:

1) Atrial fibrillation with chest pain is unstable by definition. If the facts are as presented, and the patient suitable, it sounds like a CCU admission with urgent treatment at the very least, and possible transfer for cardiac catheterization depending on response. Hard to believe it was 22 hours to just get MSO4. Experience tells me there is more to the story.

2) Why would they do an MRI for a kidney stone? The test of choice would be a spiral CT with "stone protocol", assuming there was nothing diagnostic on a plain film. It is an easy diagnosis on clinical grounds in most cases---flank pain, CVA tenderness, hematuria and possible radiation to the groin---about the level of a third year med student. I can't understand withholding analgesics for an imaging procedure. Again, I suspect more to the story.

Exactly what I was thinking...:)

[BobnBev]

I don't understand how this hospital can stay in business if they are so bad.:ohdear:

[cquick]

Sorry to say, but this is probably the same procedure you would find at any hospital. Since we lived in Orlando for years, I would probably feel best going to ORMC

[drdodge]

I have been to the villages three times and always had a positive visit
drdodge

[gerryann]

I believe the problem exists with the emergency department.

I also believe that the hospital is fine if you are admitted for a surgery or a procedure.

[billybye]

I have been in tvrh twice. Once with pneumonia and a fib. Second time with a fib only. 5 days both times. Excellent care both times. Did spend more time than I was happy with in ER, but received excellent care while in ER where they hooked up IVs and monitors. Nurse kept checking on me and saying as soon as a room opened up I would be moved. My wife also stayed with me to make sure I was taken care of.
Had pacemaker implanted second time, and fine since.
Nice to have recommendation for other hospitals, but also need to go where insurance allows.
I don't plan on returning to hospital again. But if I did need care I would go to TVRH as soon as possible and not worry about where to go.

[FlaMermaid]

You should have called 911 and told them to take her to Munroe in Ocala. Munroe is the HEART hospital to be in.

For other conditions, go to Ocala Regional or Leesburg.

And if time is not of the essence go to Shands in Gainesville.

[graciegirl]

I believe the problem exists with the emergency department.

I also believe that the hospital is fine if you are admitted for a surgery or a procedure.



I read something a while back that the emergency department was to be enlarged and the procedures changed allowing patients to be admitted to a "temporary" room near the emergency area. Anyone else remember this?

[Bay Kid]

I spent 3 days there this week...ugh.... The care was excellent! Great nurses, doctors and conditions.

[jebartle]

I would be willing to bet that everyone in Leesburg would not think of going to Leesburg Regional and go to Orlando... more to this...Everyone in Orlando would not go there because they want to go to Mass General and and and the beat goes on....





Leesburg Regional far surpasses TVRH, especially for cardiac care/surgeries.

[Challenger]

have lived in seven communities in three states. In every case the hospital was a major source of complaints, especially the emergency dept.

Hospitals are probably the most difficult management challenge possible. Only sick people go there. They are coming all hours of the day and night. The hospital is open non stop 7/24/365/366. For many patients their condition will not improve significantly because it is chronic disease. Stress for the staff can be almost unbearable ,at times.

Yes we should always try to improve, but the constant whining on this forum is a bit tiresome. Crying Wolfe eventually diminishes the effectiveness of the message.

[cquick]

And if time is not of the essence go to Shands in Gainesville.


I am not familiar with Shands, and I would go to a hospital I am familiar with.

[dbussone]

have lived in seven communities in three states. In every case the hospital was a major source of complaints, especially the emergency dept.

Hospitals are probably the most difficult management challenge possible. Only sick people go there. They are coming all hours of the day and night. The hospital is open non stop 7/24/365/366. For many patients their condition will not improve significantly because it is chronic disease. Stress for the staff can be almost unbearable ,at times.

Yes we should always try to improve, but the constant whining on this forum is a bit tiresome. Crying Wolfe eventually diminishes the effectiveness of the message.


Challenger - well said. I spent 40+ years running hospitals - from community hospitals to major teaching hospitals. It is extremely difficult to please people who are sick, worried, and pretty much just thinking about themselves during an episode of illness. The confused frail elderly are an especially challenging group.

However if you have ever been to Las Vegas you understand the extreme level to which customer service is taken. The citizens of LV are absolutely the most difficult patients on earth because of their knowledge and expectations regarding customer service.

I can be as critical about health care as the next person, and then some. However, some of those who complain about TVRH here really don't know what they are talking about. My concern is that they may influence others to go elsewhere when they may be dealing with a true emergency. If someone really wants to go elsewhere they can be transferred after stabilization. On the other hand if you insist on going elsewhere to start with, you might just not arrive there alive.

I know enough about TVRH and Leesburg to believe they can easily take care of the basics, and likely get me through a crisis. While it would be nice to have Mass General around the corner that won't happen. My wife trained at Mass General. Her opinion is the same as mine - and she has not been completely pleased with her 2 visits to the TVRH ER.

[chuck90199]

Leesburg Hospital and The Villages Regional Hospital are both part of the same company. I have been in The Villages Hospital several times... twice through the ER with Pneumonia and Periocarditis. On other occasions for A-Fib and a Cardioversion. Excellent care each time by the doctors, nurses, and staff. I believe my positive attitude plays a big part in my getting excellent care.

[dbussone]

Leesburg Hospital and The Villages Regional Hospital are both part of the same company. I have been in The Villages Hospital several times... twice through the ER with Pneumonia and Periocarditis. On other occasions for A-Fib and a Cardioversion. Excellent care each time by the doctors, nurses, and staff. I believe my positive attitude plays a big part in my getting excellent care.


There you go Chuck. Your attitude is a major asset when you are a patient. Well said. :)

[fredthefisherman]

Always ask for the hospital supervisor if you feel something isn't right.

[PTennismom0202]

https://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/compare.html#cmprTab=1&cmprID=100290%2C100084&cmprDist=6.0%2C9.6&dist=50&loc=32159&lat=28.9177956&lng=-81.8879884

[PTennismom0202]

Both The Villages Hospital and Leesburg Hospital don't do very well in this area. They both get 2 stars out of 5 for patient experience on the Medicare website. The patient experience surveys are validated and they're used nation wide so it's possible to compare hospitals.


https://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/search.html

I did a search to compare the two hospitals. I'm not sure the comparison link works, but give it a try. If it doesn't work go back and start your own comparison with the link above.

https://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/compare.html#cmprTab=1&cmprID=100290%2C100084&cmprDist=6.0%2C9.6&dist=50&loc=32159&lat=28.9177956&lng=-81.8879884

[loonlovers]

I also had a bad experience last month at TVRH. I asked for a meeting with the Medical Unit Director who listened to my concerns and expressed regrets that my experience was so negative. The only way legitimate concerns can be addressed is to ask to speak directly with a hospital rep.

I have a very positive attitude but sometimes that isn't enough. When you're sick, you're sick....~

Additionally, I completed the survey and also sent a copy directly to a hospital representative.

[dbussone]

I also had a bad experience last month at TVRH. I asked for a meeting with the Medical Unit Director who listened to my concerns and expressed regrets that my experience was so negative. The only way legitimate concerns can be addressed is to ask to speak directly with a hospital rep.



I have a very positive attitude but sometimes that isn't enough. When you're sick, you're sick....~



Additionally, I completed the survey and also sent a copy directly to a hospital representative.


Correct. When you're sick, you're sick and sometimes attitude doesn't help. But it won't hurt either. You appropriately asked to speak with someone in a position to get things done.

You mentioned a bad experience, and I completely believe what you say. That's never a good thing in a hospital.

[fredthefisherman]

Florida Hospital. You can't go wrong.

[don leitstein]

I recently had cardiac procedures done at village hosp.great service and support from drs. nurses ,and anyone who works there.nothing but a good experience while I was there..thanks to all who were on my team...

[PennBF]

It is unbelievable the Hospital would not give immediate pain killer for the Kidney Stones. I had them a few years ago and the pain we terrible. Fortunately it was a ways south of The Villages and the hospital was quick and great.
I have heard from 3 people who said they could not get into Mayo in Jacksonville as their patient load is full and it may be 3 months before they accept new patients?
My only experience with the Villages hospital was a few years ago I had a medical problem and went to the ER. It was terrible. I waited for a couple of hours and finally when I was admitted I waited for a few hours for a Doctor.
This led us to go to Mayo, we were lucky enough to get in and have been happy with it ever since. It is almost 3 hours from The Villages and it is the best 3 hour drives we have made.:mornincoffee:

[Challenger]

Florida Hospital. You can't go wrong.

Amazing facilities and service. One of the very best hospitals anywhere IMHO

[Butterfly201]

Challenger - well said. I spent 40+ years running hospitals - from community hospitals to major teaching hospitals. It is extremely difficult to please people who are sick, worried, and pretty much just thinking about themselves during an episode of illness. The confused frail elderly are an especially challenging group.

However if you have ever been to Las Vegas you understand the extreme level to which customer service is taken. The citizens of LV are absolutely the most difficult patients on earth because of their knowledge and expectations regarding customer service.

I can be as critical about health care as the next person, and then some. However, some of those who complain about TVRH here really don't know what they are talking about. My concern is that they may influence others to go elsewhere when they may be dealing with a true emergency. If someone really wants to go elsewhere they can be transferred after stabilization. On the other hand if you insist on going elsewhere to start with, you might just not arrive there alive.

I know enough about TVRH and Leesburg to believe they can easily take care of the basics, and likely get me through a crisis. While it would be nice to have Mass General around the corner that won't happen. My wife trained at Mass General. Her opinion is the same as mine - and she has not been completely pleased with her 2 visits to the TVRH ER.
Crying wolf? I doubt anyone in an emergency room is there without a good reason. And when you get older your medical problems become more serious...contrary to the insurance opinion that you will stay well -- and why some insurance companies don't pay your bills,,,surprise! And when you are that ill elderly or not-- you want at least competent care to make you better - not to be thought of as the group that are "especially challenging" So, the majority I read here spend hours waiting to get into a room. That is a fact. At least I do read that the nurses are kind to them. My takeaway from your comment is STAY YOUNG-- don't get sick--or minor illness only- Do NoT get old as then you are a major problem for the hospitals, the staff, and I'm sure the bean counters there.

[dbussone]

Crying wolf? I doubt anyone in an emergency room is there without a good reason. And when you get older your medical problems become more serious...contrary to the insurance opinion that you will stay well -- and why some insurance companies don't pay your bills,,,surprise! And when you are that ill elderly or not-- you want at least competent care to make you better - not to be thought of as the group that are "especially challenging" So, the majority I read here spend hours waiting to get into a room. That is a fact. At least I do read that the nurses are kind to them. My takeaway from your comment is STAY YOUNG-- don't get sick--or minor illness only- Do NoT get old as then you are a major problem for the hospitals, the staff, and I'm sure the bean counters there.


Wow. Please re-read it. Patients/people are the reason hospitals exist.

And yes, there are some people in the ER who don't need to be there. The ER is not a substitute for a primary care physician. Nor is it a place to try and get drugs if you're an addict. People abuse ERs all over the country- and some people suffer needlessly because space is taken by those who don't need to be there. If you think otherwise I'd encourage you to seek out a nurse or physician who works or worked in one.

Just like ambulances are not taxis. But there are people who abuse them as well. Next time you see a first responder just ask them.

[SoccerCoach]

January 18, 2016 I entered TVRH at 9:00am. I was scheduled for the CATH LAB at 10:00am. By 10:35am with stent in place I was back in the staging area waiting for a room. Absolutely cared for by some of the BEST professionals in health care. I walked out Tuesday at 1:00pm. EXCELLENT FACILITY!

[dillywho]

Wow. Please re-read it. Patients/people are the reason hospitals exist.

And yes, there are some people in the ER who don't need to be there. The ER is not a substitute for a primary care physician. Nor is it a place to try and get drugs if you're an addict. People abuse ERs all over the country- and some people suffer needlessly because space is taken by those who don't need to be there. If you think otherwise I'd encourage you to seek out a nurse or physician who works or worked in one.

Just like ambulances are not taxis. But there are people who abuse them as well. Next time you see a first responder just ask them.

:BigApplause: Well said! I can very well add to that. Once, when my husband was in CCU, his daughter and I were about to go into the hospital to see him. We encountered a young couple who asked us if we had a light. I told them that we didn't and that they could not smoke on the premises, anyway. The girl then said that she knew that, but they would go across the street. She then said, "I have to go to the emergency room and I know it will be a long wait, so we wanted to have a cigarette first." That, is NOT an emergency as I define emergency.

As for a long wait for a room, what do they expect....the hospital to throw someone out just so they can have their bed? That's not how it works, either. And, as far as beds go, the hospital is not co-ed. That means that even if there is one, it has to go to the correct gender.

Hospitals are not 5-star hotels, but that is the service that some think they should receive. Medicine is not fast-food, either. Some expect that also, especially at doctors offices and dismissal from the hospital. I got rid of one doctor that told me he didn't have time for me to ask another question. Everyone wants the best doctors, but are not willing to wait their turn and constantly accuse them of poor management or overbooking. Hospital dismissal is a process: Just because Doctor A says you can go home today doesn't mean that the other doctors are on board with that nor are they going to drop everything just to accommodate you. Then there's paperwork to be done, IV's to remove, and the list goes on. Meanwhile, other patients' needs have to be met...they are staying. I have finally convinced some of the doctors to tell their patients that they can go home today, not immediately, but sometime today.

[PennBF]

How many have you heard that "I have the best Doctor" or "My Hospital is the very best", etc. It is usually because of a limited experience with other Dr's or Hospitals. As an example if you have a serious heart problem Cleveland Clinic is rated very high in the US along with the Albany Medical Center. If you have a worry about cancer the MD Anderson is just a short flight away and the best in the US for Cancer. How about a general physical because of a general concern then Lahey Clinic in Arlington, Mass or Mayo in Jacksonville are good places to go. Need a real good surgeon..There are many at these facilities in addition to the Westchester Medical Center in New York. Of course there are many great hospitals in NY City for Cancer, (Sloan Kettering,etc etc.) Back to "How Many". How many cut cost when it comes to health but go for the extra on the car or granite counter tops, many etcs. An important need is for the Hospital/Clinic be a teaching hospital and their practices, (e.g. Dept. of review of case by Physician's in the Department including diagnosis and treatments, etc.). Just some thoughts on the subject.:mornincoffee:

[Bay Kid]

Once you are in the care was top notch. I am very grateful they are so close.

[Pibb26]

My experience with TVRH is that once you get out of the ER and into the hospital it is a completely different world. Excellent care and nurses! (the majority I should say)

And by the way...if one is having a true emergent event...does not matter what your "plan" is...you go to the hospital that is closest to you for immediate care. IMHO

[dbussone]

My experience with TVRH is that once you get out of the ER and into the hospital it is a completely different world. Excellent care and nurses! (the majority I should say)



And by the way...if one is having a true emergent event...does not matter what your "plan" is...you go to the hospital that is closest to you for immediate care. IMHO


And please call an ambulance. Don't try driving yourself.

[Trish Crocker]

Two points, one from each story:

1) Atrial fibrillation with chest pain is unstable by definition. If the facts are as presented, and the patient suitable, it sounds like a CCU admission with urgent treatment at the very least, and possible transfer for cardiac catheterization depending on response. Hard to believe it was 22 hours to just get MSO4. Experience tells me there is more to the story.

2) Why would they do an MRI for a kidney stone? The test of choice would be a spiral CT with "stone protocol", assuming there was nothing diagnostic on a plain film. It is an easy diagnosis on clinical grounds in most cases---flank pain, CVA tenderness, hematuria and possible radiation to the groin---about the level of a third year med student. I can't understand withholding analgesics for an imaging procedure. Again, I suspect more to the story.

We just took my 98 year old mother in law there. Her doctor called ahead so they would be ready for us. She was having shortness of breath and pain in her arm. We got there at 3, got an xray at 4 (NO EKG or exam of any kind) at 5 they drew blood...all of this time she was sitting in the waiting room. At 8 they finally took her into an exam room and at 10 she was admitted. When I asked why they were letting a possible heart attack patient wait they said 'we're busy ma'am'. The next afternoon she was examined by a cardiologist who determined that a cath was necessary and ended up putting in a stent (she desperately needs two but because of the condition of her arteries only one could safely be placed, actually when they started the procedure she coded but they were able to bring her back. She is still in the ICU, hopefully they will be putting her into a regular room soon. By the way, the entire time she was there from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning they wouldn't even allow her to have ice chips. My husband had to insist that she at least be allowed to have a couple and the nurse said "You can give them to her, I won't". The nursing staff I have met through this experience and my time volunteering on one of the floors is the most unfriendly, miserable nurses I have ever met. This hospital has me seriously thinking of moving back to Michigan.

[golfing eagles]

We just took my 98 year old mother in law there. Her doctor called ahead so they would be ready for us. She was having shortness of breath and pain in her arm. We got there at 3, got an xray at 4 (NO EKG or exam of any kind) at 5 they drew blood...all of this time she was sitting in the waiting room. At 8 they finally took her into an exam room and at 10 she was admitted. When I asked why they were letting a possible heart attack patient wait they said 'we're busy ma'am'. The next afternoon she was examined by a cardiologist who determined that a cath was necessary and ended up putting in a stent (she desperately needs two but because of the condition of her arteries only one could safely be placed, actually when they started the procedure she coded but they were able to bring her back. She is still in the ICU, hopefully they will be putting her into a regular room soon. By the way, the entire time she was there from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning they wouldn't even allow her to have ice chips. My husband had to insist that she at least be allowed to have a couple and the nurse said "You can give them to her, I won't". The nursing staff I have met through this experience and my time volunteering on one of the floors is the most unfriendly, miserable nurses I have ever met. This hospital has me seriously thinking of moving back to Michigan.

Please, please, please tell me they at least did a chest X-ray looking for congestive heart failure and NOT an X-ray of her arm because it hurt. Because that would be the icing on the cake. ERs are ALWAYS busy, it is no excuse for the scenario you described----it's called TRIAGE, and from your description of your mother-in-law's condition, she should have had an EKG, CXR, routine lab and cardiac enzymes all done within 20 minutes of arrival. At her age she really isn't a candidate for thrombolytic therapy, but they need to know what they are dealing with. Obviously she was in good enough baseline condition for a cath and stent.
But before you pack your bags, there are other hospitals and other nurses, but only one TV.

[Bonny]

We just took my 98 year old mother in law there. Her doctor called ahead so they would be ready for us. She was having shortness of breath and pain in her arm. We got there at 3, got an xray at 4 (NO EKG or exam of any kind) at 5 they drew blood...all of this time she was sitting in the waiting room. At 8 they finally took her into an exam room and at 10 she was admitted. When I asked why they were letting a possible heart attack patient wait they said 'we're busy ma'am'. The next afternoon she was examined by a cardiologist who determined that a cath was necessary and ended up putting in a stent (she desperately needs two but because of the condition of her arteries only one could safely be placed, actually when they started the procedure she coded but they were able to bring her back. She is still in the ICU, hopefully they will be putting her into a regular room soon. By the way, the entire time she was there from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning they wouldn't even allow her to have ice chips. My husband had to insist that she at least be allowed to have a couple and the nurse said "You can give them to her, I won't". The nursing staff I have met through this experience and my time volunteering on one of the floors is the most unfriendly, miserable nurses I have ever met. This hospital has me seriously thinking of moving back to Michigan.
You would move back to The Villages because you don't like this hospital ? I remember when we didn't even have a hospital here. Had to go to Ocala or Leesburg.
I used to work at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. I can tell you plenty of horror stories from there. Every hospital has stories.

[Bgreuter]

I agree.

[Bgreuter]

I agree. You can have someone arrange transfer after you are stable.

[Bgreuter]

Calling 911 gets you in the back much faster with medical personnel at least available if situation worsens.

[golfing eagles]

Calling 911 gets you in the back much faster with medical personnel at least available if situation worsens.

Not necessarily. Due to ER "abuse" by a small segment of the population, such as taking ambulance rides for a sore throat because it is "free", most ERs now triage the ambulance by the nature of the patient's problem/condition. If you call an ambulance for nonsense, they will bring you right to the waiting room. Hopefully this doesn't happen in TV anywhere near as often as it does in NY.

[TxJollyMon]

Went to ER at 4am with symptoms that would range from food poisoning to heart attack. Got EKG within 20 minutes and it was normal. Blood took longer due to shift change and new shift thinking blood had been taken. 1 or 2 items out of range on bloodwork. Asked how long till a doctor saw me and advised 3 people in my category ahead of me. Located 2 out of 3 and they each had been waiting more than 18 hours to see a doctor. Checked myself out of ER and went to Lake Sumter Urgent care. They scheduled CT and ultrasound. Made diagnosis of acute gall bladder disease with recommendation that I schedule immediate gall bladder removal. Went to Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares. Was in a ER room within 45 minutes, had another ultrasound and admitted to hospital within 5 hours. Surgery the next day at noon. Fantastic experience with everyone at Waterman from surgeon and his staff on down to the guy who wheeled me out of the hospital. Highly recommend Waterman.

[golfing eagles]

Went to ER at 4am with symptoms that would range from food poisoning to heart attack. Got EKG within 20 minutes and it was normal. Blood took longer due to shift change and new shift thinking blood had been taken. 1 or 2 items out of range on bloodwork. Asked how long till a doctor saw me and advised 3 people in my category ahead of me. Located 2 out of 3 and they each had been waiting more than 18 hours to see a doctor. Checked myself out of ER and went to Lake Sumter Urgent care. They scheduled CT and ultrasound. Made diagnosis of acute gall bladder disease with recommendation that I schedule immediate gall bladder removal. Went to Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares. Was in a ER room within 45 minutes, had another ultrasound and admitted to hospital within 5 hours. Surgery the next day at noon. Fantastic experience with everyone at Waterman from surgeon and his staff on down to the guy who wheeled me out of the hospital. Highly recommend Waterman.

Again, I'm not doubting anyone's veracity, but I find it almost impossible to believe. Even at Kings County, with 6 or 7 gun shot wounds per night, major trauma 24/7, a person in that "category"--which sounds like chest/abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting---would see a doctor within 1/2 hour. And if it does take all those hours, they are setting themselves up for some hefty legal action when they miss an acute coronary syndrome.

[perrjojo]

Again, I'm not doubting anyone's veracity, but I find it almost impossible to believe. Even at Kings County, with 6 or 7 gun shot wounds per night, major trauma 24/7, a person in that "category"--which sounds like chest/abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting---would see a doctor within 1/2 hour. And if it does take all those hours, they are setting themselves up for some hefty legal action when they miss an acute coronary syndrome.

Last week my Mother-in-law went to the ER in Orange County, CA by ambulance. The ER was not taking any more patients and she was sent to another hospital. The ER or EDs are overwhelmed by too many patients. This is NOT just a TV problem. They can only do so much. The EDs are just that. They are for emergencies. They are not because you don't go to your physician because you wait to see if you get better and then you panic. They are not because you don't have insurance or the myriad other reasons people go there. I know that you know this and have experienced it all too well because I think I have read you are a physician.

[mariahbrennerkelly]

I was born and raised in a third world country, so I am familiar with what a third world healthcare experience looks like, but TV hospital (both ER and inpatient) is by far the worst hospital I have ever been. So pray you don´t get sick.