Healthcare in the villages

[Gail herrmann]

My husband and I moved to the Villages 2 years ago and love it. Unfortunately my husband became gravely Ill one month after we moved. This is an actual response after reading talk of the Villages this morning about the woman going to Villages Regional Hospital and sitting on a gurny in the ER hallway all night. This is not just the flu causing this horrendous service at the Villages regional. My husband has been rushed by ambulance or we walked in and every time he was taken in the back only to be put in an Er room to sit there 17 hours to overnight. If this isn’t bad enough no one ever comes in and tells u the status or what’s going on. My husband has since passed away in November with never being able to enjoy his passion, golf.

It got so bad when my husbands doctor advised me to take him to emergency I refused. We’ve had so many bad experiences in the Villages ER I felt I’d rather have him die at home in comfort then in a cold ER room on a rack of a gurney.

This issue HAS to be addressed. We need to stop building additional communities in the land that is purchased and start building more hospitals. AND SOONER NIT LATER.

I worked in the medical industry for 10 years and my husband for 30 and I have yet to see such atrocious health care as we have in the Villages.

[Emmakrock@yahoo.com]

Gail I am so sorry for your loss..As a retired Nurse practitioner I totally agree!

[fw102807]

So sorry for your loss. Hoping things get easier for you in time.

[graciegirl]

My husband and I moved to the Villages 2 years ago and love it. Unfortunately my husband became gravely Ill one month after we moved. This is an actual response after reading talk of the Villages this morning about the woman going to Villages Regional Hospital and sitting on a gurny in the ER hallway all night. This is not just the flu causing this horrendous service at the Villages regional. My husband has been rushed by ambulance or we walked in and every time he was taken in the back only to be put in an Er room to sit there 17 hours to overnight. If this isn’t bad enough no one ever comes in and tells u the status or what’s going on. My husband has since passed away in November with never being able to enjoy his passion, golf.

It got so bad when my husbands doctor advised me to take him to emergency I refused. We’ve had so many bad experiences in the Villages ER I felt I’d rather have him die at home in comfort then in a cold ER room on a rack of a gurney.

This issue HAS to be addressed. We need to stop building additional communities in the land that is purchased and start building more hospitals. AND SOONER NIT LATER.

I worked in the medical industry for 10 years and my husband for 30 and I have yet to see such atrocious health care as we have in the Villages.

I was in the emergency room last month waiting for a bed in Critical Care for several hours. I was in a small room with monitors on me for vital signs. I disagree with your assessment.

I am very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the sadness you are feeling.

[manaboutown]

It seems to me that a large community of seniors inevitably requires a lot of medical services, much moreso than younger people enjoying their prime years of health. At my present age of 76 having quality hospitals and physicians nearby I consider a must have even though for now I feel healthy and require no medication.

In my midthirties I was hospitalized for pneumonia and am grateful I lived near a hospital that could take me right into a room, no waiting at all. My physician put me on five intravenous antibiotics immediately as they had no time to obtain lab results before starting them. I was in hospital five days. After I got out my physician, a personal friend and a very bright guy, (he was a grandson of Dr. Goddard, the rocket scientist) told me he did not know if I was going to make it. I am so thankful they could act so quickly!

Although it might be pleasant to live say in a rural part of a Hawaiian island as some close friends do I hear about their primitive medical facilities and say thanks but no thanks.

Whether one can quickly obtain high quality medical assistance can be a life or death matter, especially for seniors IMO.

[manaboutown]

I was in the emergency room last month waiting for a bed in Critical Care for several hours. I was in a small room with monitors on me for vital signs. I disagree with your assessment.

I am very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the sadness you are feeling.

Was this before they put in your pacemaker or afterward when you had to return because the surgeon punctured your lung putting in the pacemaker?

[fw102807]

I was in the emergency room last month waiting for a bed in Critical Care for several hours. I was in a small room with monitors on me for vital signs. I disagree with your assessment.

I am very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the sadness you are feeling.

It is wonderful that you had a good experience but that does not mean everyone else does also. My husband was lucky also as there were still ER rooms available but while he was there that changed and there were people in the hallway on gurneys waiting for one of these rooms.

[Paddygirl]

I agree. We need more hospitals. I also had a bad experience with my husband's illness and on top of that he was mis diagnosed. He died a year ago. I am so sorry for your loss.

[spring_chicken]

I preferred my room in the ER. Unfortuately, I was only in it for a couple of hours before being taken upstairs. I had a tv, they brought me dinner, and I was kept informed about what was going on. I can understand people being upset about waiting in a hallway on a gurney, but if you got an ER room, thy're basically the same as the room upstairs but PRIVATE! Not sure why everyone is in such a hurry to get to a semi-private room.
Also, the state has to approve a new hospital so you can't blame that one on the developer.

[NYGUY]

....Although it might be pleasant to live say in a rural part of a Hawaiian island as some close friends do I hear about their primitive medical facilities and say thanks but no thanks.

Whether one can quickly obtain high quality medical assistance can be a life or death matter, especially for seniors IMO.

I think you have discovered the real issue. We live in a very rural area that happens to house a concentration of people in their heavy medical utilization years. We have the need but lack the highly skilled medical specialists and teaching hospitals you would find in larger cites. People need to understand before moving here that complex medical problems and emergencies will require travel outside the area.

[graciegirl]

I think you have discovered the real issue. We live in a very rural area that happens to house a concentration of people in their heavy medical utilization years. We have the need but lack the highly skilled medical specialists and teaching hospitals you would find in larger cites. People need to understand before moving here that complex medical problems and emergencies will require travel outside the area.

Well said. We continue to take Daughter Helene to Cincinnati for monitoring of her congenital heart defect.

[Villageswimmer]

I think you have discovered the real issue. We live in a very rural area that happens to house a concentration of people in their heavy medical utilization years. We have the need but lack the highly skilled medical specialists and teaching hospitals you would find in larger cites. People need to understand before moving here that complex medical problems and emergencies will require travel outside the area.


Excellent explanation. Those considering moving anywhere need to do due diligence and carefully evaluate risks. Quality and availability of healthcare is one of those risks. No place is perfect but to avoid disappointment, one should know what to expect before taking the plunge.

[Barefoot]

Also, the state has to approve a new hospital so you can't blame that one on the developer.
Don't get me wrong; I'm a big fan of the developer, he created a fabulous retirement community.
However I think the developer has a huge influence on what happens in our area as far as the state of Florida is concerned.

[manaboutown]

Don't get me wrong; I'm a big fan of the developer, he created a fabulous retirement community.
However I think the developer has a huge influence on what happens in our area as far as the state of Florida is concerned.

:agree:

Look at the incredible pace of megadevelopment in spite of possible future water issues and the golf cart bridges and tunnels.

Moffitt leaves The Villages hospital, replaced by Florida Cancer Specialists - Orlando Sentinel (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-lk-moffitt-cancer-villages-out-20151013-story.html)

[JoMar]

I think you have discovered the real issue. We live in a very rural area that happens to house a concentration of people in their heavy medical utilization years. We have the need but lack the highly skilled medical specialists and teaching hospitals you would find in larger cites. People need to understand before moving here that complex medical problems and emergencies will require travel outside the area.

I agree......when we lived in PA we had great medical facilities but we were so close to major cities and those facilities had major financial investors. I have told many, that if HC is critical to you maybe you should consider someplace else. Not saying it is bad here, just that there are better places in this Country. I'm not sure how they can fix the ER issues this time of the year....making the investment for peaks in the winter is probably not a good business decision. Finally, I would love to see them change the name of hospital, too many people here believe it is affiliated with The Villages

[dbussone]

I agree......when we lived in PA we had great medical facilities but we were so close to major cities and those facilities had major financial investors. I have told many, that if HC is critical to you maybe you should consider someplace else. Not saying it is bad here, just that there are better places in this Country. I'm not sure how they can fix the ER issues this time of the year....making the investment for peaks in the winter is probably not a good business decision. Finally, I would love to see them change the name of hospital, too many people here believe it is affiliated with The Villages



I must disagree with you. I grew up in Boston, know the outstanding medical facilities in most of our major cities, and ran two very large teaching hospital systems in addition to two large private systems. And I still moved here, despite having a couple of chronic medical conditions.

Perfectly acceptable care is readily available here in TV for most issues. If you have a more serious problem, there are 5 Level 1 trauma systems in FL, high level transplant programs, etc., etc., etc. Within a two hour drive almost anything you can imagine can be provided. And one of a handful of NIH approved national Comprehensive Cancer Centers is available in Tampa - the Moffett Cancer Center.

It really puts me off when people who don’t have a clue about medicine or health care recommend someone consider someplace else for a home - because of a perceived lack of health care resources.

Do your homework and stop giving advice when you really don’t know have all the facts at hand.


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[Wiotte]

I must disagree with you. I grew up in Boston, know the outstanding medical facilities in most of our major cities, and ran two very large teaching hospital systems in addition to two large private systems. And I still moved here, despite having a couple of chronic medical conditions.

Perfectly acceptable care is readily available here in TV for most issues. If you have a more serious problem, there are 5 Level 1 trauma systems in FL, high level transplant programs, etc., etc., etc. Within a two hour drive almost anything you can imagine can be provided. And one of a handful of NIH approved national Comprehensive Cancer Centers is available in Tampa - the Moffett Cancer Center.

It really puts me off when people who don’t have a clue about medicine or health care recommend someone consider someplace else for a home - because of a perceived lack of health care resources.

Do your homework and stop giving advice when you really don’t know have all the facts at hand.


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Listening to an expert, you have enlightened me. [emoji1303]


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[NotGolfer]

Alot of the issue is that they are under-staffed. I was recently in the hospital (it was scheduled). The care was very good BUT the staff is stretched. "POWERS THAT BE" who are in the suits and make the decisions need to help the employees who have a true calling feel that they are valued. I wonder if that happens!?! Also, rather than one nurse, one CNA on each wing during a shift should at least be doubled. I've heard the "well it thins out after 'high season' so it would be hard to justify! Well we've grown and the busy-ness of the hospital has shown that as well. I for one, am thankful we do have a hospital but it's my opinion they need to do more to keep up. A new hospital would help....but I wonder if that would truly help. I chatted with a health-care professional and they agreed with me but also said this is becoming a national thing and is throughout the whole health industry and not just here. ONE way to possibly put "feet on this issue" is to write the folks who run the health organization as well as the county and state officials instead of the complaining on social media. I know once I'm up and around from my experience there, I will be doing something like that!!

For the lady who lost her husband, I'm so very, very sorry for your loss! My words ring hollow to what you're going through.

[NotGolfer]

I must disagree with you. I grew up in Boston, know the outstanding medical facilities in most of our major cities, and ran two very large teaching hospital systems in addition to two large private systems. And I still moved here, despite having a couple of chronic medical conditions.

Perfectly acceptable care is readily available here in TV for most issues. If you have a more serious problem, there are 5 Level 1 trauma systems in FL, high level transplant programs, etc., etc., etc. Within a two hour drive almost anything you can imagine can be provided. And one of a handful of NIH approved national Comprehensive Cancer Centers is available in Tampa - the Moffett Cancer Center.

It really puts me off when people who don’t have a clue about medicine or health care recommend someone consider someplace else for a home - because of a perceived lack of health care resources.

Do your homework and stop giving advice when you really don’t know have all the facts at hand.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Well stated!!!!

[fw102807]

I must disagree with you. I grew up in Boston, know the outstanding medical facilities in most of our major cities, and ran two very large teaching hospital systems in addition to two large private systems. And I still moved here, despite having a couple of chronic medical conditions.

Perfectly acceptable care is readily available here in TV for most issues. If you have a more serious problem, there are 5 Level 1 trauma systems in FL, high level transplant programs, etc., etc., etc. Within a two hour drive almost anything you can imagine can be provided. And one of a handful of NIH approved national Comprehensive Cancer Centers is available in Tampa - the Moffett Cancer Center.

It really puts me off when people who don’t have a clue about medicine or health care recommend someone consider someplace else for a home - because of a perceived lack of health care resources.

Do your homework and stop giving advice when you really don’t know have all the facts at hand.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Thank you. I am very happy to hear this. I know the ER issue is a nationwide one and that they need to continue to look for a way to make it more efficient but all in all the care we have received has been fine.

[graciegirl]

I must disagree with you. I grew up in Boston, know the outstanding medical facilities in most of our major cities, and ran two very large teaching hospital systems in addition to two large private systems. And I still moved here, despite having a couple of chronic medical conditions.

Perfectly acceptable care is readily available here in TV for most issues. If you have a more serious problem, there are 5 Level 1 trauma systems in FL, high level transplant programs, etc., etc., etc. Within a two hour drive almost anything you can imagine can be provided. And one of a handful of NIH approved national Comprehensive Cancer Centers is available in Tampa - the Moffett Cancer Center.

It really puts me off when people who don’t have a clue about medicine or health care recommend someone consider someplace else for a home - because of a perceived lack of health care resources.

Do your homework and stop giving advice when you really don’t know have all the facts at hand.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Well said. The Boston Area is well known as the pinnacle of medical excellence in this country and possibly the world. It is comforting to hear you say this.

[manaboutown]

Well said. We continue to take Daughter Helene to Cincinnati for monitoring of her congenital heart defect.

Smart and caring!:angel:

[graciegirl]

My husband and I moved to the Villages 2 years ago and love it. Unfortunately my husband became gravely Ill one month after we moved. This is an actual response after reading talk of the Villages this morning about the woman going to Villages Regional Hospital and sitting on a gurny in the ER hallway all night. This is not just the flu causing this horrendous service at the Villages regional. My husband has been rushed by ambulance or we walked in and every time he was taken in the back only to be put in an Er room to sit there 17 hours to overnight. If this isn’t bad enough no one ever comes in and tells u the status or what’s going on. My husband has since passed away in November with never being able to enjoy his passion, golf.

It got so bad when my husbands doctor advised me to take him to emergency I refused. We’ve had so many bad experiences in the Villages ER I felt I’d rather have him die at home in comfort then in a cold ER room on a rack of a gurney.

This issue HAS to be addressed. We need to stop building additional communities in the land that is purchased and start building more hospitals. AND SOONER NIT LATER.

I worked in the medical industry for 10 years and my husband for 30 and I have yet to see such atrocious health care as we have in the Villages.

I was in the emergency room last month waiting for a bed in Critical Care for several hours. I was in a small room with monitors on me for vital signs. I disagree with your assessment.

I am very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the sadness you are feeling.
__________________

[Madelaine Amee]

I must disagree with you. I grew up in Boston, know the outstanding medical facilities in most of our major cities, and ran two very large teaching hospital systems in addition to two large private systems. And I still moved here, despite having a couple of chronic medical conditions.

Perfectly acceptable care is readily available here in TV for most issues. If you have a more serious problem, there are 5 Level 1 trauma systems in FL, high level transplant programs, etc., etc., etc. Within a two hour drive almost anything you can imagine can be provided. And one of a handful of NIH approved national Comprehensive Cancer Centers is available in Tampa - the Moffett Cancer Center.

It really puts me off when people who don’t have a clue about medicine or health care recommend someone consider someplace else for a home - because of a perceived lack of health care resources.

Do your homework and stop giving advice when you really don’t know have all the facts at hand.


Great post dbussone and thank you. I'm from the Boston area and all my doctors were at the Beth Israel. It's one of many great hospitals in Boston, but have you ever been in a major teaching hospital ER? Well I have and be assured it is like nothing you have ever seen before, other than what you see on a television reality show. People being brought in every second, gun shots, drug overdoses, heart attacks, people in labor - the noise is unbelievable, it is a nightmare. I've also been in the ER in The Village hospital, the care was excellent and I am grateful to have this hospital right here, as dbussone said - if you cannot get help here we are within acceptable reach of several excellent medical facilities.

[dillywho]

Alot of the issue is that they are under-staffed. I was recently in the hospital (it was scheduled). The care was very good BUT the staff is stretched. "POWERS THAT BE" who are in the suits and make the decisions need to help the employees who have a true calling feel that they are valued. I wonder if that happens!?! Also, rather than one nurse, one CNA on each wing during a shift should at least be doubled. I've heard the "well it thins out after 'high season' so it would be hard to justify! Well we've grown and the busy-ness of the hospital has shown that as well. I for one, am thankful we do have a hospital but it's my opinion they need to do more to keep up. A new hospital would help....but I wonder if that would truly help. I chatted with a health-care professional and they agreed with me but also said this is becoming a national thing and is throughout the whole health industry and not just here. ONE way to possibly put "feet on this issue" is to write the folks who run the health organization as well as the county and state officials instead of the complaining on social media. I know once I'm up and around from my experience there, I will be doing something like that!!

For the lady who lost her husband, I'm so very, very sorry for your loss! My words ring hollow to what you're going through.

You are right in many ways.

Healthcare here in The Villages is not a one way street. After personally witnessing some of the abuse, yes abuse, dished out to nurses and their techs and many other staff members, could it just possibly be part of the reason for the shortages? Who can blame them for not wanting to work here. With today's communication, they too, can read what is being written here and in other venues. I just wonder (and doubt it) if Ocala, Gainesville, or the bigger cities in FL would put up with it.

Years ago (many), I had the unfortunate experience of having to share a room with just such a person. Apparently, the staff had had it up to their eyeballs. So had I. Her doctor came in and told her something that I will never forget: "This is a hospital. It is not a five-star hotel. We are all here to help you to get well. Now, if you want the luxuries of such a hotel, then I will dismiss you from my care and you can go there. Otherwise, you will settle down and let us get you well and out of here. What is it going to be?" She then became a very pleasant patient and roommate.

[dillywho]

Great post dbussone and thank you. I'm from the Boston area and all my doctors were at the Beth Israel. It's one of many great hospitals in Boston, but have you ever been in a major teaching hospital ER? Well I have and be assured it is like nothing you have ever seen before, other than what you see on a television reality show. People being brought in every second, gun shots, drug overdoses, heart attacks, people in labor - the noise is unbelievable, it is a nightmare. I've also been in the ER in The Village hospital, the care was excellent and I am grateful to have this hospital right here, as dbussone said - if you cannot get help here we are within acceptable reach of several excellent medical facilities.

Excellent post! If you are in need of critical services that our hospital cannot provide, they will stabilize you to the point that you can be safely transported elsewhere.

[kaseydog]

gail so sorry for your loss. my husband passed away in 2017. he went by ambulance to leesburg hospital. went from er to overflow areas 1,2,3,4 etc. no medical care. finally put in room(but not admitted to hospital). test & visits by doctors were scheduled but after waiting 8 hours for test & doctor visits htwere cancelled due to overcrowding. this happened over & over. my husband's condition steadily declined.

[427dave]

I had a terrible experience. I was taken by ambulance and the driver was told the only hospital excepting patients was TV, Leesburg and Ocala were not. They brought me in and they would not accept me and told the EMT. The EMT is not allowed to leave until the ER accepts you. I lay there on the ambulance gurney for hours and the EMT was forced too stay. My Bp was decreasing and my pulse was up to 200. The EMT are not allowed to administer any medications in the ER and the ER would not accept me and administer anything. Finally the EMT gave me something in my IV against ER rules. My wife said there was 4 ambulances waiting outside.

[graciegirl]

I had a terrible experience. I was taken by ambulance and the driver was told the only hospital excepting patients was TV, Leesburg and Ocala were not. They brought me in and they would not accept me and told the EMT. The EMT is not allowed to leave until the ER accepts you. I lay there on the ambulance gurney for hours and the EMT was forced too stay. My Bp was decreasing and my pulse was up to 200. The EMT are not allowed to administer any medications in the ER and the ER would not accept me and administer anything. Finally the EMT gave me something in my IV against ER rules. My wife said there was 4 ambulances waiting outside.

WHY didn't "they accept" you. I was brought in with no identification, no insurance cards, nothing, and they treated me.

[manaboutown]

Where one goes with a medical condition can matter. Many of you probably heard about the Canadian couple getting hookworm in the Dominican Republic. According to the news release the Canadian health system would not provide them the drug they needed (ivermectin) so they had to get it in the United States. Couple contract hookworms while on vacation in Dominican Republic (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/01/29/couple-contract-parasitic-hookworm-feet-after-walking-punta-cana-beach/1073974001/)

[CFrance]

Was this before they put in your pacemaker or afterward when you had to return because the surgeon punctured your lung putting in the pacemaker?
There are a couple of things that bother me about Gracie's experience. The first is that a surgeon nicked her lung (reported by GG to be a rare occurrence), and the second that she had to wait several hours to get into a critical care section. I am obviously very glad that she is okay, but a week stay in the hospital seems like it could have been avoided by better surgical care. And having to wait for a critical care bed with a punctured lung, well... I just don't know.

I'm not a doctor. Maybe db or GE have an answer to my concerns.

[manaboutown]

There are a couple of things that bother me about Gracie's experience. The first is that a surgeon nicked her lung (reported by GG to be a rare occurrence), and the second that she had to wait several hours to get into a critical care section. I am obviously very glad that she is okay, but a week stay in the hospital seems like it could have been avoided by better surgical care. And having to wait for a critical care bed with a punctured lung, well... I just don't know.

I'm not a doctor. Maybe db or GE have an answer to my concerns.

:agree:

GG spent a long time in hospital!

[graciegirl]

There are a couple of things that bother me about Gracie's experience. The first is that a surgeon nicked her lung (reported by GG to be a rare occurrence), and the second that she had to wait several hours to get into a critical care section. I am obviously very glad that she is okay, but a week stay in the hospital seems like it could have been avoided by better surgical care. And having to wait for a critical care bed with a punctured lung, well... I just don't know.

I'm not a doctor. Maybe db or GE have an answer to my concerns.

NO NO NO. I came in with a very slow heartbeat not a punctured lung. They gave me two doses of atropine in the ambulance and my heart rate kept dropping. I was in a small room in emergency, just like a hospital room but smaller, NOT an alcove with curtains but a room and I had all vital signs monitored and constant supervision. I was given a huge room in about six hours and 48 hours later after they (several cardiologists from the group I use) had carefully confirmed the exact problem with the electricity of my heart a pacemaker was inserted into my chest and the surgeon used a port in my front chest wall that had been there for chemo for the cancer I had ten years ago. He used it to access my heart and attach the electrodes. I am curved all wrong in my back and chest area because of my increasing scoliosis and he removed scar tissue from my port, an expected occurance as the chemo burns the tissue.. Two things most people don't have when they have a pacemaker inserted. The pneumo thorax occurred a few hours after the pacemaker was inserted and a BOARD CERTIFIED pulmonologist was called and he inserted a chest tube to release the air and allow my lung to reinflate. I was observed then for several days to be sure my lung was stable and my vital signs were no longer dangerous.

I was cared for and had the pacemaker implanted by BOARD CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGISTS that are ON CALL to the hospital, not part of their staff, actually they are those I have seen before I was admitted as my cardiologists and by our BOARD CERTIFIED primary care physician and by amazing nurses, most with quite a history working at the hospital. They were excellent and treated me as if I were a family member.

There are actually people on this forum who defend going to a doctor who is not board certified. Those are the ones you should be second guessing.

[CFrance]

NO NO NO. I came in with a very slow heartbeat not a punctured lung. They gave me two doses of atropine in the ambulance and my heart rate kept dropping. I was in a small room in emergency, just like a hospital room but smaller, NOT an alcove with curtains but a room and I had all vital signs monitored and constant supervision. I was given a huge room in about six hours and 48 hours later after they (several cardiologists from the group I use) had carefully confirmed the exact problem with the electricity of my heart a pacemaker was inserted into my chest and the surgeon used a port in my front chest wall that had been there for chemo for the cancer I had ten years ago. He used it to access my heart and attach the electrodes. I am curved all wrong in my back and chest area because of my increasing scoliosis and he removed scar tissue from my port, an expected occurance as the chemo burns the tissue.. Two things most people don't have when they have a pacemaker inserted. The pneumo thorax occurred a few hours after the pacemaker was inserted and a BOARD CERTIFIED pulmonologist was called and he inserted a chest tube to release the air and allow my lung to reinflate. I was observed then for several days to be sure my lung was stable and my vital signs were no longer dangerous.

I was cared for and had the pacemaker implanted by BOARD CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGISTS that are ON CALL to the hospital, not part of their staff, actually they are those I have seen before I was admitted as my cardiologists and by our BOARD CERTIFIED primary care physician and by amazing nurses, most with quite a history working at the hospital. They were excellent and treated me as if I were a family member.

There are actually people on this forum who defend going to a doctor who is not board certified. Those are the ones you should be second guessing.
I was questioning the fact that your lung got nicked. Glad you are okay.

[graciegirl]

I was questioning the fact that your lung got nicked. Glad you are okay.

Thank you. I am sure that the surgeon didn't want it to happen. I certainly didn't want it to happen. I did have the healed port opening in my front chest close to where the Pacemaker was inserted and I also have scoliosis and I cannot lie flat. Those are things I think. Not excuses given by the doctor. The pulmonary physician came in and inserted the chest tube on Christmas day.

I had the Director of Nursing as my Critical Care nurse on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Her name is Ree, she made me a milkshake and gave me cookies that were not on my "diet" but I wasn't eating. A nurse named Kathy who has been at The Hospital since it opened (16 years) is one of the finest human beings I have ever met. I have met some super heros and heroines. I am very lucky and blessed.

[NotGolfer]

I'm sorry that the surgeon "nicked" the lung Gracie. I think folks think that surgeries go truly smoothly all of the time. BUT think of it folks, we sign those papers for a reason. There are risks with ALL surgeries and I believe Gracie said early in this dialogue that this was one that she was made aware of and she knew it. I concur with her that the care in TVRH is excellent....been there, done that on a few levels. UNLESS people are truly "in the know" with how medical procedures go then don't be an "armchair coach" please. My recent surgery was potentionally a life-threatening one (or at least what it was addressing was) but I'm quite sure my surgeon, the nurses and ALL the folks who are following up on me have been very good in what they do and I'm "just" a lay-person/patient. You'd think by reading many of the comments on social media that the medical folks here are all hacks. Read their credentials, their training, the schools they went to...I always do my due diligence with my care-providers.

[jebartle]

Thank you. I am sure that the surgeon didn't want it to happen. I certainly didn't want it to happen. I did have the healed port opening in my front chest close to where the Pacemaker was inserted and I also have scoliosis and I cannot lie flat. Those are things I think. Not excuses given by the doctor. The pulmonary physician came in and inserted the chest tube on Christmas day.

I had the Director of Nursing as my Critical Care nurse on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Her name is Ree, she made me a milkshake and gave me cookies that were not on my "diet" but I wasn't eating. A nurse named Kathy who has been at The Hospital since it opened (16 years) is one of the finest human beings I have ever met. I have met some super heros and heroines. I am very lucky and blessed.

Wow! I had no idea you had such critical health issues, so so glad that you are back to normal. You are a very very special lady that we all love. :bigbow:

[Villagevip]

Funny, when your real estate agent goes on and on, about the wonderful first class healthcare facilities minutes away away from your new home...Never have to relocate to a hospital many hours away, it's all right here in The Villages!!

[manaboutown]

The thing is one needs to deal with a medical emergency no matter where one finds oneself when it occurs.

A woman of my acquaintance was an international flight attendant. Her need for GBM brain surgery arose while she was overnighting in China. Airline people look after their own. Another airline flew her to Australia for assistance ASAP. She then was flown back to the USA for her successful surgery, radiation and chemo treatments at a world class facility. She has survived over five years now which is amazing since median life expectancy is about 16 months. GBM is what killed Ted Kennedy and Joe Biden's son. John McCain is dealing with it now.

I developed a terrible sinus/ear infection in Greece on a cruise. The doctor on the boat gave me just what I needed for about 30 euros: an antibiotic and an antihistamine which saw me through. I was able to fly on to Italy for the next two weeks of my trip although I experienced the most painful earache of my life during landing in Rome.

[graciegirl]

Funny, when your real estate agent goes on and on, about the wonderful first class healthcare facilities minutes away away from your new home...Never have to relocate to a hospital many hours away, it's all right here in The Villages!!

No person selling homes here has to embroider anything. We have had four homes go up for sale in our Village of 54 homes in the last three weeks. Three are pending.

When we bought our first home here, we waited a half an hour too long. Poof. Gone.

[manaboutown]

No person selling homes here has to embroider anything. We have had four homes go up for sale in our Village of 54 homes in the last three weeks. Three are pending.

When we bought our first home here, we waited a half an hour too long. Poof. Gone.

:bigbow:

It appears that houses in The Villages sell much quicker than medical appointments can be made.

I sure hope that the building of new medical care facilities and finding and relocating professional medical personnel can keep up with the pace of homebuilding.

[fw102807]

First class healthcare was not something we were thinking about when we decided to move to The Villages and in hindsight we still would have moved. That might have been different if we were older or less healthy but the lifestyle was what was and is most important to us.

[NotGolfer]

I remember about the time we were planning a move here...or maybe "just" before that---we had a conversation with a friend who was in health-care. She had been a liason between doctor/hospitals and insurance as an RN. Her comment was that FL and AZ were two of the states that weren't considered to be ones with "state of the art" (my words) health-care. Back then (around 2008 or so) she said it was tough to find ins. that would cover etc. We knew when we moved here that it "might" be tough to find a good provider (we were fortunate and did, thank God). We're also quite happy with our insurance coverage as well. I guess we were looking more at the good weather and the life-style we'd be moving towards and we haven't regretted it.

[MSGirl]

My husband and I moved to the Villages 2 years ago and love it. Unfortunately my husband became gravely Ill one month after we moved. This is an actual response after reading talk of the Villages this morning about the woman going to Villages Regional Hospital and sitting on a gurny in the ER hallway all night. This is not just the flu causing this horrendous service at the Villages regional. My husband has been rushed by ambulance or we walked in and every time he was taken in the back only to be put in an Er room to sit there 17 hours to overnight. If this isn’t bad enough no one ever comes in and tells u the status or what’s going on. My husband has since passed away in November with never being able to enjoy his passion, golf.


It got so bad when my husbands doctor advised me to take him to emergency I refused. We’ve had so many bad experiences in the Villages ER I felt I’d rather have him die at home in comfort then in a cold ER room on a rack of a gurney.



This issue HAS to be addressed. We need to stop building additional communities in the land that is purchased and start building more hospitals. AND SOONER NIT LATER.

I worked in the medical industry for 10 years and my husband for 30 and I have yet to see such atrocious health care as we have in the Villages.

I was in the emergency room the other day and was taken back to a hallway, as all rooms were taken. That didn’t stop them from taking blood and vitals and I was admitted within a couple of hours. The emergency staff was able to diagnose correctly, where my PCP failed and they ended up saving my life. I had an excellent experience.
I am so sorry for your loss.

[graciegirl]

:bigbow:

It appears that houses in The Villages sell much quicker than medical appointments can be made.

I sure hope that the building of new medical care facilities and finding and relocating professional medical personnel can keep up with the pace of homebuilding.

There is nothing any of us or the Morses can do about that. The Morses can build buildings. Medical personnel have got to want to move here. I am more concerned about the quality of medical personnel who decide to move to Florida and HOW they are accredited or licensed. What constitutes the criteria.

There was a doctor who moved here from the Carolina's who had been in trouble there for substance abuse. She is practicing here now after an arrest on 466A with a LOT of pills in her car.

I know NOTHING about how Florida accredits physicians, but I would like to know more and get behind some legislation to update and improve the quality of physicians allowed to practice here. This is not researched...just a general feeling by an old woman whose child has had stellar medical care for many things in the North for over fifty years. In fact we just returned from Cincinnati for one of her medical check ups.

[rustyp]

This idea of Florida has sub par health care is bogus in my opinion. There are good and bad doctors everywhere. We seniors are totally advantaged here. The doctors here are primarily working with an elder population. Why wouldn't they be keeping their skills up biased toward the demographics Vs your hometown ? Also 90% of the medical personal just like the population comes from somewhere else with their experience. Do you not believe they share their experience and knowledge ? I have had nothing but great health care here but I've done my research just like I would have anywhere else I've lived.

[capecoralbill]

The emergency staff was able to diagnose correctly, where my PCP failed and they ended up saving my life.
.

I am looking for a new PCP, who was yours?

[NotGolfer]

I preferred my room in the ER. Unfortuately, I was only in it for a couple of hours before being taken upstairs. I had a tv, they brought me dinner, and I was kept informed about what was going on. I can understand people being upset about waiting in a hallway on a gurney, but if you got an ER room, thy're basically the same as the room upstairs but PRIVATE! Not sure why everyone is in such a hurry to get to a semi-private room.
Also, the state has to approve a new hospital so you can't blame that one on the developer.

I think you have discovered the real issue. We live in a very rural area that happens to house a concentration of people in their heavy medical utilization years. We have the need but lack the highly skilled medical specialists and teaching hospitals you would find in larger cites. People need to understand before moving here that complex medical problems and emergencies will require travel outside the area.

This idea of Florida has sub par health care is bogus in my opinion. There are good and bad doctors everywhere. We seniors are totally advantaged here. The doctors here are primarily working with an elder population. Why wouldn't they be keeping their skills up biased toward the demographics Vs your hometown ? Also 90% of the medical personal just like the population comes from somewhere else with their experience. Do you not believe they share their experience and knowledge ? I have had nothing but great health care here but I've done my research just like I would have anywhere else I've lived.

To the OP...I'm so very sorry for your loss! It's got to be incredibly hard for you and I pray for comfort for you during this time. To be so new here must have made it all the more difficult.

I included the posts above however, as I agree with them on everything they share. We hear so many who share their negative experiences but there are also many who've been happy with their care here. We do live in a rural setting despite the splendor of our community....so to expect "world class" care here is futile IMHO. For that---you'll need to go back to the communities that have that. Cosmopolitan........

[PennBF]

The best measure of what you will get is what had been done. My wife was diagnosed with Pancreas cancer and a abdominal tumor in the villages by a Dr. We immediately
went to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for a second opinion. Results: After 6 hours of surgery no Pancreas cancer, no abdominal tumor. BUT: Stage 3 Uterus cancer with 8 Lymph Nodes also involved. Suggestion: Immediate surgery. Results: Surgery completed and all indications of cancer removed. After 2 of 3 months cancer tests she is completely cancer free and if she can go one more year with same tests results she will be considered CURED by Mayo clinic standards. Had she continued with the Villages Medical community it is an open question as to how long she would have lasted. The question is still why would anyone rely on the villages medical community when within 2 hour and 45 minutes you have one of the very best medical facilies Some other poinst: How many have waited in a Dr. waiting room for an hour or so in The Villages. At Mayo when a Dr appointment is is scheduled you will see that Dr at that time. If you will exceed 3 days for a treatment (transplants, radiation chemo, etc) you can apply to stay at the Gabriel House which can accomondate 28 patients with beautiful rooms, kitchens, etc etc and the cost is $45 a night and you must have a 24/7 caretaker with you which is included in the $45. The portal you will receive will allow you to see the results of your various tests, (e.g. blood, cat scans, MRi's etc etc) when the Dr receives them. Depending upon the problems you may have a team of 3 physicans who will meet with you when you go to the clinic. As you can see there are wonderful treatments and care within 2 hours and 45 minutes away. The question is whether your health is worth the effort to get some of the best?:shrug:

[rustyp]

The best measure of what you will get is what had been done. My wife was diagnosed with Pancreas cancer and a abdominal tumor in the villages by a Dr. We immediately
went to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for a second opinion. Results: After 6 hours of surgery no Pancreas cancer, no abdominal tumor. BUT: Stage 3 Uterus cancer with 8 Lymph Nodes also involved. Suggestion: Immediate surgery. Results: Surgery completed and all indications of cancer removed. After 2 of 3 months cancer tests she is completely cancer free and if she can go one more year with same tests results she will be considered CURED by Mayo clinic standards. Had she continued with the Villages Medical community it is an open question as to how long she would have lasted. The question is still why would anyone rely on the villages medical community when within 2 hour and 45 minutes you have one of the very best medical facilies Some other poinst: How many have waited in a Dr. waiting room for an hour or so in The Villages. At Mayo when a Dr appointment is is scheduled you will see that Dr at that time. If you will exceed 3 days for a treatment (transplants, radiation chemo, etc) you can apply to stay at the Gabriel House which can accomondate 28 patients with beautiful rooms, kitchens, etc etc and the cost is $45 a night and you must have a 24/7 caretaker with you which is included in the $45. The portal you will receive will allow you to see the results of your various tests, (e.g. blood, cat scans, MRi's etc etc) when the Dr receives them. Depending upon the problems you may have a team of 3 physicans who will meet with you when you go to the clinic. As you can see there are wonderful treatments and care within 2 hours and 45 minutes away. The question is whether your health is worth the effort to get some of the best?:shrug:

I don't understand - did the Mayo Clinic diagnose it was uterine cancer Vs pancreatic cancer and an abdominal tumor before the surgery or discover it as as part of the surgery ? Were you told there was nothing that could be done by the first Doctor here in The Villages ?

[graciegirl]

I don't understand - did the Mayo Clinic diagnose it was uterine cancer Vs pancreatic cancer and an abdominal tumor before the surgery or discover it as as part of the surgery ? Were you told there was nothing that could be done by the first Doctor here in The Villages ?

Good questions. People are given information about their health and sometimes do not absorb it correctly. The two of us go together so we have a better chance of hearing correctly and asking the right questions.

Some people do not know much about the function of the human body and they will hear rumors and innuendos from others and repeat them as fact. I have never ever heard any oncologist use the word "cured".

We consult many different doctors here and some are foreign born. That doesn't mean they are inferior but it does sometimes mean that they are more difficult to understand.

I am satisfied with our health care overall, but sometimes find myself annoyed at how the offices are run here with many people employed who have graduated from one of those short term programs, rather than the R.N.s that our doctors in Cincinnati employed.

[trichard]

I have over 45 years health care experience. We travel outside the villages for quality health care. As a generalization, the quality of heath care in and around the villages is simply okay and less than great.

[rustyp]

I have over 45 years health care experience. We travel outside the villages for quality health care. As a generalization, the quality of heath care in and around the villages is simply okay and less than great.

I did a yellow page search for "doctors" in The Villages and got 1542 hits. Approximately how many real life experiences with doctors in The Villages is your "generalization" based upon ?

[Wiotte]

Healthcare in The Villages, my take. Don’t, none but a good GP. Make sure you get blood tests every 3 months, if any problems head to Tampa, West Palm and/or points North. Healthcare here is for the lack of a better word, sucks. Any MD specialist that knows his/her sh*t won’t set up shop around here. That is a fact.


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[PennBF]

Village mis diagnosis was done BEFORE Mayo Surgery. Cancer was found by MRI at Mayo when we went for a second opinion. Surgery was after all pre surgery tests and exams and was done robotically and normal surgery procedure where and when needed. This was followed by 6 weeks of radiation at Mayo.:smiley:

[graciegirl]

Village mis diagnosis was done BEFORE Mayo Surgery. Cancer was found by MRI at Mayo when we went for a second opinion. Surgery was after all pre surgery tests and exams and was done robotically and normal surgery procedure where and when needed. This was followed by 6 weeks of radiation at Mayo.:smiley:

I know I share the happiness of this good outcome with every soul who read your posts about it.

Daughter Helene and I are cancer survivors. I pray to live to see all cancer obliterated.

I hope that all people who are diagnosed with cancer find the best place to treat it. Mayo is EXCELLENT.

[rustyp]

Village mis diagnosis was done BEFORE Mayo Surgery. Cancer was found by MRI at Mayo when we went for a second opinion. Surgery was after all pre surgery tests and exams and was done robotically and normal surgery procedure where and when needed. This was followed by 6 weeks of radiation at Mayo.:smiley:

Are you saying The Villages diagnosed pancreatic cancer and an abdominal tumor without a MRI an told you do nothing next ? They did not refer you to someone else ? I too am a cancer survivor. My GP gave me a list of possible problems for the symptoms and thought cancer was not highly likely due to my young age (at the time) but sent me to a specialist who found it. I don't consider that a misdiagnosis. Are we saying the same thing here ?
If this is the scenario please send me a note with the doctor's name so I can steer clear of him/her. I am happy for you wife's results. I had stage 3 cancer 12 years ago and still here- pass that on to your wife.