Villages Hospital

[Billyg]

Well, I hesitated to post but...
Hubby went in by ambulance, we thought it was a stroke.
ER Doc thought so too. Waited in ER hallway for a bed for 9 hrs. That's OK, they WERE extremely busy and the hospital was full.
ER staff was great, although they did take the wrong guy in for a CAT scan thinking it was husband....(when we asked about our CAT they said "You already had it."...).
Anyway, 3 days and a few tests later the Dr. and Neurologist told us nothing was wrong, tests were fine and that it was probably Anxiety or Depression and gave us a psychiatrists name. (It's all in your head dear...the pounding headache, slurred speech, unable to move your leg, the falling over and the low B. pressure when standing, confusion, all in your head.)
As we were leaving, the nurse called me aside and whispered "I found this in your chart and thought you'd like to know, the tests showed a Mastoiditis. My uncle had it and he was way off balance etc."
Why didn't they tell us???? Why didn't they treat it???

We called our Doc at home in Maine (we were NOT going to call the hospital, it would have taken forever to get help I assume) and he said that could be very serious if left untreated and called in anti-biotics. (We don't have a primary here yet.)
So, my question is, if in an emergency we don't go to TV Hospital, where will the ambulance take us? The Docs in TV and Leesburg are the same!
p.s. the nurses were great!

So, hubs is still not himself and I'm searching for a Doc and a Neurologist.:undecided:
Frazzled

[graciegirl]

Well, I hesitated to post but...
Hubby went in by ambulance, we thought it was a stroke.
ER Doc thought so too. Waited in ER hallway for a bed for 9 hrs. That's OK, they WERE extremely busy and the hospital was full.
ER staff was great, although they did take the wrong guy in for a CAT scan thinking it was husband....(when we asked about our CAT they said "You already had it."...).
Anyway, 3 days and a few tests later the Dr. and Neurologist told us nothing was wrong, tests were fine and that it was probably Anxiety or Depression and gave us a psychiatrists name. (It's all in your head dear...the pounding headache, slurred speech, unable to move your leg, the falling over and the low B. pressure when standing, confusion, all in your head.)
As we were leaving, the nurse called me aside and whispered "I found this in your chart and thought you'd like to know, the tests showed a Mastoiditis. My uncle had it and he was way off balance etc."
Why didn't they tell us???? Why didn't they treat it???

We called our Doc at home in Maine (we were NOT going to call the hospital, it would have taken forever to get help I assume) and he said that could be very serious if left untreated and called in anti-biotics. (We don't have a primary here yet.)
So, my question is, if in an emergency we don't go to TV Hospital, where will the ambulance take us? The Docs in TV and Leesburg are the same!
p.s. the nurses were great!

So, hubs is still not himself and I'm searching for a Doc and a Neurologist.:undecided:
Frazzled


That is very, very worrisome. I am so sorry that you had all those wrong things happen.

[wendyquat]

Well, I hesitated to post but...
Hubby went in by ambulance, we thought it was a stroke.
ER Doc thought so too. Waited in ER hallway for a bed for 9 hrs. That's OK, they WERE extremely busy and the hospital was full.
ER staff was great, although they did take the wrong guy in for a CAT scan thinking it was husband....(when we asked about our CAT they said "You already had it."...).
Anyway, 3 days and a few tests later the Dr. and Neurologist told us nothing was wrong, tests were fine and that it was probably Anxiety or Depression and gave us a psychiatrists name. (It's all in your head dear...the pounding headache, slurred speech, unable to move your leg, the falling over and the low B. pressure when standing, confusion, all in your head.)
As we were leaving, the nurse called me aside and whispered "I found this in your chart and thought you'd like to know, the tests showed a Mastoiditis. My uncle had it and he was way off balance etc."
Why didn't they tell us???? Why didn't they treat it???

We called our Doc at home in Maine (we were NOT going to call the hospital, it would have taken forever to get help I assume) and he said that could be very serious if left untreated and called in anti-biotics. (We don't have a primary here yet.)
So, my question is, if in an emergency we don't go to TV Hospital, where will the ambulance take us? The Docs in TV and Leesburg are the same!
p.s. the nurses were great!

So, hubs is still not himself and I'm searching for a Doc and a Neurologist.:undecided:
Frazzled

Me too Gracie! I'm thinking that WE don't have a choice where we are taken as we prolly are directed to the nearest facility! I'm sorry for your experience and really hope it is an unfortunate but isolated incident!

Your husband may not want a female doctor but I find dr clarissa Abrantes to be very caring and thorough. Good luck!

[Happinow]

Oh so sorry to hear about your husband. I sure hope he gets back to himself soon! Hopefully, they will get to the bottom of this sooner than later. Speedy recovery....

[2BNTV]

So sorry this happened to your husband. Hoping it gets resolved with good results.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[skip0358]

Sorry to hear this hope all comes out alright. I was just going to post my recent experiance. Yesterday I had to go for a Cardio Cath to get clearence for my knee surgery. I thought the nursing staff and the Cath Lab Staff where outstanding and kept us very calm and well informed. I guess it's all about who you get to wait on you. As far as the Ambulance I know when I rode with the Ambulance on Long Island we took you to the nearest hospital not sure of here though.

[NotGolfer]

I was at Villages Hospital ER in late May and was admitted. My stay there was great ....have NO negatives to say about TVRH. That being said...have lived in several areas and communities. Some had large teaching hospitals and some just smaller regular ones. I've heard BOTH positive AND negative reports about most of these facilities. Doesn't matter where you live! I've heard both bad and good things about the Mayo Clinic and believe me, in Minnesota they're where "the yellow brick road" leads to. I'm just using that as an example. Where you have human beings, mistakes are going to happen. Hope to Heavens it won't to you when the time comes. If a facility is exceptionally busy (and this isn't an excuse) the possibilities for mistakes are heightened.

I'm sorry your husband had this experience!!! I hope the treatment for his condition has him up and around soon!!!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Billy, sorry to hear about your husband's issues. Hope everything turns out well for you both.

Bill :)

[Mudder]

I just got out of Villages Hospital the other day after 7 days there. Today had to go to Urgent Care as still not well, another infection brewing or probably the same one. If I had the strength I would have run of there as fast as I could. They did not address my problem in a timely fashion at all and overall care was inferior. 7 days and I did not get to see a Urologist for a serious kidney infection.
try Dr. Hamrick( I think that is her name) she is the new head of the stroke center at Villages Hospital. I find it just as negligent that you did not see the neuroligist or at the very least they should have given you her name. I'm running the other way.

[zcaveman]

I always tell the ambulance to take us to MRMC in Ocala. Good emergency room and good doctors.

But then we live in the Marion county end of TV.

[Mikeod]

I think your experience needs to be brought to the attention of the administration of the facility. Is there a patient ombudsman who could be contacted to carry this to the proper people? I think your questions are appropriate. Why didn't they tell you? Why didn't they treat this? Why were you directed toward a mental health provider when there was a physical problem evident? If I were the administrator or medical director of the facility I would want the answers to those questions also. I would not let this go since it obviously affects your confidence in the facility you would likely be taken to in an emergency.

[Barefoot]

Well, I hesitated to post but...
Hubby went in by ambulance, we thought it was a stroke.
ER Doc thought so too. Waited in ER hallway for a bed for 9 hrs. That's OK, they WERE extremely busy and the hospital was full.
ER staff was great, although they did take the wrong guy in for a CAT scan thinking it was husband....(when we asked about our CAT they said "You already had it."...).
Anyway, 3 days and a few tests later the Dr. and Neurologist told us nothing was wrong, tests were fine and that it was probably Anxiety or Depression and gave us a psychiatrists name. (It's all in your head dear...the pounding headache, slurred speech, unable to move your leg, the falling over and the low B. pressure when standing, confusion, all in your head.)
As we were leaving, the nurse called me aside and whispered "I found this in your chart and thought you'd like to know, the tests showed a Mastoiditis. My uncle had it and he was way off balance etc."

Why didn't they tell us???? Why didn't they treat it???

We called our Doc at home in Maine (we were NOT going to call the hospital, it
would have taken forever to get help I assume) and he said that could be very serious if left untreated and called in anti-biotics. (We don't have a primary
here yet.) So, my question is, if in an emergency we don't go to TV Hospital, where will the ambulance take us? The Docs in TV and Leesburg are the same!
p.s. the nurses were great!

So, hubs is still not himself and I'm searching for a Doc and aNeurologist.:undecided
Frazzled

So sorry to hear of your husband's scary situation. I'm glad he had you with him as a support. There are definitely mistakes made within the Medical System. With aging Boomers, it scares me to think of the increased pressure on a system that is already challenged.

[angiefox10]

My heart is breaking for you right now. I know how scary this is. I see some of the posters have given you some guidance. I do hope you are able to get to the bottom of this. I have had a similar situation and what I would say to you is to please persevere until you get the right answers.

Sending positive thoughts you way.

[Mudder]

two different people came to me to ask about my stay as I was being discharged, I told them what I thought in a calm manner. Also I am writing a clear timeline of what happened while I was there to hopefully help avoid others from having to go thru what I went thru. They kept using the excuse it's Jan. and very busy....how silly of me to get so sick in Jan, I'll try to wait til May next time.
Anyway, it's Munroe for me next time. We did alot of research on both Munroe and Leesburg when we moved here and determined munroe would be best for us....in the heat of the moment we made a not so good decision, won't happen again.

[Billyg]

Is Munroe in Ocala.? Will the ambulance transport to that location?

[zcaveman]

Is Munroe in Ocala.? Will the ambulance transport to that location?

When I went they asked me which hospital I wanted. I said Munroe. They took me. But then I live in Marion county. I am not sure which ambulance service picked me up.

[obxgal]

Munroe Regional Medical Center
1500 S.W. 1st Avenue Ocala, FL 34471
352.351.7200

Here is Monroe hospitals websit
http://www.munroeregional.com/

[rubicon]

M brother had two major operations both at Munroe. I also had two operations and will tell you that Munroe is the only hospital in the area that I have any confidence.

Unfortunately for me it turned out that I ended up with at least one hospital stay in every state my company transfered me to. My last move was from the metropolitan Minneapolis, Mn area.

Munroe does an excellent job. The staff are competnet and friendly.

A condition for me in choosing a doctor is that he must be associated with Munroe.

[rubicon]

Billyg My previous post was not clear of intent I was attempting o tell you your husband would recive good care at Munroe and not about me. Iam sorry for that oversight.

Mastoiditis can be effectively treated and appears to be somewhat persistent. it also appears that given the so called "superbug" a number of different anti-botics might be offered.

Good luck to you and your husband and I trust all will go well. Please post again to let us know how your husband is doing,

P.S. The reason i strayed is because I was posting while watching the 49'ers Saints game

[bonrich]

As a former Director of Nursing at a hospital in NYS, I find it extremely unsettling that your husband had to wait in the ER hallway for 9 hours. The Standard of Practice for ER's across the US is approximately 3-4 hours, either discharged to home or admitted to a bed in the hospital. I am questioning whether hospital personnel gave your husband the "clot buster" to dissolve clots that occur during a stroke as he appeared to have symptoms indicative of a stroke. I am unclear as to whether this hospital administers the "clot buster" in appropriate instances as there must be a neurologist available 24/7. It is important to be aware of other hospitals within a reasonable radius of TV that can provide the necessary care that one needs.

[Billyg]

I am so appreciative of the support, help, opinions and caring that you have all offered. This is a wonderful site. I didn't realize how much I needed some support through this ordeal. Sometimes one doesn't realize the stress of being the care-giver and how important support is.
Part of the reason I chose TV Hospital was because it was close to home. I knew that the travel would add to the stress and I don't drive as well at night as I used to.
These are all tough decisions, but now I don't feel so alone in making them.
Thank you all.

[KathieI]

I just had surgery at Florida Waterman Hospital in Eustis. My doctor and the nurses were the best I have ever had, the technicians, staff and procedures were the best I have ever seen. I received great information upon being discharged and received a follow up call the next morning from the head nurse, and another call a week later. They are truly a fantastic facility. Its a bit of a trip, but wellllll worth it. My goal is to have all my medical specialists connected with this hospital. I'm currently looking for a neurologist through their website.

[cappyjon431]

I am so sorry to hear of your husband's poor experience at the TV hospital. I was glad to hear the the ER nursing staff was good (my wife is an ER nurse there).

I certainly would not offer any excuses for being in a hallway bed for nine hours, that is completely unacceptable. missing an important diagnosis and relying on a nurse to convey the information is unacceptable. That being said, it is just my opinion, but I think the TV hospital has been outgrown by the rapid growth of TV. There are only a limited number of beds and during snowbird season there are simply not enough beds (in the ER or in the hospital itself if a patient needs to be admitted) to meet the demand.

My wife has been an ER nurse for over 20 years and she gets very stressed by the limited capacity of the hospital. The TV ER is unlike any hospital she has ever worked. Because of the older age of most of the patients a higher percentage of the patients that arrive are critical. In other places my wife has worked if a twelve year old shows up with a broken arm they would simply patch the child up and send him on his way. With an older patient population this is not always possible--frequently these patients have to be admitted for additional care. In addition, there are frequently underlying causes which could cause these injuries (back to the 12 year old with the broken arm: Usually it is pretty cut and dried, the 12 year old might have broken an arm playing football. With an older patient exhibiting the same broken arm it is often necessary to see if the broken arm was caused by an underlying health issue (such as falling due to stroke or other neurological issues). The large size of TV's population combined with the small size of the hospital combined with the relative fragility of many of the patients frequently make it a tough place to work. That being said, my wife enjoys working there because patients seem to be extremely thankful for the care they do receive in the ER. Compared to the drug seeking crackheads, drunks, domestic abuse victims, gunshot victims, etc. that she has experienced at other ERs, TV hospital is a decent place to work.

As far as neurologists, I recently needed to see one and Dr. Smirnoff came highly recommended from the hospital staff. I tried to get an appointment but he was backed up for weeks so I saw his associate, Dr. Valencia, who seemed competent. I've only seen him a couple of times, but so far I have been pleased.

[schotzyb]

I am so sorry to hear of your husband's poor experience at the TV hospital. I was glad to hear the the ER nursing staff was good (my wife is an ER nurse there).

I certainly would not offer any excuses for being in a hallway bed for nine hours, that is completely unacceptable. missing an important diagnosis and relying on a nurse to convey the information is unacceptable. That being said, it is just my opinion, but I think the TV hospital has been outgrown by the rapid growth of TV. There are only a limited number of beds and during snowbird season there are simply not enough beds (in the ER or in the hospital itself if a patient needs to be admitted) to meet the demand.

My wife has been an ER nurse for over 20 years and she gets very stressed by the limited capacity of the hospital. The TV ER is unlike any hospital she has ever worked. Because of the older age of most of the patients a higher percentage of the patients that arrive are critical. In other places my wife has worked if a twelve year old shows up with a broken arm they would simply patch the child up and send him on his way. With an older patient population this is not always possible--frequently these patients have to be admitted for additional care. In addition, there are frequently underlying causes which could cause these injuries (back to the 12 year old with the broken arm: Usually it is pretty cut and dried, the 12 year old might have broken an arm playing football. With an older patient exhibiting the same broken arm it is often necessary to see if the broken arm was caused by an underlying health issue (such as falling due to stroke or other neurological issues). The large size of TV's population combined with the small size of the hospital combined with the relative fragility of many of the patients frequently make it a tough place to work. That being said, my wife enjoys working there because patients seem to be extremely thankful for the care they do receive in the ER. Compared to the drug seeking crackheads, drunks, domestic abuse victims, gunshot victims, etc. that she has experienced at other ERs, TV hospital is a decent place to work.

As far as neurologists, I recently needed to see one and Dr. Smirnoff came highly recommended from the hospital staff. I tried to get an appointment but he was backed up for weeks so I saw his associate, Dr. Valencia, who seemed competent. I've only seen him a couple of times, but so far I have been pleased.

Great post and observation. My wife is also a Nurse working at the Villages Hospital but not in the ER. She expresses the same concern about size and number of beds available for such a large population in the winter months. She works the 7am to 7 pm shift 3 days per week and rarely does she get home before 8:30-9:00pm.

[MichVisitor]

The Villages Hospital is a disgrace to an otherwise wonderful community.

My mother experienced the 9 hrs of ER waiting room hell there also. Then several days of one blunder after another. Trust me, never again.

If The Villages have any desire for quality hospital health care, they will shut this dump down, fire every single staff member, bring in a complete new management and medical staff and start over from day 1. Which will never happen, so just do yourself a huge favor and stay far away from this nightmare of a hospital.

Quality healthcare is worth a 30 min drive.

I can't tell you how many people I have ran into with similar stories... we
went there because it was close.... then the nightmare began.... half a day in the waiting room, days waiting for a specialists, wrong tests, need another specialist...who may be here in a day or two... get me the hell out of here! Where's a doctor who can release me? Maybe he'll be in later today...?

The food is good there. Health care though is beyond disgraceful.

[suebanj]

All I can say is that I had my upper lobe of my lung taken out 2 1/2 years ago at The Villages Hospital and I had excellent care. We hear alot of the bad experiences but alot of posters don't bother to tell the good.. I think we are very lucky to have this hospital and when they start the new one by Brownwood, perhaps the ER wait won't be as long......

[Jim 9922]

We hear alot of the bad experiences but alot of posters don't bother to tell the good.. I think we are very lucky to have this hospital and when they start the new one by Brownwood, perhaps the ER wait won't be as long......

Quite frankly, there should not be such bad experiences in any hospital. If it is as bad as reported in the prior posts, our hospital has a lot of correcton to make. If it is too busy for proper care, route admittances to other hospitals; if the specialists are poor, get rid of them. Wrong tests and missed results is malpractice.
I assume that Florida has a Hospital Regulation Board that investigates and monitors quality of care. Lets hope they are doing their job. I would think the annual ratings/reports are public. Lets investigate before we get too excited.

I realize that half of the physicans in practice graduated in the bottom half of their class. I just hope they are all not practicing here!

[suebanj]

I agree that there should not be these problems at the hospital but I am sure every hospital unfortunately has there issues... Lets hope The Villages Hospital looks into these issue....

[blueash]

I think that nurse may have been overstepping her training. She read a report which may have indicated a finding in the mastoid, however, CT scans are well known to over indicate problems like sinusitis and mastoiditis. Any patient with a simple sterile middle ear fluid will often have fluid in the mastoid air cells of no clinical significance Radiologists will usually report any anomaly they notice, no matter how unlikely it is to be an actual cause of the patient's symptoms. It is the job of the physician to interpret the information they receive balancing the CT scan and the clinical presentation and the other lab work and the physical exam. The CT is one piece only. I have no opinion on whether or not depression or stress is a correct diagnosis, but I would like to express my concern and caution at the manner in which the findings on a scan were given to you. It does make one wonder whether the nurses trust the doctor and whether they are working as a health care team. If a nurse questions the actions of a physician there are proper ways to address her ( or his) concerns. I would encourage you to get a local primary care doctor as you may have put your Maine doctor in a difficult situation... He neither saw the patient nor the CT scan and is being asked to make important medical judgements based on second hand information. I am sure that the hospital could send the records up to Maine but it is unlikely they did so this quickly. I understand my comment my seem like I am defending the doctors, I am not. I am just saying that what the nurse told you may be incorrect or misunderstood by her. Notifying the hospital patient advocate and telling her about your experience may help improve the care of the next patient.. Time in ER, taking wrong patient to the CT, nurses over interpreting chart information and going behind the doctors vs doctors missing important information. Hmm. I hope as does everyone on the website that all works out wonderfully and that someday you'll look back and have a story to tell

[Billyg]

If I decide to voice my complaints, where do I start?

An update. We saw a Neurologist last week. I brought the Hospital records with us (which I had to pay for by the page. $50. For 1/2 the file)
My husband DID have a mini stroke (TIA) which he is now being treated for.
This after the hospital Dr. Told us everything was fine and my husband should see a psychologist. Unbelievable.

[ilovetv]

Orignially posted by Billyg:

Well, I hesitated to post but...
Hubby went in by ambulance, we thought it was a stroke.

ER Doc thought so too. Waited in ER hallway for a bed for 9 hrs. That's OK, they WERE extremely busy and the hospital was full.

ER staff was great, although they did take the wrong guy in for a CAT scan thinking it was husband....(when we asked about our CAT they said "You already had it."...).

Anyway, 3 days and a few tests later the Dr. and Neurologist told us nothing was wrong, tests were fine and that it was probably Anxiety or Depression and gave us a psychiatrists name. (It's all in your head dear...the pounding headache, slurred speech, unable to move your leg, the falling over and the low B. pressure when standing, confusion, all in your head.)

As we were leaving, the nurse called me aside and whispered "I found this in your chart and thought you'd like to know, the tests showed a Mastoiditis. My uncle had it and he was way off balance etc."

Why didn't they tell us???? Why didn't they treat it???

BillyG,

From your initial post, it is very hard to sort out which doctor you are referring to when you say "3 days and a few tests later, the Dr. and Neurologist told us nothing was wrong....was probably anxiety or depression".

You said "we thought it was a stroke......ER Doc thought so too." Then later you said "ER staff was great".

So, after 3 days "when the Dr. and Neurologist" told you nothing was wrong, was that dr. a hospitalist/internist under whose care the patient was placed when admitted to the hospital?

I'm asking because all our neighbors and friends who've gone to the ER were very pleased with the ER drs. and nurses, despite long waits in some cases.

I agree with Blueash above, about the appropriateness of a nurse giving you a diagnosis from a CT scan, and this statement of Blueash is very important:

"It is the job of the physician to interpret the information they receive balancing the CT scan and the clinical presentation and the other lab work and the physical exam. The CT is one piece only."

Thanks for clarifying which drs. told you it was probably nothing or anxiety or depression.

[Russ_Boston]

I work as a nurse at TV.

I'm sorry this happened to you but I can assure you that a TIA is not the same as a 'stroke' in the major sense that it does not cause brain tissue to die. Transient ischemic attack - PubMed Health (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001743/)

'Clot busters drugs' (i.e. tPA) are not just given randomly. Their use is under controlled conditions and almost always require a CT and evidence of a true stoke caused by blockage. If the stroke is caused by a bleed then the random use of tPA can be fatal.
Thrombolytic therapy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007089.htm)

A CT within 1 hour is the standard of care. If there were signs/symptoms of a stroke your husband would have been given a CT and care would have been followed from there.

[Russ_Boston]

A note on the 'new' Brownwood hospital:

The hospital has a new CEO that is coming this week. He will make a determination what type of facility is going to go into the Brownwood location. It might be an Urgent Care. It might be a general hospital. It might be.....

I think it will be some time before this decision is made.

[Russ_Boston]

We called our Doc at home in Maine (we were NOT going to call the hospital, it would have taken forever to get help I assume) and he said that could be very serious if left untreated and called in anti-biotics

Do you feel good about a Doc who calls in an antibiotic based on a phone call without seeing the patient? Just wondering.

[graciegirl]

Do you feel good about a Doc who calls in an antibiotic based on a phone call without seeing the patient? Just wondering.

The last three posts by Russ Boston and the one from I love TV were excellent, informative and very helpful.

Sometimes people who are not educated medically make rash judgements on medical treatments. Tests and treatments are misinterpreted and misinformation is spread. The persons involved are usually tense and fearful and may have heard or absorbed the information given them incorrectly.

I thank Russ and I love TV for these helpful posts.

We learn so much on here.

[Challenger]

Do you feel good about a Doc who calls in an antibiotic based on a phone call without seeing the patient? Just wondering.

Excellent point. My family's experience with The Villages Hospital has been very well handled. With triage situations, needed tests, mandatory care for anyone who arrives(federal law)in my experience, all ERs are challenged .

[Russ_Boston]

Sometimes people who are not educated medically make rash judgements on medical treatments. Tests and treatments are misinterpreted and misinformation is spread. The persons involved are usually tense and fearful and may have heard or absorbed the information given them incorrectly.



Thanks but a note of caution. All medical statements should be taken for what they are - suggestions. I state what I know but I could be wrong. In the hospital most if not all orders are reviewed by multiple people (Docs, nurses, RT, PT etc.).

We as nurses need to educate our patients on their discharge plans and are usually very good about making sure the patient and their family understand the plan of care. I haven't worked in the ED but I'm sure they have the same goals.

[Billyg]

BillyG,

From your initial post, it is very hard to sort out which doctor you are referring to when you say "3 days and a few tests later, the Dr. and Neurologist told us nothing was wrong....was probably anxiety or depression".

You said "we thought it was a stroke......ER Doc thought so too." Then later you said "ER staff was great".

So, after 3 days "when the Dr. and Neurologist" told you nothing was wrong, was that dr. a hospitalist/internist under whose care the patient was placed when admitted to the hospital?

I'm asking because all our neighbors and friends who've gone to the ER were very pleased with the ER drs. and nurses, despite long waits in some cases.

I agree with Blueash above, about the appropriateness of a nurse giving you a diagnosis from a CT scan, and this statement of Blueash is very important:

"It is the job of the physician to interpret the information they receive balancing the CT scan and the clinical presentation and the other lab work and the physical exam. The CT is one piece only."

Thanks for clarifying which drs. told you it was probably nothing or anxiety or depression.

Sorry for the confusion.
When he arrived at ER the ER Doc said "we think it's a small stroke, we are going to do some tests".
Cat scan was done 5 hrs. after he arrived to ER.
Next day an ultrasound was done.
Next day the MRI.
That night the attending Hospital Dr. and Neurologist came in and said the tests were clear and I have the name of a psychologist for you.

We went to a different Neurologist ( Dr. Valencia) last week.
He told us that it was a TIA, put hubs on Aggrenox to prevent future strokes and ordered cholesterol blood work (not done in the hospital).
Soooo....
Once again. The ER staff and all nurses were great.
Thank you all for your questions, input, support and wisdom.
Much appreciated

[Living a Fantasy]

As to where to complain....my discharge statement had some very wrong things in it so we went to medical records and asked how to have that correct infor noted. There is a dispute form that one can fill out with an attached statement why you feel discharge statement is wrong. We've done that, it will be reviewed by committee and they will inform us of decision. That's fair.
Now as to the care I recieved while there....a "customer service" person came around on day I was discharged and asked me for the good, the bad and the ugly of my stay there. I told her! I think they are trying to improve, but some of the care that I recieved(or actually failed to recieve) is unexcusable. Some serious errors were made that resulted in me suffering way more than I should of had to. I am writing a complaint to the hospital administrator. Hope it helps for future patients. There are some great nurses there, I had two in the 8 days I was there. Russ, I would have loved to have had as my nurse, I know the care would have been excellent and maybe even more important I would have had reasons and explainations.
I am not saying that I wouldn't ever go the The Villages hospital again because I know these things happen all over the country, even in the big "medical" cities. We all need to advocate for ourselves or have someone who will do it for us.

[Graytop]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience,....I had some surgery done there last August and didn't have any issues,....hopefully that kind of thing doesn't happen there often....

[cricket1]

I took my 85 yo mother to the Villages Hospital Emergency Dept. Sunday, Feb 19. She was suffering hip pain with no history of a fall. We signed in at 10:00 am. She was triaged at 11:59 am. She was brought back to the treatment area to be seen at 7:30 pm! OK-I checked with the registration desk volunteer more than once on where in line Mom was. I was told there was one patient ahead of her---but wait, 2 other folks also asked the volunteer the same question. They also got the same answer. "There is one patient ahead of you". HMMM!

When we finally got to the treatment room, the RN and the doctor were fairly quick to address Mom's needs. The exception was that neither the doctor, nor the RN, asked Mom even a basic health history (except if she had fallen) and Mom was never asked for a list of the medications that she takes. I've dealt with many ED trips in the past, and my career was medically based. I don't understand the standard of care when those kinds of things are ignored. Mom had a CAT scan and blood work done, was given a narcotic pain medication and told to see her physician within a week.

I wasn't happy about having to wait 9 1/2 hours for Mom to be seen. Neither was she! I somehow thought that the care would be better. Asking an elderly patient basic health questions and for a list of medications is not too much to ask. The standard of care at The Villages Regional Hospital needs a serious review.

[ccalvertr]

sounds like the villages hosiptal is in need of new

leadership.

[nkrifats]

I was at Munroe in Ocala for ER this past weekend. 8 hour wait. Not unusual for an emergency room.

[Russ_Boston]

The exception was that neither the doctor, nor the RN, asked Mom even a basic health history (except if she had fallen) and Mom was never asked for a list of the medications that she takes.

I think you may have somehow missed the history and medication part. Perhaps you stepped away for awhile?

I'm a RN on the medical floor in TVRH. When patients are sent up from the ED I see all the paperwork (yes there is tons of it!). One of the basic and yes most important forms is the history and medication list. In fact we need to reconcile the medications with a doc ASAP when the patient is admitted. The health history area is usually very extensive and details all known conditions. Maybe it's different when someone is not considered for admission but the facts I just stated are just that - facts, for all the patients I have admitted.

Right now the ED is completely overwhelmed with patients. Two days ago we had 14 patients waiting for a bed upstairs but the hospital was booked. And quite often the ED is in 'divert' mode where we send patients (non life threatening) to other hospitals.

I'm not saying it justifies the long wait but she was triaged in decent time for a non life threatening injury and I'm sure the triage nurse (hopefully) let you know that it would be some time since the injury wasn't urgent. We have dozens of very ill patients that get seen in appropriate time in the ED and unfortunately this time of the season presents many challenges.

I hope she is well.

Russ

[cricket1]

I was with my Mom the entire time she was in the treatment room. At one point I even produced the plastic bag I had brought Mom's prescription meds in and said to the ED nurse, "Look, I even brought Mom's meds with us." She said, "Oh, we love it when patients do that", but she didn't look at the meds. That was the entire discussion about current meds.

I understand the triage concept and the need for it. I get it on how busy things are here this time of year. What I don't understand is how after years of this topic, the situation doesn't seem to improve. I don't have an answer but I'm not in a position to fix it. I hope the folks who are in that position are working on it in some way.

Mom is still having pain in her hip. There really isn't a reason except for favoring that leg for a day (10 days ago) while she had a charlie horse in the opposite leg. She will get better, in time. Thank you for your concern. And thanks for reading my story.

[ilovetv]

I think you may have somehow missed the history and medication part. Perhaps you stepped away for awhile?

I'm a RN on the medical floor in TVRH. When patients are sent up from the ED I see all the paperwork (yes there is tons of it!). One of the basic and yes most important forms is the history and medication list. In fact we need to reconcile the medications with a doc ASAP when the patient is admitted. The health history area is usually very extensive and details all known conditions. Maybe it's different when someone is not considered for admission but the facts I just stated are just that - facts, for all the patients I have admitted.

Right now the ED is completely overwhelmed with patients. Two days ago we had 14 patients waiting for a bed upstairs but the hospital was booked. And quite often the ED is in 'divert' mode where we send patients (non life threatening) to other hospitals.

I'm not saying it justifies the long wait but she was triaged in decent time for a non life threatening injury and I'm sure the triage nurse (hopefully) let you know that it would be some time since the injury wasn't urgent. We have dozens of very ill patients that get seen in appropriate time in the ED and unfortunately this time of the season presents many challenges.

I hope she is well.

Russ

This tells a lot of the story. But just wait. When final plans and construction of the new Brownwood-area TV hospital get under way, those who think they know how to run TV and the hospital system better will be on here screaming about how "money should not be spent on that", "the developer makes money off this", etc. etc. etc.

[ARedheadedMermaid]

I was with my Mom the entire time she was in the treatment room. At one point I even produced the plastic bag I had brought Mom's prescription meds in and said to the ED nurse, "Look, I even brought Mom's meds with us." She said, "Oh, we love it when patients do that", but she didn't look at the meds. That was the entire discussion about current meds.

I understand the triage concept and the need for it. I get it on how busy things are here this time of year. What I don't understand is how after years of this topic, the situation doesn't seem to improve. I don't have an answer but I'm not in a position to fix it. I hope the folks who are in that position are working on it in some way.

Mom is still having pain in her hip. There really isn't a reason except for favoring that leg for a day (10 days ago) while she had a charlie horse in the opposite leg. She will get better, in time. Thank you for your concern. And thanks for reading my story.

When your mother was in Triage she was asked for a health history, she had a very specific complaint "Hip Pain" without injury. While you had to wait a lengthy time in the ED, they did address the hip pain. What would have been the reason to see all the medications your mother had when she wasn't admitted into the hospital? Those medications were not related to her hip pain. If she was having chest pain or couldn't breath it would be important to see what her medication list was. She would be most likely be admitted and would be an important part of the admission process, in her case, since she was not going to be admitted a full list of her medications wasn't necessary. If you come in with an ear ache the doctor is going to examine your ear, treat that and send you home-the same is true with someone coming in with hip pain.

I'm sorry to hear your mother is still in pain but hope that with follow up care she will soon be feeling much better ...sometimes we just don't have an answer as to why someone has pain.

[rubicon]

I was at Munroe in Ocala for ER this past weekend. 8 hour wait. Not unusual for an emergency room.

I had been to the Munroe ER twice and did not have much of a wait. I suspect it may be the time of yhe year (seasonal residents, et al )

[Russ_Boston]

When your mother was in Triage she was asked for a health history, she had a very specific complaint "Hip Pain" without injury. While you had to wait a lengthy time in the ED, they did address the hip pain. What would have been the reason to see all the medications your mother had when she wasn't admitted into the hospital? Those medications were not related to her hip pain. If she was having chest pain or couldn't breath it would be important to see what her medication list was. She would be most likely be admitted and would be an important part of the admission process, in her case, since she was not going to be admitted a full list of her medications wasn't necessary. If you come in with an ear ache the doctor is going to examine your ear, treat that and send you home-the same is true with someone coming in with hip pain.

I'm sorry to hear your mother is still in pain but hope that with follow up care she will soon be feeling much better ...sometimes we just don't have an answer as to why someone has pain.

I see the point about the med list. I only see them after admit so I have the list. And yes we do love it when people bring in the bottles from home:) Makes our job easier.

Note: everyone should keep a med list in the purse or wallet - just in case.

[ARedheadedMermaid]

I had been to the Munroe ER twice and did not have much of a wait. I suspect it may be the time of yhe year (seasonal residents, et al )

At this time of year in The Villages ED the wait can be very long...there are many seasonal visitors here and many more very ill patients. When there is no bed available within the hospital we must hold them in the ED which decreases the treatment areas within the ED to accommodate the increasing influx of patients coming in...it makes for very long wait times to be treated in the ED and long wait times for patients to go to their assigned rooms. It isn't a win-win situation for anyone, but change takes time and to make room for everyone will take even longer as it's not as simple as building more rooms/floors. People don't realize that it's not just about money and desire to build but a governmental problem as well. The governmental process for permitting is a long drawn out one that involves so many agencies and also includes the other surrounding hospitals. Everyone must agree or it doesn't get done...it takes years for this to happen.

[Russ_Boston]

Let's hope the new facility in the Brownwood area can take up some of the slack. Not sure what is going to be put there but my guess is some sort of urgent care type system to take the strain off of the ED. The new CEO just took over so let's give him some time to plan and yes, work with the government issues.

[rubicon]

At this time of year in The Villages ED the wait can be very long...there are many seasonal visitors here and many more very ill patients. When there is no bed available within the hospital we must hold them in the ED which decreases the treatment areas within the ED to accommodate the increasing influx of patients coming in...it makes for very long wait times to be treated in the ED and long wait times for patients to go to their assigned rooms. It isn't a win-win situation for anyone, but change takes time and to make room for everyone will take even longer as it's not as simple as building more rooms/floors. People don't realize that it's not just about money and desire to build but a governmental problem as well. The governmental process for permitting is a long drawn out one that involves so many agencies and also includes the other surrounding hospitals. Everyone must agree or it doesn't get done...it takes years for this to happen.

ARedheadedmermaid: You do not have to sell me when it comes to nurses. I have unfortunately been hospitalized more than I care to remember and nurses and support staff in my view deserve more pay and more respect than is accorded them. I do not know how you function so well in this fast paced and adverse environment but you do...and for that I will be eternally grateful

[ssmith]

So sorry about your husband having the mini-stroke! One thing to consider when having stroke like symptoms is to get to the hospital as soon as possible....don't wait it out at home....time is very important to getting the 'clot busting' drug. That being said, I am not accusing you of doing this...just want to make sure everyone is aware. I am a nurse and deal with patients all of the time who try to 'wait it out at home' wether it be heart pain or stroke sx. The goal is to prevent irreversable damage.

I think I do see a patten in the posts though. It appears that scheduled procedures have a better outcome than those that come in through the ED. Of course, this may not at all be the case.

Also I am glad you got a copy of your records/ tests. I was going to recommend doing that. Will be better for your own records.

[Billyg]

I did get hubs to the hospital right away. He never received any clot busting drug tho, maybe because his symptoms started to subside?
Thanks for the support. It's been quite a journey.
I think it also makes a difference if you have an established MD so that you are not at the mercy of the hospital staff MDs.
The DR.s we had were incompetent. Plain and simple.

[rpensabene]

Insist on being taken to Munroe in Ocala!!!!

[Billyg]

Thank you, I will insist.
Now that means we need to find a good Neurologist and good Family Dr. or Internist in Ocala.
Any suggestions?

[shcisamax]

I am a little surprised that the medical situation in TV is not as well thought out as the developments. Knowing that you have 85,000 "patients" soon to be 110,000, should dictate a fairly decent medical facility, especially considering the demographic of the population.
I hope someone decides to put in the same attention to detail that TV has done with their homes to make a world class medical facility. It seems to be the one thing TV is missing.

[ilovetv]

I am a little surprised that the medical situation in TV is not as well thought out as the developments. Knowing that you have 85,000 "patients" soon to be 110,000, should dictate a fairly decent medical facility, especially considering the demographic of the population.
I hope someone decides to put in the same attention to detail that TV has done with their homes to make a world class medical facility. It seems to be the one thing TV is missing.

How exactly would one attract the doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators and specialists to a city of 85,000 that does not allow the above people to live here if they have children under age 19??? (And for the record, I'm not advocating that kids be allowed to live here.)

The Charter Schools here are a brilliant concept to attract the professionals and clinicians needed.

The recent alliance made between TV and the USF Medical School, which agrees to accept TV Charter High School graduates into med school is a nice way to attract the parents who are professionals needed here, too. But the bottom line is, the students cannot live here in TV with their parents.

Then, how would one attract physicians and professionals here when 85% of patients at TV Hospital are on Medicare, and Medicare reimbursement to hospitals and doctors keeps getting cut more and more every year...which leads to constant belt tightening and staffing cuts at the hospitals....and more cuts of $500 billion are part of the new law??

[shcisamax]

I do not live in TV yet so am just learning about it. I actually will be moving there in 2 months. But in answer to your question where would the doctors and nurses live because their children couldn't live with them, there are lots of other towns surrounding the villages where they could live I would think. Where I live, there isn't a teacher at any of the public schools that can afford to live anywhere in this county. They travel 40 - 75 minutes each way to get here. It is very sad but that is how we value our teachers in this country. As for hospitals servicing only older people, I hadn't considered the financial impact. I guess my next question would be, if the hospital in TV is compromised because of the financial considerations, then what medical institution is nearby that services the general population that would be considered world class?

[Russ_Boston]

TVRH employees are eligible for charter school. (At least I know a nurse who works there for that reason, so I assume it's available).

[graciegirl]

How exactly would one attract the doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators and specialists to a city of 85,000 that does not allow the above people to live here if they have children under age 19??? (And for the record, I'm not advocating that kids be allowed to live here.)

The Charter Schools here are a brilliant concept to attract the professionals and clinicians needed.

The recent alliance made between TV and the USF Medical School, which agrees to accept TV Charter High School graduates into med school is a nice way to attract the parents who are professionals needed here, too. But the bottom line is, the students cannot live here in TV with their parents.

Then, how would one attract physicians and professionals here when 85% of patients at TV Hospital are on Medicare, and Medicare reimbursement to hospitals and doctors keeps getting cut more and more every year...which leads to constant belt tightening and staffing cuts at the hospitals....and more cuts of $500 billion are part of the new law??

Again, Ilovetv,...another articulate post with exactly the most logical bottom line assessment. You can build a dandy hospital but "THEY" have to agree to come.

Another thing too, there exists the finest large teaching facilities across the country such as Harvard Medical and Cleveland Clinic and Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson etc.etc. that are kind of the ultimate in prestige for physicians to be employed there. There are other not quite as wonderful, but still great hospitals that are located in areas where people enjoy a lot of the things that only hugely populated areas offer. The best and finest in abilities usually gravitate to those places.

The middle of Florida in not a hugely populated area is not the greatest draw for people who have spent many years of post graduate time being educated and can write their own ticket.

So we can't make the developers miracle makers.

but close.

[shcisamax]

So if you are really ill, where do you go. Not for emergency care but where is the best hospital in FL? Is there an equivalent to Mass General or Sloan Kettering or Mayo in FL? This is not judgmental; I am just trying to understand what the options are.

[graciegirl]

So if you are really ill, where do you go. Not for emergency care but where is the best hospital in FL? Is there an equivalent to Mass General or Sloan Kettering or Mayo in FL? This is not judgmental; I am just trying to understand what the options are.

I have heard friends who are physicians say they go to Shands associated with the Medical School at University of Florida in Gainesville. Gainesville is about an hour away. There is a branch of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, and the main site of Moffitt is in Tampa.

[Skybo]

Does anyone have experience with or an opinion of Leesburg Regional ER? I assume that is the closest emergency room outside of TV.

[Bettiboop]

I have heard friends who are physicians say they go to Shands associated with the Medical School at University of Florida in Gainesville. Gainesville is about an hour away. There is a branch of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, and the main site of Moffitt is in Tampa.

I was going to mention Shands too. It was very highly recomended to us too. We were/are several hours' drive away at the present time but that was not an issue for us when we wanted the best care. From my research (including all those Gracie mentioned) I feel pretty comfortable with the level of hospital care that is available "fairly" close to TV when the need arises.

I am, however, a little bit worried about being able to find decent primary care, dental, and other care providers in or close to TV.

[shcisamax]

Thanks for the info. It makes moving in to the area easier knowing your way around in the event of medical issues.

[Bogie Shooter]

Come on people, there are a lot of good doctors here in or near The Villages.
I have friends who have been treated for cancer right here and they are now cancer free. I'm sure others can say the same thing.
To say one has to travel to get good care is just not true.

[graciegirl]

Come on people, there are a lot of good doctors here in or near The Villages.
I have friends who have been treated for cancer right here and they are now cancer free. I'm sure others can say the same thing.
To say one has to travel to get good care is just not true.

You are right Bogie. But it takes awhile to find the best docs, and sometimes there is a waiting list for them.

[dillywho]

Come on people, there are a lot of good doctors here in or near The Villages.
I have friends who have been treated for cancer right here and they are now cancer free. I'm sure others can say the same thing.
To say one has to travel to get good care is just not true.

Thank you, Bogie. My husband is alive today following a heart attack in 2009 when he was transported by ambulance to TVRH, had a stent placed, and was in CCU in about two hours total. The outcome would not have been so good had he gone to Leesburg or Munroe because of the time involved in transporting (not the care he would have received).

Wait times would be much less if those without life-threatening problems would use the urgent care clinics instead of the ER. If the clinic determines that you have a real emergency, they will call an ambulance. (Chest pain always warrants a trip to the ER, preferably by ambulance.) While I was in the waiting room that same evening of my husband's attack, some lady was in there complaining about the wait time. She was telling them that her back had been hurting for a couple of days and she decided to come in to see about it.

[skip0358]

The problem isn't with the Hospital it seems to be the ER Department. But why? People from TV aren't the only ones who use it, some people don't have a doctor to go to when they don't feel well because they haven't gotten one yet, some go to the urgent care who sends them to the ER for tests. The ER is there as an Emergency. You fell,were in an accident, had a stroke or heart attack, cut yourself or called an Ambulance and that's where you were taken.
If not an Emergency the ER Dept. gets backed up,non emergency people have to wait because Emergency cases come in. There aren't enough beds in the Hospital so your stuck in the ER. TVRH isn't the only Hospital with ER problems. Having come from Long Island and riding with the Ambulance for many years I can tell you this is the norm. You can wait hours just to be called then hours more to be cared for. As medical insurances change and doctors get bussier, the population ages this is only going to get worse. As Russ stated there's a new man in charge. The Villages can only make certain changes. The state has the final say. I guess I'm lucky my visits have all been inpatient and I have had only great sevice. Be patient and remember the ER is for emergencies. Just my opinion!

[graciegirl]

Thank you, Bogie. My husband is alive today following a heart attack in 2009 when he was transported by ambulance to TVRH, had a stent placed, and was in CCU in about two hours total. The outcome would not have been so good had he gone to Leesburg or Munroe because of the time involved in transporting (not the care he would have received).

Wait times would be much less if those without life-threatening problems would use the urgent care clinics instead of the ER. If the clinic determines that you have a real emergency, they will call an ambulance. (Chest pain always warrants a trip to the ER, preferably by ambulance.) While I was in the waiting room that same evening of my husband's attack, some lady was in there complaining about the wait time. She was telling them that her back had been hurting for a couple of days and she decided to come in to see about it.

And you are right too Dillywho.

Our Helene was born with a congenital heart abnormality that is very rare and she still is seen, at the age of 46, at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati.

So it is hard to transfer her care to a new Cardiologist, because a pediatric cardiologist is the one who kind of "speaks that language".

I am sure Bogie that there are great doctors here and we are satisfied with the GP we are seeing. And the dentist, and more than admire the highly qualified, Dr. Alex Ghazal an oral surgeon.

Keep posting all of the good things here folks. We are all trying to learn this place....and the bad things too.

[graciegirl]

...

[Bettiboop]

I'm happy to see that a lot of you have found local physicians that you are happy with!! I like to read that it is possible to find a good one. That helps to lessen my fears in that regard.

From reading posts over the past few years I got the impression a lot of people were having a difficult time finding docs they were happy with...and it seemed like the good ones were not taking new patients.

I hope it won't be a problem to find ones we like and trust when we get to move there.

[ARedheadedMermaid]

As a former Director of Nursing at a hospital in NYS, I find it extremely unsettling that your husband had to wait in the ER hallway for 9 hours. The Standard of Practice for ER's across the US is approximately 3-4 hours, either discharged to home or admitted to a bed in the hospital. I am questioning whether hospital personnel gave your husband the "clot buster" to dissolve clots that occur during a stroke as he appeared to have symptoms indicative of a stroke. I am unclear as to whether this hospital administers the "clot buster" in appropriate instances as there must be a neurologist available 24/7. It is important to be aware of other hospitals within a reasonable radius of TV that can provide the necessary care that one needs.

TVRH is a stroke center (so we do have a neurologist available 24/7) and our protocol is to immediately obtain a CT of the head and make the right choice to give "clot busters" if the patient meets that criteria. There are many times that the patient does not meet that criteria and it would be life threatening to give certain medications. Just because a patient appears to have a stroke doesn't mean they are having one, there are many illness that cause the same symptoms...you do not treat a TIA as they resolve on their own. You do not treat Transient Global Amnesia as it will also resolve. Myasthenia Gravis has stroke like symptoms but isn't a stroke at all and needs entirely different care. All these types of sudden onset stroke-like symptoms are scary but not a STROKE and do not require "clot buster" meds.

The Standard of Care "might be" 3-4 hours for admission but that doesn't mean a bed is available for that patient to be admitted to...we admit within those parameters all the time and while those patients are in the hallway they are still being cared for by the ER RN using the admission orders until a hospital bed becomes available.

Which brings us to another issue and that is the bottlenecking or holding of patients in the ER while trying to manage the influx of patients who walk in and/or come by ambulance and not have an endless wait time either in the waiting room or waiting to be seen once they are brought back to a treatment area. If you can't move your patient upstairs or to the ICU you have no place to treat incoming patients. ICU nurses have 1-2 patients at any given time, ER nurses are still caring for the ICU patient and 3-4 other patients at the same time. So it's understandable when a stable patient who has been admitted has to wait in the hallway for their hospital room to become available to make space for a critical patient needing a treatment room. It doesn't make it easier for the waiting patient nor the ER RN taking care of those patients to have them in the hall-floor nursing has it's own way of doing things and the ER isn't set up for that. We much prefer to follow through and get the patient to their room within the hospital.

TVRH has 223 hospital beds and 25 ER beds and there are over 85,000 people with a projected build out of 110,00 people, serving the tri-county area, and the non-emergent issues that could easily go to an Urgent Care (and there are many UC's in the area) something has to give and what that relates to is long wait times for everything.

[Mudder]

Thank you Stacy for that sincere and concise post. I experienced a very long wait in ER, waiting for a bed to be admited....while in ER my care was excellent, it's when I got to my room that things started to deteriorate for most of the 8 days I was there. But I am hopeful that the hospital is constantly working to improve in all areas.

[mrfixit]

.....Thank You Stacy. I appreciate your concise, straightforward approach.

You have cleared up a LOT of mis-understanding on the use of clot-busters
and wait times at the ER.

The Villages Hospital is fortunate that you have chosen their facility
to share your talents.

Please...Please... KEEP POSTING.....

.....you are a breath of "fresh-air"..........................................
.....You do not tell others they are wrong....or become defensive.
.....I LIKE your style.

[Russ_Boston]

Thank you Stacy for that sincere and concise post. I experienced a very long wait in ER, waiting for a bed to be admited....while in ER my care was excellent, it's when I got to my room that things started to deteriorate for most of the 8 days I was there. But I am hopeful that the hospital is constantly working to improve in all areas.

Did you mean the care you received went downhill or your condition? 8 days is a long time in the hospital so I'm sure your condition was serious.

[ssmith]

so glad you cleared that up about the waits etc.

[PennBF]

A few years ago (5 or 6) my sister in law was on vacation in Ft.Lauderdale.
She woke up in the middle of the night with terrific pains. Her family with her
took her to the Ft Lauderdale Hospital which is very large. They put her in a bed in the ER and then she was placed in a hall. After about 4-5 hours of pain waiting for a room I stepped outside the ER, saw an Ambulance, wrote down it's phone number and called them to come for her. She signed herself
out and they transported her to Stuart Fl. Hospital which has a great reputation. A surgeon saw her immedicatley, took exrays and immediately took her to surgery. She had a major blockage scar tissue from a previous surgery when she was young and as the Dr. said she had about 24 hours left before she would have so much infection nothing could have been done.
The moral of the story is that your health is in your hands..Don't let any
medical Dr. or facility take over your health. Demand action and if they are not responding go somewhere else one way or another. Not allowing the Ft Lauderdale Hospital abuse her and instead taking action in the end saved her life. Be sure to have an alternative plan if you are not being treated properly and excerise your rights..:mad:

[Happinow]

Healthcare is soooo scary these days! I do fear not getting good health care in TV. I hope, if I should need emergency medical care, that I need it in the summer when all of the snowbirds are gone. Nothing against snowbirds, but the facility may be less crowded and therefore treatment faster. You must have an advocate with you who can watch out for you while you are ill. Make sure the docs and nurses do their job in a timely manner.

[Mudder]

Russ, I meant that both my condition and the care I received went downhill after I got to my room. Now, that I've had time to reflect on it....I still feel very strongly that I should have had better care from some of the personel during my stay, but also my underlying two conditions took awhile to really manifest themselves. I know 8 days is almost unheard these days to be in hospital, but I did need to be there that long and actually required a return to Urgent Care three days after release. I'm still in recovery mode. I'm not as angry at the hospital as I was, I know my situation was just a minor snipet in the workings of a hospital and I am hopeful that the powers that be do listen to ex patients and try to effect changes where they need to be made or improved upon.
Thanks to you and Stacy for some good explainations.

[Mikitv]

I checked with one of the Ambulance units when we were at a seminar and asked if it was possilbe to have husband taken to Monore Hospital if he had problems again. She said yes and insist upon it. They will be in constant contact with hospital during transportation and if it is heart issue again will take him right to their cath lab and not emergency. Luckily we haven't a need. I have Monroe listed on all my emergency information too.

[Russ_Boston]

Russ, I meant that both my condition and the care I received went downhill after I got to my room. Now, that I've had time to reflect on it....I still feel very strongly that I should have had better care from some of the personel during my stay, but also my underlying two conditions took awhile to really manifest themselves. I know 8 days is almost unheard these days to be in hospital, but I did need to be there that long and actually required a return to Urgent Care three days after release. I'm still in recovery mode. I'm not as angry at the hospital as I was, I know my situation was just a minor snipet in the workings of a hospital and I am hopeful that the powers that be do listen to ex patients and try to effect changes where they need to be made or improved upon.
Thanks to you and Stacy for some good explainations.

Just glad you're felling better. We do try to get people out of the hospital ASAP! It's better for everyone.

[Villages PL]

Sorry about your unfortunate experience. However, this is not as rare as many people might think and NO hospital is immune to mistakes. I am about half way through reading a book that tells all about this. The title is: "Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them" by Joe Graedon M.S. and Teresa Graedon Ph.D. They are well respected medical writers who have written several books and appeared on many television shows.

Anyone who has serious health problems should read this book. Or, even if you don't, read it and be prepared in case you do eventually have health issues or you become a "caregiver" for someone.

[PR1234]

I went to TV Hospital ER at 9:30PM doubled over in pain. Finally at 5AM I was diagnosed with appendicitis and was not admitted into the hospital until after 6AM.

I was told by the ER Dr. what a good thing it was that I got into the hospital as a rupture could have been very serious.....however, they never operated on me until 4PM the next day!!!

Ended up staying 3 days because of an infection....what a nightmare, I still don't have the energy to even explain it all.

We live in TV 6mos and MI 6mos. One bit of advise I would give snowbirds is definitely get yourself a primary care physician before anything happens.

Bottom line......9hrs is CRUEL to be left in the waiting room!!

P.S. Russ Boston.....I was hoping I would see you but didn't:)

[Russ_Boston]

P.S. Russ Boston.....I was hoping I would see you but didn't:)

I work on 2nd floor. Worked Sun-Tues this week. Off for 7 until next Wed!!!

Stories like this show why we need the new urgent care facility (or mini hospital) near Brownwood to open ASAP. It will allow true emergencies to be handled quicker.

[mulligan]

And the shorter commute will be handy!!