[Smalley]

We had a scary heart emergency this week. The Emergency Department was quick and efficient. The problem necessitated an admission. Bravo to the 5th floor cardiac unit. The staff was competent and friendly. So many departments are involved from nutrition, nursing, pharmacy, cleaning etc. It's impressive how all function together. And the hospital rooms are well designed with high ceilings. This forum has posted some negative opinions so I'm relived that we had a good experience.

[Ignatz]

Glad it all worked out for you! We feel the hospital gets bashed unrightfully at times.

[MSchad]

I also give the hospital high marks on two separate occasions. Friendly, efficient, excellent staff and care.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by Smalley

We had a scary heart emergency this week. The Emergency Department was quick and efficient. The problem necessitated an admission. Bravo to the 5th floor cardiac unit. The staff was competent and friendly. So many departments are involved from nutrition, nursing, pharmacy, cleaning etc. It's impressive how all function together. And the hospital rooms are well designed with high ceilings. This forum has posted some negative opinions so I'm relived that we had a good experience.

Appreciate the post.

The perception of a bad reputation can take a long time to live down, but what I've read here from time to time as well as talking to friends who have been served there, that hospital is taking significant steps to remedy that perception.

[Ecuadog]

My wife was taken there by ambulance this past February. She wound up spending a week there. We would also recommend it. Thumbs up.

[Blueblaze]

So tickled to hear this!

We had a stroke scare last spring, and the 45min ride to HCA Ocala could have easily turned out much differently. The ambulance crew never administered a clot buster, and idiots at the hospital wouldn't make a decision until I finally managed to bully my way past the nitwit running the ER admissions desk. When I finally got through the door, they asked if I wanted them to administer a clot buster. I was dumbfounded that they hadn't already done that during the long ride. I asked if they were worried about a bleed for some reason. They said they'd already determined that it was not a hemorrhage. I replied, "Then why are you asking permission to save my wife's brain?" She was there almost a week, and during the entire stay, I never could get the doctors to talk to me -- they always wanted to discuss treatment with my wife (the stroke victim still struggling with her memory), during the few hours a day when I was home showering and changing clothes.

If HCA Ocala is the best place for strokes in the area, I'd hate to see the worst.

But the reason didn't go to the Villages was a prior experience at their emergency room. That time it was so bad that the ER lady actually came up to us and whispered that if we wanted to be seen by a doctor that night, we ought to go up the road to the HCA Summerfield emergency room. She was right. It was practically deserted and they were very professional and efficient.

[Bogie Shooter]

The ER’s are what destroys any perception of good care.

[Heytubes]

I’ve been admitted to the Villages hospital several times in the past 2.5 years, the most recent last month and have found them top notch, especially the last three stays since UofF took over. They have expedited the ER a great deal also.

[Stryker]

Glad to hear about your good outcome. You’re one of the lucky ones.

[allsport]

Originally Posted by Blueblaze

So tickled to hear this!

We had a stroke scare last spring, and the 45min ride to HCA Ocala could have easily turned out much differently. The ambulance crew never administered a clot buster, and idiots at the hospital wouldn't make a decision until I finally managed to bully my way past the nitwit running the ER admissions desk. When I finally got through the door, they asked if I wanted them to administer a clot buster. I was dumbfounded that they hadn't already done that during the long ride. I asked if they were worried about a bleed for some reason. They said they'd already determined that it was not a hemorrhage. I replied, "Then why are you asking permission to save my wife's brain?" She was there almost a week, and during the entire stay, I never could get the doctors to talk to me -- they always wanted to discuss treatment with my wife (the stroke victim still struggling with her memory), during the few hours a day when I was home showering and changing clothes.

If HCA Ocala is the best place for strokes in the area, I'd hate to see the worst.

But the reason didn't go to the Villages was a prior experience at their emergency room. That time it was so bad that the ER lady actually came up to us and whispered that if we wanted to be seen by a doctor that night, we ought to go up the road to the HCA Summerfield emergency room. She was right. It was practically deserted and they were very professional and efficient.

The local hospital has good numbers on stroke protocol and if you make it clear that is what is going on, you will get treated immediately. They are also very high with cardiac protocol as evidenced by my experience with my husband who was having a heart attack and was in the clath lab before I got to the hospital.

[Marmaduke]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

My wife was taken there by ambulance this past February. She wound up spending a week there. We would also recommend it. Thumbs up.

Equidog, why are you in Limbo?
Not leaving TV, I hope.

[paulajr]

We had the Almost IDENTICAL experience last week when husbands heart rate was found to be super high.
UF Spanish plains from the ER to the Cardiac Unit was TOP NOTCH!! 😍❤️

Originally Posted by Smalley

We had a scary heart emergency this week. The Emergency Department was quick and efficient. The problem necessitated an admission. Bravo to the 5th floor cardiac unit. The staff was competent and friendly. So many departments are involved from nutrition, nursing, pharmacy, cleaning etc. It's impressive how all function together. And the hospital rooms are well designed with high ceilings. This forum has posted some negative opinions so I'm relived that we had a good experience.

[chuckandbernice]

I too had a trip to the emergency unit and then to the 5th floor. I too have high praise for all the staff.

[Ecuadog]

Originally Posted by Marmaduke

Equidog, why are you in Limbo?
Not leaving TV, I hope.

Nope.

[BPRICE1234]

Originally Posted by Smalley

We had a scary heart emergency this week. The Emergency Department was quick and efficient. The problem necessitated an admission. Bravo to the 5th floor cardiac unit. The staff was competent and friendly. So many departments are involved from nutrition, nursing, pharmacy, cleaning etc. It's impressive how all function together. And the hospital rooms are well designed with high ceilings. This forum has posted some negative opinions so I'm relived that we had a good experience.

My wife has applied at UF Spanish Plains and UF Leesburg and no one will even call back. 30 years of experience doesn't seem to make a difference.