[TimeForChange]

We have been living in TV for 5.5 years and have had three experiences with VRH professional competency and wait times to see either a PA or a Dr.. The first was a few years back when my wife's mother (in her 80's) had to wait over four hours in ER to see Dr. for examination. Another involved her also and we were allowed to visit her in a room when test had not been completed regarding a highly contagious condition. Friday evening I had accident at home with cuts on my hands. Since there was a lot of blood I felt I needed to go to an urgent care facility for possible stiches. Since it was after 6PM all Urgent Care were closed and we drove to VRH ER. We were told it would not be a long wait. This was not the case as 3.5 hours later and several moves to different locations we had still not seen a PA for an exam or a Dr. We saw only a nurse who did a rather poor job of attempting to clean my wounds. The ER was not that busy on Friday evening. At close to four hours others told us they had been waiting for six hours or more. I decided to leave and try to go to an urgent care the next morning and I did. My point is I believe that TV deserves a much better and more professional ER facility than is currently available. With over 100,000 residents at this time of the year I am amazed at the complaints I hear from others regarding VRH as a whole. I feel that if those considering moves to TV knew this they would have some reluctance to do so. We love it here but I feel that our local hospital and ER is lacking.

[graciegirl]

* Doctor refers to Doctor, NP or PA

ER Wait Watcher Florida

[New Englander]

I've heard many complaints about the ER in TV Hospital. It bothers me thinking some day I many need to go there.

[circletrack]

I’ve been there once, and endured a long wait as well. But I’ve also yet to experience a quick ER visit anywhere so far in my lifetime. I can’t even think of the last time anyone has even shared a positive ER story with me whether her in TV or back up North.

[Carl in Tampa]

I have had very poor service from the ER in TVRH, in terms of wait time, ranging from my original back injuries to my later heart problems.

When my back pain was at its worst, just before surgery, the triage nurse left me standing leaning on a cane (because the pain was worse if I sat) for several hours in the period of 11PM to 2AM, in an ER waiting room with only two other patients.

When the doctor finally saw me he administered dilaudin within five minutes.

Even when a doctor made me an emergency admission for congestive heart failure, and I arrived by ambulance, I was left unattended in a hallway for about 15 minutes before I was seen.

I understand the OP went to the ER because the Urgent Care offices were closed, but I would consider that a last resort. Any time the Lake Regional Urgent Care office near Lake Sumter Landing is open, that is my first choice for urgent medical attention.

Address: 910 Old Camp Rd, The Villages, FL 32162
Phone: (352) 259-4322

[beachbaby]

I’m told that the ER personnel are contract employees and not employees of TVRH. That being said, how many years is the contract in effect. Whoever is responsible for signing off on this contract on behalf of the hospital should think long and hard about renewing it!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

I have had very poor service from the ER in TVRH, in terms of wait time, ranging from my original back injuries to my later heart problems.

When my back pain was at its worst, just before surgery, the triage nurse left me standing leaning on a cane (because the pain was worse if I sat) for several hours in the period of 11PM to 2AM, in an ER waiting room with only two other patients.

When the doctor finally saw me he administered dilaudin within five minutes.

Even when a doctor made me an emergency admission for congestive heart failure, and I arrived by ambulance, I was left unattended in a hallway for about 15 minutes before I was seen.

I understand the OP went to the ER because the Urgent Care offices were closed, but I would consider that a last resort. Any time the Lake Regional Urgent Care office near Lake Sumter Landing is open, that is my first choice for urgent medical attention.

Address: 910 Old Camp Rd, The Villages, FL 32162
Phone: (352) 259-4322

I am sad to hear this Carl.

[TimeForChange]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

* Doctor refers to Doctor, NP or PA

ER Wait Watcher Florida

I do not consider an NP or a PA to be a Medical Doctor because they are not. Sorry but I do not. With the majority high population of elderly in TV requiring extensive medical aid the goal should be to be the best in the State. We are not! Just because someone calculated averages does not mean we have to be just as bad or slightly better than others.

[skip0358]

I don't know why people continue to go there with all the complaints? Perhaps maybe these complaints should be going to the state instead of TOTV . There is a new ER on 441 it's connected with Ocala Hospital . It's on the right hand side of 441 just before Marion Market. I've heard NO complaints about that ER at all. Also The Villages Hosp. is not run by TV or the Morse Family.

[perrjojo]

My experience with TV has been in line with other hospitals. Is the wait long? Yes. Are most ER waits long? Yes.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by TimeForChange

I do not consider an NP or a PA to be a Medical Doctor because they are not. Sorry but I do not. With the majority high population of elderly in TV requiring extensive medical aid the goal should be to be the best in the State. We are not! Just because someone calculated averages does not mean we have to be just as bad or slightly better than others.

The medical climate here, and other places in Florida is inferior to Cincinnati where we lived near a large teaching hospital in the top ten in the U.S.

There is nothing anyone can do to establish a great hospital. It evolves usually from a fine Medical School and great funding for research.

I have called myself a doctor snob. It only matters if you have issues that are life threatening, then only the best trained are good enough for those you love.

[seoulbrooks]

Florida does have at least one Hospital rated in the Nation's top ten. You just do not live near it.

[Nucky]

Last Sunday just as we were starting to really relax a gentleman in his late 80's who we help out with various daily tasks called to ask if we would bring him to the hospital. we were out of the house and on the way to help at lightning speed for us. His legs had blown up to double the regular size and were weeping clear fluid. He did not look good. We drove him to The Villages ER and he said he had frequent flyer mileage there and that the people were always good to him. He was seen by a doctor within 5 minutes, had an IV within 15 minutes and had to wait 3 1/2 hours to get a room. From what we experienced that day on that trip it was fine. We do not doubt the stories people relate to us on this Forum but were pleased he was treated quickly and respectfully. For some reason he had to be transported to Leesburg for several procedures. They were very kind and speedy with him also. Maybe we just went on a good night. I know from first hand experience the service can't be fast enough when you're hurting bad enough to be in a EMERGENCY room. Maybe the hospital has forgotten the meaning of that area of the hospital. Damn man so may people can not be wrong, shape up over there until everyone has experiences like we did.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by seoulbrooks

Florida does have at least one Hospital rated in the Nation's top ten. You just do not live near it.

You are correct. Moffitt in Tampa rates 9 in cancer.

Access Denied

[NotGolfer]

The hospital services a large over 55 population who have medical issues in our community. The waits are over-whelming to be sure. Not long ago I went as a "walk-in"...that evening they had back to back ambulance arrivals. Heard they had heart issues, strokes and bad accidents as well as folks with drug over-doses. What they were experiencing (IMHO) was similar to a very large city ER. So....the triage takes the worse ones 1st. IF the beds are full...then you get one in the hall. IF noone is discharged up-stairs and the beds are full there---you wait til one opens up. I have heard this story over and over re: other hospitals as well not just here!