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.

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.

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

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.

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:)

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.

And the shorter commute will be handy!!