[Bonanza]

A few nights ago I wasn't feeling well after being away for a week. My husband thought the symptoms I was experiencing mirrored some of those regarding possible heart issues in women (which are different from men). He insisted that we go over to the emergency room at the Villages Hospital.

After signing in, we sat there waiting to be called. I recall there being a few other people also waiting, but it wasn't crowded. After about 3/4 of an hour, a nurse came out and made an announcement that people were not taken on a first-come first-served basis; they were seen as determined by how serious their ailment was (remember, my husband thought I had a heart problem).

During the time we sat waiting, others arrived and signed in, waiting to also be seen. I was finally called in. The nurse took my temp and blood pressure which was very high and I was then told to go back out and have a seat. An hour passed. Still nothing. We sat there in wait, freezing our butts off. It felt like a meat packing plant, it was so cold.

True -- I don't know what was wrong with the many others who were taken and seen before me, but after more than two hours, we had had it. We left and went home.

First thing the following morning I was able to get an appointment with my doctor (with whom I was a relatively new patient) who graciously squeezed me into to his schedule.

The treatment at the Villages Hospital (or should I say the lack of treatment) was reprehensible. Outrageous is another adjective I would use. It's unfortunate there isn't a penalty for a hospital emergency room that operates like that.

I'm sure there will be many comments to my post, by those who voice accolades for this hospital. However, I can only say that they will never see my face again. I'll go elsewhere, even if I die on the way.

Emergency Rooms work that way. Spent six hours waiting one night. Just a fact of life.

[aln]

Three words.........NINE ONE ONE !

Having had quad by-pass I know what the various chest pains are.
When I moved here I asked my cardiologist, which IS associated with The Villages Hosp, if I should encounter chest pains where should I go. He said Monroe Regional.
Last summer I did have chest pains. No amount of nitro that I carry would help. Called 911 and was transported to Monroe. My point is the EMT'S tried to stabilize me. Didn't - but at least I was in good hands immediately. Once at Monroe I saw a doctor almost immediately.

If the EMT'S had seen you and were able to stabilize you chances are you would have been able to stay home, relax and get an appointment with your doctor at your convenience.

If you're able to 'walk in' and 'walk out' of an emergency room - 2 hours doesn't seem very long.

[Blessed2BNTV]

I too had a similar situation - not heart issue. I waited 11 hours. The nurse that saw me echoed my feelings about the ER.

I originally went to urgent care and the doctor at urgent care sent me to the ER. Thought I might have appendicitis.

[graciegirl]

They are building a very large addition to the hospital as we speak which will include additions to the ER. Hopefully that will help.


Bonanza, I hope you are feeling better. What was wrong?

[zcaveman]

That is why I have been going to Urgent Care centers. Very seldom is there a long wait.

Z

[red tail]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

A few nights ago I wasn't feeling well after being away for a week. My husband thought the symptoms I was experiencing mirrored some of those regarding possible heart issues in women (which are different from men). He insisted that we go over to the emergency room at the Villages Hospital.

After signing in, we sat there waiting to be called. I recall there being a few other people also waiting, but it wasn't crowded. After about 3/4 of an hour, a nurse came out and made an announcement that people were not taken on a first-come first-served basis; they were seen as determined by how serious their ailment was (remember, my husband thought I had a heart problem).

During the time we sat waiting, others arrived and signed in, waiting to also be seen. I was finally called in. The nurse took my temp and blood pressure which was very high and I was then told to go back out and have a seat. An hour passed. Still nothing. We sat there in wait, freezing our butts off. It felt like a meat packing plant, it was so cold.

True -- I don't know what was wrong with the many others who were taken and seen before me, but after more than two hours, we had had it. We left and went home.

First thing the following morning I was able to get an appointment with my doctor (with whom I was a relatively new patient) who graciously squeezed me into to his schedule.

The treatment at the Villages Hospital (or should I say the lack of treatment) was reprehensible. Outrageous is another adjective I would use. It's unfortunate there isn't a penalty for a hospital emergency room that operates like that.

I'm sure there will be many comments to my post, by those who voice accolades for this hospital. However, I can only say that they will never see my face again. I'll go elsewhere, even if I die on the way.

they are not the worst ever as said............

think 'Triage'....as evidenced by this thread it seems to be working at our hospital!

[graciegirl]

Average U.S. ER wait time 4-plus hours - UPI.com


If you google long wait times in ER you get a LOT of hits.

[nitehawk]

I guess the hospital is outside the bubble -- all is not right in paradise

[red tail]

Originally Posted by nitehawk

I guess the hospital is outside the bubble -- all is not right in paradise

meaning???????????????

[billybye]

Have been there twice, pneumonia once and an fib problem once. One walk- in and one by ems ambulance. Both times was taken care of immediately because it was an emergency.
If not an emergency go to Urgent Care and let the people who need emergency care to emergency room.
I can not say enough good things about emergency room and care received after being admitted - they are great.
Don't plan on going back though, have my problem under control now.

[justjim]

If you were having heart attack signs they should have taken you right in. The only thing I could figure was that the nurse determined your symptoms were not immediate life threating. That's a lot of responsibility to put,on a nurse.

Lots of Threads about the Village Hospital ER wait time. I know they are continuing to expand----maybe the expansion will help.

[Shirleevee]

My husband had a similar situation. Said he had chest pain and was seen immediately 3 times. Had 2 stents and AAA surgery and NEVER a problem. I would write or go to see the hospital Administrator to at least express my frustration.

[Erijo]

Dear Bonanza, You MUST write a letter to the CEO of the hospital. A situation where a patient has chest pain and is not taken right away is is WRONG! Take names, date and time of arrival, as many details as you can and put this in your letter! Address the letter to the CEO,(google his name). I am a nurse (not working at present) and I am telling you, if you want a response, write to him/her. CC a copy to the head of the ER and the Director of Nursing. Nothing will improve if as patients we don't report it. Of course, this goes for the times we receive good care and are happy with the care. Letters should be written than also. I am glad you're OK, but write that letter.

[buggyone]

911 is the best idea whenever you think there is a possibility of a heart problem. You would have been seen right away.

I hope your doctor was able to treat your issue the following day and it was not too serious.