normally don't write long reviews, but after my experience at this hospital, I feel like I need to…read more
I came to the emergency room because I was experiencing significant stomach/pelvic and back pain and genuinely did not feel like something was right with my body. I understand that emergency rooms can get busy and that patients are seen based on how serious their condition is, so I came prepared to wait. However, there is a difference between a reasonable ER wait and spending practically the entire day in the hospital with very little communication about what is happening.
I arrived in the morning and went through multiple tests, including an ultrasound. I was eventually told that the ultrasound showed two decent-sized fibroids. After the testing was completed and results were available, I continued sitting there for HOURS waiting for someone to come speak to me about my results and what the next steps were.
The most frustrating part was the lack of communication. If there is a delay, simply COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PATIENTS. Tell us, "The doctor is backed up," "We are waiting for another result," or "You should be seen within approximately this amount of time." Instead, I was left sitting there uncomfortable, hungry, frustrated, and wondering what exactly I was still waiting for.
At one point, I was told they didn't even have discharge information for me yet. How am I sitting here for hours after testing and still unable to get a clear explanation of my results or whether I am being discharged? I came here because I was in PAIN and concerned about my health. Patients should not have to repeatedly ask staff what is going on just to receive basic information about their own care.
I was also extremely hungry after being there for so long. I was eventually given a sandwich, which I appreciated, but after spending practically the whole day there, the entire experience was exhausting. I was physically uncomfortable from sitting/lying there for so many hours on top of already being in pain.
I want to be clear that my biggest complaint is not simply that I had to wait. I understand that this is an emergency room and emergencies happen. My problem is the LENGTH of the wait combined with the poor communication. When someone has been in the hospital since the morning, has completed their testing, and their results are available, someone should be updating that patient instead of leaving them sitting there wondering what is happening.
If your department is overwhelmed or understaffed, I understand that individual nurses and doctors can only do so much. But the hospital needs a better system for keeping patients informed. A simple update can make a huge difference, especially when someone is already scared, in pain, hungry, and exhausted.
I came here looking for medical care and answers. Instead, a large part of my day was spent waiting without knowing what I was waiting for.
This experience reminded me exactly why I normally avoid coming to this hospital. I hope management takes complaints like this seriously because patients deserve timely communication, compassion, and basic updates about their care--even when the emergency room is busy.