I recently had to take my 7 year old daughter into the emergency department late at night. Every single member of the staff - from security to reception (wish I knew her name, she was phenomenal), triage nurse Jesse, attending nurses, and attending physician (Dr. Echols) - was absolutely incredible. They welcomed my whole family, they were efficient, they were very tender to my scared child, and they put us at ease with their thorough approach. As we were leaving to go home in the middle of the night, my daughter exclaimed (I kid you not), " That was a great experience!" Thanks to everyone who helped us...we know the bill will be pricey, but you all were priceless. read more

Doctor and his nurse will not let me go even though I came for a physical related incident and should've been out within 3 days or less and I've been here for a week and counting and are threatening me with police if I leave. They won't let me sign the papers for discharge even after they said I could because two of the staff made up a lie about me to the hospital psychiatrist whom never spoke a word to me. They refuse to investigate if what lie they said was even true or not. If you want to be falsely imprisoned and treated like you don't matter then this is the place for you. They will hold you prisoner for nothing. read more

The staff was gentle and kind and took such good care of me and everyone around me. They checked on me often as I was waiting to see if the treatment was effective and had me stay until symptoms subsided. Thank you to everyone who provided care on 2/3/25. read more

Fast service, very nice people and helpful. My PA was good. I was there less than an hour. My third time there and each time was good.

Very personable and empathetic care team of PA and RNs in the ER. Reception and registration staff members were similarly pleasant. Pleased with the time PA spent understanding details of complex issue and with working to collaborate on best treatment options. read more

See all

St. Joes Hospital denied a lifesaving abortion for a woman with a nonviable pregnancy causing an immediate threat to her life and health. They sent her away with rags and a bucket "in case something happens in the car." read more

Not responsive to my step father after him having a surgery. Took him and his roommate pushing the call button for hours to get a response. And I feel that they sent him home too soon. He has to go back because his staples In his leg which are 60+ from groin past his knee are bleeding out and they sent him home Sunday when he had surgery on Thursday. Their birthing center is fantastic as that's where I had my daughter in Nov but I've heard nothing but negative things about anywhere else In that hospital. read more

Mikala ER Xray Tech was great, she was kind and considerate of taking images of my son broken Wrist. ER time is the same everywhere. We were patient and understand the staff is busy. The Nurses did a great Job triaging, Melinda was our PA she was professional with experience and good bedside manner. They Splinted his arm and gave us pain medicine. We're from out of Town. Overall they did a great job read more

The medical staff were polite and kind. Registration personnel leaves much to be desired (like fairness to start with).

Wonderful staff and place. Just like any hospital, you will experience a spectrum of different personalities especially with this being one of the only well-funded medical centers in Humboldt and as such has an extremely high-demand. I applaud the hospital for doing their best and stepping up as the primary hospital care in Humboldt. It's a difficult job yet they show up everyday read more

I won't say much, they have limited healthcare facilities in the area. There are some great providers and others not so much.. if you have complicated needs, with the means to travel, go elsewhere. read more

We are new to the area and we asked locals what hospital is the best hospital in Humbolt County. We were told not to go to St. Jos. Now I know why! Because of an emergency appendectomy, I had no choice but to go to St Joseph Hospital. Not a good experience! Compassion and communication get two stars and that's being generous. Checking out doctors and the hospital in Willits next week. read more

Walked into the emergency center for an allergic reaction. The front desk employees were really nice, and patient. The dr (Hannah Woebkenburg) finally brought me back to check out my face. She decided it would be a good time to make rude remarks about my acne saying to "cut out sugar" when I never requested any advice about my HORMONAL acne that you can't fix with sugar intake. I was there for a chemical burn on my face/ allergic reaction. She then made a comment that i was on my phone - not making eye contact.. even though my mom was doing all the talking because it hurt to talk. I have never been treated with such rudeness for no reason when I'm obviously experiencing a lot of discomfort- and I was struggling to make eye contact because I'm autistic. read more

Tip for anyone who has the misfortune of being referred to St. Joseph's Imaging department for a MRI/CT: Don't waste weeks (or in my case, months, but I had extenuating circumstances) trying to schedule an appointment over the phone. They do not answer, they do not return messages. Go to the imaging center on Buhne Street and be very assertive. Do not leave until you get something finalized. Then go home and pray they don't cancel, reschedule you, or call you to tell you that you need to jump through more hoops (blood work, new referrals, change of insurance code, etc.). I've been trying to get an MRI on my hip for 3 months and to be honest, this process has been such a pain in the a$$ I think I need an MRI for that too. read more

We had a five star experience with her son. Getting dental work under sedation. Everybody was great right down to the janitor. Super job and super team. Thank you so much! read more

Came in with girlfriend after our car accident so she could get X-rays and a CAT scan. Triage got her checked in pretty quickly & back into an actual ER room with 30 minutes of arrival. IV was put in straight away. Nurses were very professional. Good bedside manners (personable), knowledgeable, and consistent. Facility seems pretty clean. Did a great job on IV site. Labs and scan results took hours, so couldn't give 5 stars. read more

See all

My daughter was rushed in an ambulance only to be put in a waiting room for 8 hours. Epic failure of staffing going on.

Poor care quality and rude nursing staff and doctors do their best not to admit. Heard lots of horror stories.

I've been in their ER twice in the past couple of years, once with pneumonia, and once with severe, crippling migraine pain. Both times they essentially saved me -- from dying of pneumonia, and were VERY kind and concerned for me. The migraine they helped me with very swiftly, understanding I was in terrible pain. So... take the negative reviews with a large grain of salt. Usually the folks who're helped with a smile don't bother to review a place. Well, they saved my life. I'm eternally grateful to a great team of medical personnel. read more

The nurses and doctors saved my life and really took good care of me. I was admitted and had surgery there and have nothing bad to say about any of my experiences. The nurses were attentive and caring even though the place was gravely understaffed. The ultrasound tech was great and communicated everything he was going to do. Some of the patients were horribly rude and uncooperative towards the staff and that is unacceptable. read more

The outpatient imaging called me to schedule upon my Dr submitting a referral. The same day that St Joes called me to schedule, they called me back to reschedule to a different type of appointment at a different time. Later that day, I received a third call to cancel until they could get clarification from my Dr regarding the referral. A couple of days later they again called me to schedule just moments before calling me back to once again cancel. After receiving 6 different phone calls throughout the course of 1 week from a confused receptionist, I called back and was finally able to schedule with someone else. The unnecessary inconveniences did not end there. Upon scheduling, they asked me refrain from eating or drinking anything for 6-8 hours prior to my 10:30am appointment. I arrived at 10:30am hungry and thirsty (I hadn't eaten since dinner the evening prior) and they had me wait until 12pm only for a nurse to take me to an exam room and explain that she was unable to see me because they had not heard back from my Dr for clarification on my referral (2 weeks had passed since THEY called me to schedule. Why did they call me to schedule repeatedly w/o the correct referral info??). I was able to speak with someone who claimed to be a supervisor and rather than being apologetic, she insisted that nobody worked there by the name which I provided (in spite of the many voicemails I have with the receptionists name). I asked her if it was acceptable that I waited an hour and a half for no reason and her response was that she "wasn't sure" and "would check with the manager in the radiology department." There was an extreme lack of compassion by multiple staff members throughout this experience. I have repeatedly requested that a manager call me, but never heard back. read more

My husband, an ER doctor, passed away recently. He loved his job and worked until last year at age 81. A true hero, he was loved and respected in Sonoma and Humboldt County. St Joseph was and is pretty special to us. The staff and nurses were amazing. From the CEO at St Joseph, to the ambulance staff, to Humboldt Hospice, helped me so much in the three months Dr. Hard struggled with health issues. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who blessed me with such loving care! read more

Was there last night around 11pm with cardiac issues and severe breathing problems,I came in code 2 on an ambulance,and when arrived they took me straight to the lobby instead of a room.I layed there for in clear distress(and should have had priority)for hours,telling them I felt like I was having a hard attack still nothing,they joked around telling me that I wasn't really shaking it was "because I was cold"I was told .Iitarally layed there thinking I was going to die and they just watched..did nothing I seen patients come and go all night while I waited ( who had less severe issues)which I thought they went by priority)hours later give me medication for it,still waiting and come almost 5 am still haven't been seen so I left for other care as my symptoms were progressing and mind you at this time nobody was in the lobby !!!so I don't know what there excuse was ...very very unprofessional and could have been life threatening!!! Don't Go somewhere else if your having severe symptoms they could careless if you died!!! read more

If not for the OB nurses, and med/surg, the very in humane Sorry excuse for medical professionals working in the ER yesterday this hospital would be everything the sisters and healthcare facilities should rate 4 or 5 stars. Never have I been treated as awful and inhumane as my experience in their ER yesterday morning. Her attitude was cold uncaring and rude, but pretty as LUCIFER with those eyelashes. I suggest Redwood memorial, or Mad river, for emergency care, I personally will gladly take dying over another unpleasant ER visit again. read more

Hospitable and took genuine care of me without a hassle in addition to prescribing medication although they have an antihomeless "loitering" policy when it comes to using their internet read more

Glad I placed my trust in St. Joseph! Yesterday I had a total hip replacement at St. Joes and I am so glad I did. I am a physical therapist by profession and have worked with patients who have had replacements at many different hospitals. After considerable research, I chose Dr. Kilgore and St. Joseph Hospital. I could have gone elsewhere (I have good insurance), but the care I received at St. Joseph Hospital confirmed I made the right choice: - they have an "ortho navigator" who organizes everything from the start. She met with me one-on-one and was always available if I had questions. - From pre-op through discharge, everyone was organized, professional, skilled and caring. - the minimally invasive surgery matched what you would find by going to the Bay Area. I walked the length of the hallway 3 hours after being wheeled out of the operating room! - the nurses and staff treated me as if I were their sole patient. I know the hospital was "busy" but I never felt that from any of the team. - I am recuperating comfortably in my home one day after surgery with exercises to work on and follow up appointments all scheduled. The surgeon even called just to check in on how I was doing. Not that I wanted surgery (although I sorely needed it), but if I ever need anything else I will definitely turn to St. Joseph first when I do my research. The hospital has a slogan that they strive to "ease my way". I thought it was corny at first, but I really feel they did exactly that. Thank you to Dr. Kilgore and the entire team at St. Joe's for giving me my life back!! read more

Be careful of their billing. I've been trying to get them to acknowledge a check my bank paid in May 2022. Instead, they keep sending me threatening letters. Trying to get help from their billing department on the phone is impossible too. They just sent me from one phone number to another and no one would/could help me. read more

I was told that their ER considers my bringing my daughter in to the hospital as crying wolf, and that they don't believe I'm bringing her in for allergies because my treatments work before they finally get to see us. They think I am lying about her, and myself when I come in. I was in shock. Now they have their own employees out front picketing. How are they still open? What angers me most is that I have nothing but respect for emergency medical. They're amazing men and women who give their time and effort to people they don't know. They're heroes. But since I live in a rural area that has no pediatric specialists, I have to go to them when she stops breathing. Yet I am crying wolf. I'm so upset about this. It's so unprofessional to sideline us and make us wait because they think we are lying. The nurses are their saving grace. They're all amazing. read more

Took my wife 3 plus hours to get treated for a potential blood cloth. If serious, it could had been too late. Run from this hospital so you survive. read more

Not only is St Joseph's a terrible place to go for medical care, it is also an awful employer! My experiences working for St Josephs were characterized by my awful and abusive co-workers, the organization's refusal to offer benefited employment except on graveyard shift, the normal understaffing and the lack of concern for legal operations and patient safety. Also usual for St Josephs is the outrageous indoctrination by the Catholic Church! When I told them that I wouldn't go to the "encounter group" and that I would never join the Catholic Church, everything changed... I was not scheduled further hours, and my employment there was terminated, by me... Afterwards, a person calling themself a "compliance officer", called me and directly accused me of stealing a thumb drive containing patient information. I wish I had recorded the conversation, since it was amazingly abusive, illegal, and outrageous. Never, ever use St Joseph's Eureka or Fortuna if you can avoid it, and, don't ever take a job there! read more

THEY SENT MY SON AWAY WITH CANCER! They told my son there was nothing they could do for him....hours later at Mad River Hospital he was diagnosed with Leukemia. My 27 year old son (US Army Afghanistan veteran in excellent health) came down with major strep throat 12/23/15. He got his antibiotics, the strep cleared but he lost his breath with the slightest exertion..the next week the VA sent him to St Joes 1/4. They gave him a shot of steroids and a breathing treatment and sent him on his way. A week later, 1/11 the VA sent him back and they told him they could not do anything for him. He wet to Mad River Hospital and was diagnosed with Leukemia hours later....he is currently in Sacramento undergoing chemotherapy for promyelocytic M3 leukemia. We expect him to survive...2 more weeks undiagnosed and he would be expected to die. This is not my first experience with St Joes. I had both my knees replaced there and lost my dad to cancer there, cumulatively well over a month in the facility, probably closer to two. They are grossly understaffed, the food is horrible and while the nurses and other employees are great, they have to be hunted down whenever needed. If you have to stay there make sure you have someone with you that can run around to track down your nurse and get whatever else you need. This is my first negative review of any facility. I am not as complainer. But missing F**ing cancer when just a simple blood test would have caught it...and he had the symptoms, shortness of breath and ridiculous bruising..,.never again St Joes. I hate you. read more

Bad for those without financial resources. One doctor repeatedly talked about payments - and then encouraged do not resuscitate orders on our loved one. Case managers were abusive and bullied family members, trying to dump out our family member before requested evaluations were completed. Zero attention to mental health care. Revolving door of hospitalists - like Russian Roulette - zero case management. And questionnable judgment - how can surgery be imminently needed one day, but then forgotten about...with no follow up? How can good care be delivered when no one contacts your regular doctor? Financial conflicts of interest appear to affect care here. Avoid unless you have no where else to go - and plan to be the case manager yourself. Expect to be disrespected and to be making frequent calls to customer care. Otherwise - polite security guards; nursing staff were friendly; food service for patients was murky, unfresh, devoid of cultural competency and elder eating habits. read more

I was sent to the ER because it was the only way to get a CT scan right per the surgeon who already determined I needed an appendectomy. "I don't want you to sit around for 3 hours there," he told me. Well, 4 hours later I got the CT scan and was rushed off to surgery. Hard to believe it takes so long for something to happen in the ER that was pretty quiet in the waiting room when I arrived. Surgery was a breeze. I felt safe and taken care of. (Dr. Palmer is not only an excellent surgeon but he is extremely personably as well). Nurses on the floor were pretty good. Pretty sure I could have been out of that room faster as I was told before surgery that I wouldn't need to stick around long at all. Unfortunately my doctor was in surgery all day so no one checked on that for me. Once again, why we all need a liaison when we are laid up. The meals were pathetic. I was starving since I had not eaten much for several days due to my stupid appendix. I ate the dry piece of ham for breakfast and drank fluids because I needed it but it wasn't much of a breakfast. Lunch was okay and I was still starving. But dinner? Wow. Are you kidding me? As soon as I took the lid off the meatloaf I could tell it was nasty. Canned gravy and no idea what was in that meatloaf. It was practically gelatinous. My roommate couldn't eat hers either. Cold mashed potatoes. I'm sorry but when you are sick at least there could be some simple food that is edible. If I am every in the hospital again I'm going to make sure I find some friends to bring me some real food. I couldn't wait to get that IV out and get home. Even my frozen dinner I had there was better than what came from the kitchen. read more

Had to amputate foot in lieu of care~ of course...technically, it's not their fault. It was managed Medical's decision. So, don't blame the nurse who didn't even order an xray of the ACTUAL injured area and instead did ONE xray of the area slightly nearby. read more

It is almost 10 pm. I walked into the E.R. For symptoms of a stroke at noon. Still waiting to be seen. Several really sick individuals here and all of us waiting and being treated like crap. One lady is constantly having epeleptic seizures non stop and she's being harassed by one of the triage staff. Literally being yelled at. So unprofessional and so rude. I hope this staff never has to wait in their own E.R. Except I'm sure they will be rushed to be treated. Malpractice much?! read more

I had brain surgery at St Jo's and they saved my life. The ICU care was wonderful. Step down to another room was louder and nursing care was less responsive. I've had to visit ER several times and the wait can be long, however if your medical need warrants it, you're triaged in right away. I know this hospital gets a bad rap but I'm thankful to them. read more

Had to visit the ER about 10:30 last night. Despite being moderately busy the process was started fairly quickly. Everyone from start to finish were a pleasure to deal with. They took the time to listen and didn't order unnecessary tests. Great people, I would definitely recommend them. read more

My number one complaint (and there are many I could point out) was that I was recovering from a botched surgery and they let visitor come in to talk to me. Picture it, I was sitting there all sprawled out, catheter in me and all and some random religious person comes in unannounced and starts talking to me about God. I realize that this is a catholic hospital but ask the patient if they want visitors! I mean what about confidentially? read more

I know going to the er can be very stressful especially if you are in pain. And now with Covid it is very hard to go alone and not have support from a family member or friend. I'm not saying this is the best hospital but the doctors and nurses are so caring and diligent and made sure I was taken care of. I think they are really doing their best and I really appreciate the work they are doing. read more

I went to ER in the middle of the night for congestive heart failure. I took my advance directive and will along with records from my cardiologist with me. ER lost the will and Advance Directive and has been unable to find them. GOT A CALL SUNDAY-5 DAYS LATER, THAT MY RECORDS HAD BEEN FOUND ON THE THIRD FLOOR. I WAS NEVER EVEN ON THE 3RD FLOOR. Also, critical happenings that went on with me in the ER were not noted in my charts. Diastolic blood pressure below 50 and I began to pass out also the fact that I began to convulse. The ER team was great otherwise and were attentive and caring. They released me to a Cardiologist (Jr. Doctor) whom I had never seen. This man admitted me inpatient and within about an hour released me and discounted the whole affair and made at least 7 mis-statements in my charts. Totally unprofessional. Stay away from Dr. Shipper cardiologist. read more