To the Editor:
In response to the letter from the doctor praising The Villages Regional Hospital for the “excellent” care he received during his stay, surely there are some instances where that is true. Unfortunately, more often than not, the horror stories outnumber the good.
As a patient on a surgical floor there last year, I spent my time in the recovery room ALONE.
When I arrived upstairs to my room I spent several minutes arguing with my assigned RN about walking to the restroom. Having had major foot surgery I was to be non-weight-bearing for eight weeks. She insisted it was “just a few feet away!” My roommate sat in urine soaked sheets for over six hours in spite of many requests for assistance. If my husband not been at my side I would never have washed or brushed my teeth during the three-night stay.
I could go on, but you get the picture. My fear is for the elderly patient who may not be as aware and able to advocate for himself or herself. What if there is no spouse present to provide care? The Villages provides a fabulous retirement lifestyle for all of us. Why can’t they provide the much-needed medical care?
Carol Fischer
Village of Caroline
