Loretta Marshall

Review of RWJ Somerset

This past Saturday I visited the ER with severe ab...

This past Saturday I visited the ER with severe abdominal pain and cramping. I have two conditions that could possibly cause this but there was the chance it was appendicitis. While the waiting room didn't look too busy it was a busy day, so I waited a bit and when I was finally called back I was placed in the hallway. It was a long visit over 8 hours but you know what, the staff was great; attentive, articulate, and thorough. My needs were met within parameters everyone was comfortable with. (I.e. Painkillers, they started non narcotic and went from there in small increments that caused them to have to check On me more often than if they'd just decided to go the easy way and give me a full dose, which I was very grateful for and appreciated immensely) Were there people treated before me that came in after? Absolutely, it happens, there are situations that warrant it. Was it a bit weird to be in the hall? Sure, but it happens. There were other people that needed either the privacy due to their particular condition or they were children. Were there stretches in which I saw neither nurse nor doctor? Yup, but some tests take time and at that point I wasn't in any immediate danger of dying. Did I want to leave after a few hours? Of course I did, I don't like hospitals at all, but emergency departments are busy and time depends on what is going on. Did I get grumpy, I did, which I apologize for. In the end they couldn't pin point exactly what it was but left me with referrals and a thorough understanding of my options. It wasn't just the doctor and nurse either, it was the ultra sound and CT Scan techs too. Everyone was wonderful. There were hiccups with testing times and what not, but it wasn't malicious or anything. In an emergency department, emergencies happen. I didn't see anything as far as uncleanliness and being in the hall I did, in fact, witnessed the custodian thoroughly cleaning after patients departed as well as door handles, the floor, etc. When my sheet slipped down because the pain made it difficult to sit still I was brought a new one and another nurse stopped to help fix the bed and make sure I was comfortable. Over all I was absolutely satisfied with my visit and providers. Things happen, but I would reccomend this Hospital and was very happy with the over all visit despite my own antsiness and grumpiness while I was there. I of course can not speak for every personality type or anything, but the staff is great and knowledgeable. Id also like to say thank you to the staff members that made a painful and anxiety riddled situation manageable.