Hilo Medical Center

[Scott_S]

Well I had my first experience with Hilo Medical Center. I went in with what felt like a heart attack, they took me right in as soon as I walked in the door. They kept with me until they figured out that a bulging disk in my neck was pinching a nerve shooting pain down my chest and arm. I was there 12 hours and I think they did an excellent job.

Scott

[condoman]

quote:

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Originally posted by Scott_S

Well I had my first experience with Hilo Medical Center. I went in with what felt like a heart attack, they took me right in as soon as I walked in the door. They kept with me until they figured out that a bulging disk in my neck was pinching a nerve shooting pain down my chest and arm. I was there 12 hours and I think they did an excellent job.

Scott

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Just do not get in a situation where they need to spread your ribs for open heart surgery! THEY DO NOT do it there and you have to be flown to Oahu! One person I heard had to and did not survive making it to flight. Overall, my experience at HMC has been pretty good. Cannot believe I am saying that?

[missydog1]

I used to hate this place, but my opinion has gone up this month, as I have spent a lot of time there with a family member. The staff has been warm, friendly, and caring. The surgeon I have dealt with has been top notch.

At the same time, I've had family in North Hawai'i, in Waimea, one in ER, one admitted (what an unbelievable month!), and their stock has gone way down with me. I used to rave about them, but I have found them cold and even judgmental, just the few I have dealt with, one an administrator.

My personal experience has been good with them. They are way nicer for testing than Hilo Radiologic. But for treating the human side of an illness, and respecting the ohana involved, I am voting for Hilo ....

The place is looking quite cheerful because of the Christmas decorations.
The rooms are definitely nicer at the newer facility in Waimea, but that's to be expected. Also, there is always some crazy person at Hilo, at least one -- which is not their fault ...
Currently they have a wall banger ... and ranter ... quite disruptive, bangs the wall all night.

There are many things for which people have to go to Oahu, and yes, it is scary when the person needs immediate help.

"And I'm sure it wouldn't interest anybody, outside of a small circle of friends ~ Phil Ochs

[jackson]

I know they get a bad rap, but I have to chime in for Hilo Hospital. They saved my ass once. The pharmacist had to get out of bed at 3AM and get some plasma and he was cheerful about it. Tney were upfront about what they were and weren't capable of, sent me to a doc on the west side who was awesome. They were friendly, cheerful, and went out of their way to comfort my wife.
My kid was sick recently and they had trouble diagnosing him. One of the senior docs said the problem is that because of their reputation, and the fact the Hilo isn't percieved as a sexy place to be, they have trouble attracting the best med school graduates. I'm grateful they are there.

[sistersue]

My experiences with the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room have all been good. In my opinion, the emergency room doctors there are the best doctors on the island.