I never complain in hospitals, and I try to let them know that I know a little about nursing and medicine as well. From 1998 to 2008, I lived in St. Mary's County and used St. Mary's hospital. I seldom spent less than 8 hours there if I had to go to the ER, I always had trouble getting radiology and lab data to my doctors, and I truly enjoyed the luxury of a 1-bed room after surgery while recovering. I worried about the skill of the staff, after I had to assist a nurse with my own catheterization and flushing, and when they almost killed my mother through quackery I really had concerns. She did die there, as a matter of fact, but it wasn't the hospital's fault.
Then I had a few visits to Calvert Memorial with my wife. Even in the worst situation (when she was on a gurney in the hallway for hours), I was impressed by their competence and by the cleanliness of the place. And when it was time for surgery, I was truly impressed, and actually a bit shocked, by their competence and techniques. Soon after that I moved to Calvert, primarily for the hospital. I have also found that doctors affiliated with that hospital seem much more competent than the ones I used in St. Mary's.
These are just my experiences and opinions. I know that each person seems to have differing experiences and ideas that affect how they make their choices and formulate their opinions - all valid. Where the rubber meets the road is the end result of the experience. Being on the correct side of the sod and having the problem properly corrected without undue suffering rank highly among desirable results.
