1 /5 Grady Dungan: First, I want to point out that I had every intention of emailing the ER directly, but nowhere on their page is an email and when I called, I was put on hold twice. They were quick to send a survey, but only left 50 characters for me to explain my disappointment.
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I recently had an incredibly frustrating experience at Andrew’s Permian Medical Center
that I feel compelled to share. After undergoing surgery earlier that day in Lubbock, my doctor assured me that I’d be fine to drive home. However, upon leaving the eye center, I realized I could not see clearly at all. Thankfully, my wife accompanied me for the two-hour drive home. After arriving and spending around two hours trying to rest, I was still unable to see properly and was suffering from an excruciating headache. It was at this point that I knew I needed to visit the ER.
Upon our arrival at Andrew’s Hospital, we were the only ones checking in. The receptionist was extremely kind, but she admitted it was her first time handling a VA admission, which made me a bit apprehensive. Shortly after, a triage nurse called us back and took my vitals, but then left to find a room for us. We waited nearly an hour before a male nurse approached us and instructed us to return to the waiting room to triage other patients. While I understood the need to prioritize, it was disheartening to watch 4-5 other patients go in, some of whom returned with medical bracelets.
As we sat there, the waiting became increasingly frustrating. My wife inquired about our status and was told we should be called back soon. However, as time passed, it felt like we were being overlooked. Eventually, someone came out to ask for my Social Security Number for VA paperwork, but even then, more patients arrived and were taken back before us.
At that point, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were not a priority. I approached the male triage nurse and requested my paperwork back, expressing my concern about the delay. His response was to simply say, “hold on” before handing it back to me and wishing me a “nice night.” This phrase felt utterly dismissive, especially in light of the pain I was experiencing and the sense of neglect I felt.
I can’t help but wonder if my status as a veteran played a role in the level of care we received. It left me feeling like I was less of a priority simply because I was utilizing the VA system. Whether it was due to internal policies or a lack of resources, the experience was incredibly disappointing.
In conclusion, my visit to Andrew’s Hospital was fraught with delays and a lack of urgency that left me feeling neglected and frustrated. I hope that they can improve their processes for veterans and ensure that all patients receive the timely care they deserve. Until then, I cannot recommend this hospital based on my experience.
