DCH Regional Medical Center

"I had an appendix emergency. I got myself to the hospital, they had completed the cat scan within a few hours, scheduled me for surgery and had my appendix out and me in a room by 6PM. That’s me showing up at 9Am unannounced and them getting my appendix out by 3PM. The entire time the nursing staff and doctors were amazing. (And I’m a bit of a diva). I’m 60 and have spent a lot of time in hospitals with my aging parents. This was an amazing experience. Those of you on here complaining about it taking a few hours to get test results must not know how hospitals work. I would choose this location over UAB for care. I also own homes in Dallas and Atlanta, so I’ve experienced many hospitals. This hospital may be a bit old, but the staff here makes the difference."

"I've had great experiences with DCH personally and with family emergency recently. Of course the facility is old and definitely could use a far better cleaning staff. Question is can anyone recommend a Dr. That can answer questions about how a Cardiologist Patients physical wellness and current health problems are or are not related to recovery. My fathers Cardiologist is Dr. Anne Lewis, she's a great Dr. but its not her job as she is strictly a Dr. that deals with just the Heart Functioning I believe. I forgot to ask, as she is very busy, who would be the Dr. that would be able to answer questions, about a Cardiologist Patients, physical and mental wellness after Major Cardiac Surgery. His Primary Care physician refers to Dr. Lewis or doesn't answer the questions. I'm not sure I'm asking the right questions to the right person, so hoping someone can tell me as a lay person. I personally can't tell the difference or the job of the cook, cleaning staff, or nurse as they come in the room. I never know who's job it is or isn't is to fix the feeding tube or bring more tissue. Definitely do not understand the Rankings of Physicians. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again to all the Great Nurses, drs, and staff for the hard work you do."

"They didn't give me a toothbrush anything like that I had to ask for it and there wasn't any water container or towels in my room. I needed some depends they didn't have those or wouldn't look for any. On the last night someone found me 2! The food was disgusting never asked me what I wanted until my Dr saw I wasn't eating & ask me why he's the one who told them to bring me a menu. A few of the nurses need to go back to learn how to put an IV in specially the 1 in the ER her place left a mark that looked like I had. I couldn't wait to leave. The Dr was great other than him it was the worst experience I've ever had and the cost for the lack of care is -__"

"I would highly recommend that if you have a medical emergency or in a need of an emergency room go to Birmingham. The ER staff doesn't care, very rude, ignored patient. Was advised by Ashley N nurse in charge after waiting six plus hours to see a doctor that an algorithm selects what patients are seen first. Was referred by my doctor to the ER. Upon arriving I checked in and advised them about prior kidney failure. I was in extreme pain and cold. Upon asking for a blanket was advised they ran out and didn't have any. My family returned with a blanket. I finally was able to urinate why waiting and a nurse provided a urine collection container which they took from me and the test confirmed blood in my urine. After advising the triage nurse I didn't have my needed medication with me I left without being seen. In 12/22 I want to this ER for chest pains. After waiting and being seen by the staff I was discharged. As I was walking to my car, the ER doctor chased me down in the parking lot and said I needed to return and be admitted. They discharged me without reviewing test results. I was admitted and had to have emergency heart surgery. Tuscaloosa with the many students and residents residing here deserve a hospital that cares for their patients. No matter how many complaints filed nothing ever changes. I am filing a formal grievance with the state regarding DCH and requesting an investigation on the triage nurses who rely on a computer algorithm versus the actual patient illness. The nurses may be educated for nursing but are not doctors and or nurse practitioner. Also DCH pays the nursing staff poorly and highers traveling nurses making much more money the their own staff."

"I so appreciated the nurses that gave us good care. They tried to help as much as possible. The rest was not good. My husband had 2 doctors That were great then he had 2 that was not good. I was disappointed in their care. House cleaning was not good either. The dietary Dept helped me every way possible to send food he would eat because he wasn’t hungry. I will try my best not to go there again."