HMH Jersey Shore University Medical Center

"I was transferred to this hospital on 2/2/24 from Riverview Hospital. I was being treated with antibiotics for an infected bite and had to be monitored under a specialist to ensure the infection stops spreading. Upon arrival at this hospital, I was placed into a bed in the hallway.. then wheeled back and forth between the pediatric department and emergency room (the infection was on my hand, so I could’ve also walked..) because there was miscommunication about my age. They moved me from unit to unit, and took me off the bed/wheelchair about 3 times and asked me to reconfirm my birthdate many times because somehow, they thought I was 15. Once they finally realized I was an adult, I was placed in a “waiting room” unit sort of situation where nurses and doctor were treating patients in chairs while they waited for available rooms. I asked the nurse if i’d be in a room by tonight, and she told me no. That some people have been waiting in those chairs for TWO DAYS. I was shocked, but figured i’d tough it out for the night since it was just an overnight stay. Can’t imagine sitting there for days. First off, the chairs are impossible to sleep in. To recline, you have to push your whole body weight into them- I couldn’t because I am smaller. There is absolutely no privacy, the most you get is a little thin foldable divider. They are treating about 10-15 patients in one room, so it’s just constant noise. It’s uncomfortable, especially since we’re all people in need of healing who are placed in such a miserable position. There is nothing protecting you from the spreading of germs / illness from the other patients. One person in that room sounded particularly very sick.. I tried and tried to tough it out despite loud snoring, people gurgling in their sleep, and wheels rolling around.. I ended up asking for valium to try and help me go to sleep, and also asked if they could remove my IV at some point because it felt uncomfortable. They agreed, and removed my IV. After 10 minutes, the nurse comes over with melatonin. I told her that I didn’t want melatonin, melatonin has never worked for me and I need the valium that was promised. It was then that I was told that I can’t have the valium because they removed my IV. At that point I was on the verge of tears asking them why they had removed my IV in the first place then? I would’ve kept it in, then removed it after the valium! I had probably 5 vaccinations and shots that night, and I didn’t want to have to reinsert the IV after they had removed it. The nurse said that she didn’t know that valium had to be placed through the IV. Another case of miscommunication. At that point, at 2:30AM, I decided that I couldn’t do this anymore. I requested the doctor come look at my hand and discharge me because this experience was so discomforting. The doctor cleared me to go once there was clear signs of improvement. I wouldn’t have even had to stay overnight. I also noted that their sheets (the one used on my hallway bed and the ones on the chair) had stains and were dirty. The corner of their waiting room had garbage on the floor. I was more concerned for my health sitting in that hospital over just going back home and seeing the result of my hand then. My only positive takeaway was that most of the staff were empathetic and good-hearted people. Especially J.R. He did the best he could to accommodate and care for everyone despite the overall negative experience. Such a great heart, need more people like him."

"Wow. They lie to patience. Told my sister "she can't take her daughter and leave." That is kidnapping. Then when I called to get information they said they "can't talk to me" and just hung up. Any patient can designate anyone to represent them, and all that I'd needed is their permission oral or in writing. This is the kind of hospital you go when you are ready to move on. I'm still in a state of shock at how criminal this place is."

"A good medical facility but please don't plan on visiting a loved one without a moped. The walk to see your mom, wife, grandson can literally have you committed yourself if you have any leg or back issues. Parking garage...good luck as it seems to be just a rough draft vs an actual finished project with areas that look like you need a hard hat to enter and need to watch to make sure you don't step on a nail. Having to worry about your loved one is bad enough but worrying how you're going to get to them brings it to a whole other level."

"I would give this hospital 5 stars because I love this hospital. However, I do not agree with parents not being able to spend time with their babies in the NICCU after certain hours. My daughter was there for weeks and when I missed the time I was not able to see her and after she got out I could not breast feed her anymore instead she had to be on formula. I believe if I was always around her this maybe would've been prevented. My body just could not keep up with the amount she was consuming at the time. My friend who had given birth a month earlier than me was able to spend unlimited amount of time with her babies. So this tells me it's NOT a state mandate but a hospital policy they should consider on changing. The staff except for two I have interacted with were amazing and mad me feel so comfortable the nurses treated my daughter as though they were family. The celebration dinner is delicious and yes the wait times are long but not the worst compared to other hospitals I have been to."