St Thomas Elgin General Hospital

Ok so upon reading some of these reviews I was horrified but I want to share my experience. My 92 year old mother fell and broke her hip a week ago. I had no choice and told St Thomas was were she would have her surgery. Dr Sellan was the orthopedic surgeon and although not the best bedside manner, took great care of my mom as well as the nursing staff. One hour surgery and now the recovery. The nurses have been amazing and taking great care of my mom. I've heard the phrase "nightmare on Elm Street " and I'm sorry for those people with bad experiences but my experience has been amazing. Thankyou St Thomas Hospital for all you have done for my mom! Thank-you just isn't enough it seems!

I was in and out of emerge in under a grand total of 1 hour for a dislocated and broken finger. That is an abnormally fast time, all I can say was that I was really lucky.

I went here on a Monday evening for a dislocated and possible broken finger. I had to take a ticket number for triage, and the wait for this was about 15 minutes until they called my number.

After that I had to register at the front desk, and went to the X-ray area right away. Waited for about 2 mins to actually take the X-ray, then went back into the emerge waiting room to get seen by a doctor. This wait was less than 15 mins.

I got the unfortunate news that my finger was indeed broken. The doctor faxed a referral to HULC - which I am very thankful for as I ended up needing a serious realignment and a cast - and got me in a splint. He did try to align my finger and used a local anesthetic for that.

I can't thank everyone enough.

One last thing - I hope they get an MRI machine soon!

I wish I could leave 0 review.i went into the Er atoynd 10: 30pm. First they mistake me for someone else and took me to the Xray, while im pregnant.for me to ask if they are going to conduct an Xray for my pregnancy.then they checked and realized it was the wrong person.next i wast left half dress for 2 hours in the room waiting for a doctor that never came.had to leave the ER unseen around 2: 30am.and guess what, there was mo patient im the waiting area… so where was the doctor? Who was the doctor attenting to? I just moved down here from toronto and having this bad experience in such a small hospital with few patients is really sad and disgusting.super unprofessional and non caring if you ask me.

Dr LePort was more concerned about my vaccination status than he was with my black eye, Clearly broken arm and multiple bruises on said arm. Clear what was happening to me and was completely unfair to shift direction towards something completely irrelevant. I did record the video session for evidence.
UPDATE: They still are uncaring and cold hearted three years later.

ER is an excellent alternative to long waits at London hospitals. If you live in west or south London, consider St. Thomas over LHSC.

Absolutely garbage, i had a lady in triage who was a complete inconsiderate angry lady - definitely should not be working in the hospital, not only that but i have been in “red” which is the quickest to see a dr and ive still be waiting after 2hr, no pain medication nothing AVOID THIS HOSPITAL AT ALL COSTS 0 STARS

Ambulatory Pod 2 Pre- Admissions Clinic is HORRIBLY Run.
High pitched awful noise. I feel sorry for the people that have to work with it it's like tinitis all day long ringing.
Not enough chairs in waiting room.
Why is the exit not available for use as it would be easier for seniors and patients with mobility issues.
No cellular service. A transponder isn't that much money.

Very racist behavior towards minority groups here. Receptionist was very aggressive and rude. March 30 6am.

Excellent staff. Never have I ever felt judged or condemned for coming in. I had Dr Chris Hollingsworth twice this week. He was very compassionate. All the Nursing staff are wonderful.
Dr Hollingsworth once saved my daughter from a medication error from another Doctor that put her in serious withdrawal. Thank-you for all you do.
I promise to take my medication.

This is an outstanding, efficient, God send, of a healthcare community facility! I wish other hospital could use you as an example. Thank you so much for everything that was provided and in such a short time. Compared to other hospitals!

Great and friendly staff, wonderful experience! Couldn't have been happier with the delivery of my baby. Parking is flat rate.

My husband and I just had our third baby here. We have received the best support we have ever gotten. Everyone was supportive, kind, thorough and mad sure there was consent and understanding every step of the way.

Clean and friendly.
Just wish they had outlets to plug in phones in the waiting room.

Psychiatrist I was seeing didnt call me at my appointment time and front desk at outpatient didnt pick up the phone until over a month later, said they always follow up if i leave a message (they never called me back they just finally picked up the phone). They said services are moved to in person now and never told me that, also never called me back from the most recent phone call I had. They don’t care

My husband and I had our first baby at this hospital and we are very pleased with our experience throughout the pregnancy and the delivery. Dr. Urian, the nurses and the anesthesiologists were very caring and knowledgeable and we always felt that we were in their utmost care. We highly recommend this hospital and we look forward to coming back.

EMG area is so dirty tesues every where on the floor and I believe the EMG areas are not sanitize just be careful when you’ll visiting

Can’t say enough about this hospital! The staff is doing what they can given these hard times their left to deal with, and doing an amazing job in such good spirits - they took wonderful care of my 11month old daughter while we stayed for two weeks and each and everyone of the nurses on the paediatric ward was just fantastic - so grateful!

I'm a student from Anderson College and I had my placement at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital for 4 weeks. I would like to say that there are no words can describe how professional and amazing the staffs are. I would never forget how they treated, welcomed and trained me there. In general the services that they do for patients are wonderful.

London Victoria wanted me to wait 9hrs+, and then after waiting two hours, 16hrs+ for a concussion. Got triaged and registered within an hour! Also, the emergency department isn't insanely dirty like at Victoria.

Our community hospital provides care with skill and compassion. Their staff work in a very challenging environment and deserve praise and thanks for enduring today's environment, all while dealing with clients who are, in many cases, difficult to deal with. Thanks to strong community support, facilities and equipment here are among the best.

If admitted to inpatient Mental Health care; avoid Psychiatrist Dr. Noel Laporte at all costs! Worst Psychiatrist I've EVER come in contact with! Treated me as a diagnosis and not a person/patient seeking help at all. Told an actively suicidal patient it's "my right to die" when doctors are supposed to prescribe hope; not death.

Well I would like to start out with how disappointed I am at this hospital with out things went Tonight. Leaving a Sr who had a head injury in the hall way. There is lots more but I'm to.mad to type.

They were awesome, so under staffed. Kept it flowing & l recieved compassionate care. Thank you for all you do. Its greatly appreciated

Head nurse wasn’t the friendliest, and I overheard a couple doctors say that it’s “ridiculous” (and called them ridiculous) for the amount of suicidal people they had in… I thought a hospital was supposed to be a comfortable place for those that need help? How are we supposed to feel comfortable when some of the staff are judgemental and rude?

There was ONE nurse who was actually nice.wish I got her name.

My review is of the emergency department. Four stars for the incredibly kind, caring nurses who understand my worries and helped talk me down this past morning (4-7am). Thank you for being patient with me and your advice.

I felt like 2 of the previous doctors I’ve seen had poor bedside manor. Although my doctor last night was straightforward, which I appreciate, putting pressure on patients to make big decisions quickly is very stressful. Particularly if they have a history of mental health issues and trauma. For some of us, making decisions/being fearful of the situation/worrying make a combination that is very poor at communicating.

I’ve also had a few ambulance rides in the past 2 years. Both rides were extremely professional, kind and comfortable. I never felt judged or like my issues weren’t important enough to be addressed. Very thankful for such a good service in our community.

Had booked a pre admit appointment 2 months ago. (april 19th) waited for call on the 10th of june for app.didnt get call at appointment time so I called and they said they were busy we will call later.no call
next day I called again and the nurse said we will call you this afternoon to rebook.no call.called again on the 14th (today) and nurse said I was NEVER booked at all.not even on the 9th.told her my induction date could be as early as the 20th and the earliest appoint they have is the 23rd. 2 months plus a week to find out I never had an appointment, plus 2 calls where they never even looked me up to tell me they couldnt find me in the system. I already have complications with this pregnancy and they have no care in the world they are making it 10x more stressful. (this review is strictly for preadmit nurses)

Still alive didn't lose any vital organs or body parts everything's good and I didn't catch covid

The nurse i had was amazing but the doctor i wasnt pleased with, I am diabetic and my sugars was really high. I ask the doctor for insulin when i was there and some to take home to carry me until i saw my own doctor. She gave me some while i was there but she didnt keep me in nor did she gave me any to take him. The fact that my sugars was really high should have concerned her enough to keep in the hospital, or at least gave me something to help me until i got other help. I am on a waiting list waiting for someone to call me. Needless to say i left the hospital with the sugar level lower but still dangerly high.they should have made sure it was normal before sending me home.

I sent this directly to the Hospital Admin and am sharing (some) of it here.

I would like to pass on a huge THANK YOU to the 3rd Floor Nursing Staff, and Dr Roe, and the nurses and anesthesiologists involved with my surgery.this past March of 2021

Everyone, from those in admitting and preparing me for the surgery, to those in OR and in Recovery, and for those involved during my stay on 3rd Floor.

I actually told family that the care, consideration, concern and efficiencies of everyone, amazed me. To say having surgery was thrilling is completely wrong, but the staff truly showed compassion and attentiveness. Even as I was brought into surgery there was consideration for me.

Too often (we) hear of complaints regarding hospitals and everyone is quick to point, out what they feel, was disagreeable to them. I haven't contacted the hospital before and now feel that I should most certainly have done so, considering the numerous times I've had surgery, both day surgery and for longer stays.

Due to covid restrictions, I felt all care was taken during these trying times to ensure safety for all.

Also, unfortunately I had a return visit but to Emergency and although I understand not all privacy can be maintained, due to restrictions, when the second process of checking in involves staff speaking through the microphone speaker behind plexiglass, it is inevitable that sound will carry and yes, some personal information may be overheard, such as allergy confirmation and address etc. It is unfortunate, but I really don't think any patients waiting for care are interested in such, if they do pay attention to what is being said. The only way to avoid this would be to have yet another private room for this part of the process. I doubt that is doable since said room, if there was space to set aside for this, would have to be wiped down after each person. I've never heard any staff ''yell'' information through the microphone.unless perhaps they spoke more loudly due to the person being unable to hear/understand them?

During this Emerg visit all care and precautions were taken and my situation dealt with in a rapid process, considering there were 10 people ahead of me in the waiting room! Staff were all considerate kind and efficient.

Most Sincerely,
Manda Gooding

The moment you get in they do COVID screening and everyone that greets you are so nice. I even got lost and two people helped me out right away and walked me right to the Cardio Department, where I needed to be.
Everyone is willing to help you and you feel at ease. Thank You To Everyone at STEGH. So appreciate You all

I was recently at this hospital. I felt very uncomfortable when the receptionist was yelling out my personal information like my address, phone number in the open like that using the microphone. Then she proceeded by asking me for my Emergency contact person information as well. There was a man sitting in the waiting room listening, now not only does he know my name, but he also have my address, phone number and my next to kin information as well. I'm so livid with hospital that do things like that. There are full on serial killer out here walking around. I think of all places, the hospital should be more discreet about sensitive information. Its like they don't give a heck, the attitude I've received was more like, just give me your information and NEXT! I'm thinking what if this guy really wanted to attack me. He knows exactly where I live and how to contact me. What kind of hospital is this reckless with peoples personal information like this? My second issue is when asking you about your reasoning for coming in. Again with the talking out so loud so everyone in the wait rooms can hear. Then when you try to whisper they yell can you speak up please! Then repeat everything you've just shared by yelling it so the whole wait room nd other nurses could hear. This is one major reason why I hate hospitals and would rather be dying then to go there. I hate them with a passion. This isn't the first time I've experienced this kind of behavior. Not just at this hospital but usually all hospitals I have been to. But yesterday this takes the cake. Just ridiculous and the staff at the front was very rude. I would not be coming back here again. I'd rather die then ho to another hospital again.

Nice place. As someone who has been injured many many times, I can safely say that since I haven't yet died, this hospital has proven quite effective for me. It even has a swimming pool.no I'm not joking the hospital has a swimming pool.though it's usually the temperature of a hot tub rather than a swimming pool. I have no idea what it is supposed to be used for, I just remember that I used to take swimming lessons at the hospital.

The nurses were polite and the anesthesiologist was hilarious (mostly because of the drugs). The complimentary HIV test was a pleasant surprise. They were like, "your surgery was a success and you don't have HIV. " It was like a surprise party without friends, family or gifts. All those years not getting past first base paid off. Can hardly wait for my next surgery.

I went for a ct scan at this hospital.the staff in this department were great. I was treated with respect. They were very friendly and put me at ease. Great job guys.and all of you have a very merry christmas and a happy new year.stay safe.thank you again.

I am a longtime healthcare worker at LHSC but briefly helped in the Pharmacy department at STEGH when they were understaffed there many years ago.

At that time, I had the immense pleasure of working with a wonderful group of folks and was always impressed with both their friendliness and capabilities.

Fast forward to present day and I now work part-time on weekends at a clinic pharmacy in St. Thomas.

Even though I no longer work at STEGH, I still go there every two weeks after my community shift in order to get a COVID test.

My beloved father is in LTC so the test is required for me to see him.

When I could no longer access the overwhelmed testing centers in London this fall, I wasn't able to see my dad.

However, I discovered that STEGH was an option and it's accessibility fit perfectly with my weekend shifts there.

Aside from the availability and convenience, what I really wanted to comment on is the amazingly friendly and efficient service that your testing centre staff provide.

The staff I have dealt with, from check-in to swabbing, have always been warm, welcoming and very good at what they do.

Their approach and capability is reminiscent of my time with the Pharmacy staff there many years ago.

Having gone through the process in London several times, your staff is to be congratulated on the great job they are doing, especially with the risks involved.

Just so they know how much it means to me personally, I hadn't been able to see my father for three weeks by early October because of inaccessibility to testing in London.

Secondary to the rise in community cases at that time, his nursing home had also stopped all visits except from essential caregivers like myself.

Testing at STEGH allowed me not only to see my father in early October after our 3 week hiatus, but also to touch him for the first time since March.

I am usually pretty upbeat when I see my dad, but I cried when I was finally able hold his hand and stroke his hair on that day.

Both of my parents have also been patients at STEGH in the past, with my mother receiving chemotherapy there and my father surgery.

My family was very comforted by the top-notch care and kindness they always received there.

So whether a quick COVID test or repeated chemotherapy treatments, a brief surgical stay or a long-ago Pharmacy experience, I remain grateful for the care that your staff has always provided to myself and my family.

We are lucky to have you.

Merci

Hello

My name is James Straub, I came to the emergency department on Tuesday evening with severe abdominal pain. The triage nurse admitted me for testing and blood work. The staff was very accommodating in looking after my concerns, I was very impressed with their professional attitude in getting me tested in a timely manner. Unfortunately after 5hrs I left with no real clear picture on what was happening internally to me. I was prescribed an antibiotic but nothing for the pain. Again the nurses, technicians, porters and doctors were all outstanding in taking care of me. On Thursday morning I returned to the emergency department with several abdominal pain, I was once again admitted for testing and blood work, they preformed the same tests with the addition of an exray of my abdomen. The results were pretty much the same as on Tuesday with the exception of swelling had been reduced slightly. After 8hrs was discharged with a clearer understanding of what it wasn't. My questions were addressed and taken seriously and thankfully i was given a prescription for pain. Again all the staff did a exceptional job of making me comfortable and making sure I had what I needed. I just wanted to thank all the hard working, caring people who looked after me. So thank you and please stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely James Straub

This past August our teenage daughter fell off her bike and broke her elbow and dislocated her wrist. We live in Byron and we heard that St. Thomas Hospital’s emergency care was much faster than in London so we drove her to St Thomas hospital instead. We heard many horror stories and had previously experienced waiting for 6 hours in London’s emergency department and did want to have that experience again, especially with the current Covid-19 situation! We are so glad we drove south instead. Our daughter was out of the hospital with X-rays and a cast within 2 hours! It was amazing, the doctors and nurses were so nice too. Definitely worth the drive! Thanks St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital!

The staff is borderline abusive and has no respect for mental health or privacy. I was in a public area when a nurse here loudly called on the phone a man asked if it was him by name and told him he had STD infront of a room full of patients.

That's without mentioning their treatment of those with PTSD.

I want it to be know how amazing the hospital has been with my appointments them selves. My true disgust is with the people monitoring the covid entry. I had been called to come in for an appointment and was asked to bring my husband with me. This is Wednesday September 16 at 12: 30 North entrance. The people refused my husband entrance and refused to call or walk to reception to confirm he was to be there. It took the receptionist calling and then marching down to the front to make these two power hungry individuals to allow this as they felt they could create their own rules. I hope this review falls into the right hands so no one else has to deal with this disgusting behavior of those 2 staff members.

I had an emergency visit this morning. Quick, pleasant, polite and respectful. To everyone working in the emergency department today you truly are Heroes. Thanks for your special care ️.

This place is a disgrace and embarassment. Person with paranoid delusions forcibly removed for "trying to hide out there". Now 7 hrs for scan result on aortic aneurysm! Dr.jokes he'd be dead by now but its fractured back. No advice, no meds.
Update: depending on context Dr.may not have intended to make light of the situation, but again, this is why a support personshould be allowed in despite Covid issue.

I understand that there is a pandemic going on, however if I pass the same screening process as my fiancée why can I not enter? I’d like to attend the ultrasound we are about to have. I think that the hospital needs to revisit its screening / visitor allowances.

I get it that this covid thing has changed everything. But one thing that needs to change for the better asap, is the visitor regulations! Patients need their loved ones! There has to be a way that my mom can see my dad, who is a stroke victim, more than once a week!

Somewhat a bit rude when asking questions at the front desk.understand people have been waiting a long time so when asked a question don't be rude! Called and came from London with no one in the waiting room we have still been here 2 hours just for effin stitches.

Waited six hours after my xray for them to tell they had accidentally deleted it and needed to take another one then made me wait three more hours before I decided to leave and go to another hospital who put me through immediately

I would like to share my disappointment and shock with St Thomas hospital. I have given birth to two children here and when it came time for my daughter in law to give birth we were horrified at the care we did not even receive.she had been induced in London but as we live in St Thomas Victoria told her if she was in too much pain to go to St Thomas with which we did when she was 4cm dilated and had been in labour for over 24hrs to be told by the nurse they were short staffed and why would she come here when she should go back to Victoria! (she told us Victoria was passing the buck to them) who cares! She was crying in pain and labour and was refused any pain medication until she was 5 cm which I have never heard of as Victoria was willing to give her an epidural at 4cm.different rules for different hospitals? We ended up having to leave as we felt the nurse was irritated and actually said to us well it's only 20 min to London.way to make her first child labour memories a negative one! We ended up at Vic and she was 6cm? Mmmm? And had the baby at 6 am that morn even though the nurse at St Thomas said it could take another 24 hrs. I even made the comment to the nurse to take the induction out of the equation and treat her like a woman in labour! We have a healthy baby girl and thanks to the nurses at Victoria who were so kind and caring.mabey St Thomas staff and one particular nurse should figure out how to treat vulnerable people with decency and compassion when experiencing a major happening in their life.

I went to the emergency room due to terrible pain in the spine. The attention was very good, although the time to attend me was very long "five hours". I am grateful to all the staff that assisted me, especially with Dr. Daniel Tsoy, who quickly helped me with medication to feel better. His professional work was excellent.

Usually my experience with this hospital is positive, however, when I brought my fiance in who suffers mental health issues, she was horribly mistreated.
The first visit She went in with shaking in the legs unable to stop, and painful if she tried. The doctor asked her if she had taken any drugs or drank any alcohol recently. She had as it had been the weekend. So the doctor gave her some anxiety medication and a sedative to help her sleep.
Day 2: the shaking persists and she goes back. The triage nurse began the visit very rudely, telling her that if she didnt stop shaking she wouldnt treat her.and left her to sit in the waiting room while having a panic attack. Im very disappointed in this care. My fiance never saw the doctor the second time because she was so upset she wanted to leave. Shame on them.

Having it as a second home in my younger years it's a great hospital. But the new structure and parking lot is very confusing. Having not been there in years.

Walked in to the emergency room and someone who worked at the hospital came in 35 minutes after me and got help immediately while I stayed waiting. When I asked if I was doing something wrong they just told me to continue waiting. I hope no one is dieing because they're going to have to wait for the employees to be helped first apparently!

Heres an edit I'm still here waiting and the person who came in after me just left completely treated in 30 minutes and I've not been seen after two hours of waiting!