St Elizabeth

I am looking into the program at St. Elizabeth. Any feedback?

Hi Sheila, I know absolutely nothing about the WLS program at St. Elizabeth's (aside from reading their brochure in an ER waiting room) but I don't have the highest opinion of the hospital -- that said, it may or may not indicate the quality of the WLS program. I'm a student at BC and have a disability and special health care needs, so I spend alot of time at the hospital. Although I get most of my care at New England Medical Center (where I'll be having surgery) I have had to go to St. Elizabeth's for emergency situations and minor procedures, because BC's infirmary has more contacts at St. Elizabeth's. I also attended physical therapy at St. Elizabeth's for a few months before I started at Spauling Rehab. Unfortunately, I've found too many of the staff (doctors, techs, therapists, and nurses) to be very cold/indifferent and just plain incompetent - they never seem to know what they're doing and I always felt uneasy trusting them to care for me. I was very inappropriately touched and talked to (as in sexually) by a surgical intern the last time I had to go to their ER and I've sworn never to go there again. Their facilities are old and worn down and their system seems to be very disorganized. Granted, I've run into a few good secretaries, techs, and doctors, but my general opinion of the place is pretty low. They constantly misdiagnose me and I feel so uncomfortable there that I would personally never have surgery at that hospital. I trust my doctors at Tufts-NEMC 100% - every single doctor, tech, and nurse I've had there has been warm, friendly, and concerned...and they immediately get to the bottom of what's going on. I ADORE my doctors there, from my GI specialist to my neurosurgeon to my WLS surgeon. Again - this is just my opinion and it may have little to do with what the program there is like...but their ER is so horrendous that I would hate to have WLS, have a complication, and go there with a problem. Get other opinions on St. E's and good luck with your decision! ~Jen

OHHH I am glad I asked. Thank you for your reply Sheila

I support Maura. I have not recieved care at St. Elizabeth's, but given that the program is not widely known I would carefully look into the number of WLS surgeries that have been done there. I also know people who work there and know that the working conditions for nurses are not good. They are terribly understaffed. You can have the best surgeon in the world, but the nursing staff are the ones taking care of you 24/7 and nurse:patient ratios are the best determinent of patient care. It is so important that nursing organizations are supporting legislation to mandate minimum staffing ratios. Just my plug for safe staffing as part of recognizing nurses week and making sure consumers are informed about their healthcare! Best of luck! Luann

Ooops, sorry I used the wrong name. It was Jen's reply I was responding to. I know there are good nurses at St. E's but consumer beware! Luann

Hi Sheila, I had my WLS at St. Elizabeth's in March. I would recommend them HIGHLY. The doctors and staff are fantastic. Very supportive and compassionate and they are GODS in my book. I'd suggest you at least try and make the support group next Tuesday, the 17th at 5:00 - 7:00 at Seton Hall in St. Elizabeth's. Hope to see you there. Lynn

Thank you Lynn, I am going to go to the support group. I will see you there. I have an appointment to meet with Dr. Chang. How long did it take you to go from appointment to surgery? Sheila

Hey that not me in the picture. (I sure wi**** was) Apparently Sheila Thompson and I have the same password.

Hi Sheila I just saw your post and wanted to let you know that I had my laproscopic RNY WLS at St.E's back in August 2004 and have been very happy with the process and level of care given to me. The pre-surgical testing was very thorough and the Center For Weight Control staff were all very kind and supportive. My surgery was uneventful and I had no blood loss during surgery. Drs. O'Donnell and Piceax (pronounced PEE-cue) are there to answer whatever questions you may have and they are very warm and supportive. Have you checked out the hospital review here: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+hospital+detail+St+Elizabeths+Medical+Center+jnq.html As someone who had their surgery at St Elizabeth, I'd be glad to give you any advice I can or answer any questions you may have. Dave 318/198/185

Thanks Dave, I Went to the support group last night to get a feel. I could not have been made more welcome. Not only from the support group who were so open and honest, but also from all of the staff throuout the hospital. From the moment I walked in (I was lost) all the staff were smiling and helpful. One of the staff overheard Michelle telling me where the auditorium was and when almost took a wrong turn he pointed me in the right direction. Well I have my first appointment in June. I think I have choosen well! Sheila