Tampa General Hospital (COE) Hospital
I have to say that I have never been so pleased with the services and care that I was provided at Tampa General Hospital. The staff was superior. Everyday, every shift your message board is posted with the nurse, tech and even the housekeeper that will be caring for you and your room. The nurse manager of the floor also makes it a point to visit each patient, introduce herself and see if there are any needs of the patient that are not being met. That says a lot about a facility.
I can't say enough good about the staff and facilities of Tampa General. The Bariatric Program there is fantastic. The staff were well trained, competent and caring. And the surgical team was top notch. While I did not feel like "a number," I did feel they had done this so many times they knew what to expect and how to work with me in a way that made me feel comfortable and cared for. I was very happy with my experience and would recommend highly.
Great overall experience. Would do it again. Ran into a few issues, but who doesn't. Room was not for weight loss patients as promised, nurse was moody (had the same one 2 days in a row, the area of the hospital I had to get my swallow test done was painting and I was SOOO very sensitive to smell, so I thought I would die....I think I hit the morphine pump just so I could be knocked out...(of course didn't work) Other than that, I had a great experience and would definatley go back!
The day nurses are overworked hence they have no time to assist patients. Once the night shift came on I would breathe a sigh of relief because I knew if I had to use the bathroom the night staff would help me. I spent my days waiting for friends or family to come visit so someone could help me. My room was outside the nurse's station and they were loud and rude all day and night. My roommate was also inconsiderate by having about 5 visitors at one time and the nurses did nothing about it even when I asked them to.
The pre surgery and post op care was excellent. However some of the nurses during my room stay seemed a little overwhelmed or very unhappy to be a nurse. They were also very slow on following orders at ti,es. But overall I am happy and most of the nursing staff did great. The occupational therapy and physical therapist did great and were so nice and helpful. The food service was also very friendly and helpful. The hospital is also very good to your visitors.