Intermountain Health Heber Valley Hospital — Local services in Heber

(The 1 star review reflects the care and treatment from ER doctor, Dr. Gardner. Our discharging doctor, Dr. Kemp was helpful, as well as was Justine, my daughter's nurse.) Last night I had to take my 15 year old daughter to the ER. She had a procedure at Primary Childrens that morning for ongoing health problems that have yet to be diagnosed, and was given several meds she has never had. I found my daughter crying just after 8pm because she felt so horrible. She said it felt like her throat was closing a little, both eyes were swollen, she had a few hives on her arms and legs, and her stomach pain was really bad- all those symptoms point to a systemic allergic reaction. I gave her liquid Benadryl, and we took her to the ER. By the time we got there her eyes were almost swollen shut, but her hives were gone. They gave her some epinephrine after asking a bunch of questions and getting an IV in. (We were frustrated at the nurse for the very slow pace the epinephrine was given considering what was happenning, but now know it was slow because it took the doctor 20-30 minutes to come see her). The epinephrine pretty quickly started helping her eye swelling ease a little, and her stomach pain got a little better. We originally reported that her symptoms started just before 8pm (that is when the eye swelling started), but after she told us her stomach pain and racing heart had been present all day, we told the nurse. The doctor looked in her mouth, said it looked great, and ordered a chest xray. Dr. Gardner called and talked to Primary Childrens anesthesia, and told us they said it wasn't a reaction to the meds because it had been 12 hours before symptoms started. She also said the chest xray was clear so it wasn't anaphylaxis, and it must be a contact allergy from rubbing something in her eyes. I clarified that her stomach pain had started that morning and was much worse and different from her normal pain, and she did have some hives, but the doctors mind was already made up. She claimed that the stomach pain was my daughters normal, "that's why she had the procedure this morning," so didn't count that as a symptom for an allergic reaction. We immediately corrected Dr. Gardner saying this stomach pain was very different, and much worse than her usual pain. My husband and I started asking questions, but were quickly shut down when the doctor said, "This is feeling confrontational so I'm going to leave. I need to get my nurse." We were very frustrated because this reaction could potentially be a big problem in the future, but neither my husband or I ever rose our voices or said anything mean to Dr. Gardner. We just wanted the Dr. to answer our questions and not dismiss this as "rubbing something in her eyes." The doctor left and didn't return. After about 30 minutes the nurse came in to check on our daughter. We told her what happened, and she had no idea because the doctor never went to get her. We were informed this was the second time Dr. Gardner had done that to a patient last night. We asked to be able to talk to the doctor to ask some questions. The nurse left and came back about 15 minutes later with Dr. Gardner. I reiterated that her symptoms started that morning, but she deflected saying that anesthesia said it wasn't from the meds. I asked if she could understand why we were frustrated, and she replied that she "had the right to leave when being harmed." I asked if she thought we harmed her, and she said, "Yes." I asked how, and she told us, "I could sense anger from you and that harmed me. I have the right to leave when I'm being harmed." We said we just wanted her to answer our questions and she wouldn't. She told us Dr. Kemp was taking over our daughters care, then asked what else I wanted her to do. She asked if I wanted a scan of her stomach because it hurt. I told her that I assume stomach pain from an allergic reaction would not be visible on a scan of her stomach, she confirmed that, and then she left. Dr. Kemp and Justine were great. We were sent home with two epi pens, and four prescriptions...

What a wonderful experience. I started out having an ultra sound at 11:30 am. The tech wasn't very friendly and seems to be in a hurry to get me out of there. I wanted to ask her what she seen but was abruptly interrupted with your Dr. will get back with results for you. After I finished with my ultra sound we went to same day surgery to have my throat scoped. We were met by two beautiful angels. They greeted me so warmly and explained what would be transpiring. One brought me a warm blanket after I put on their hospital gown and wrapped me in the warmth. It was very comforting. Getting my vitals and filling out necessary paper work was enjoyable because they asked questions to me like I really mattered and not just another patient. I wish I would of gotten their names because you could tell they were there to help make your procedure a pleasant one. I really have a hard time giving blood. My veins don't cooperate and then they give out before they get blood out. The nurse was able to start my IV after only two pokes. She was also able to draw 8 vials of blood the lab needed for testing. My procedure went well and everyone was so nice and efficient. I really felt relaxed and in great hands. Dr. Holly Clark was so kind and explained things so I went away understanding the results of everything we had done. When we got home she called and visited with my husband about some medication that she needed me to start immediately. He went and got the medication and we started it immediately. Thank You to a wonderful Doctor and fantastic nurses we got through everything had some answers and felt really great...

Our 85 year old father recently fell while camping and suffered severe head trauma. He was taken to Intermountain Health Heber Valley Hospital. After careful evaluation by the medical staff it was determined that his injury was not recoverable. It is never an easy decision for a family to let someone go, but to prolong father’s life would not have been the best option for him.

After consultation with the medical team we could do nothing more than to wait for father to pass. During this time the hospital team, including doctors, nurses, assistants, nutritional staff, hospice, and others were nothing short of incredible. They went out of their way to make certain the family members were comfortable.

A few of us stayed overnight to wait for father to pass. The staff had an adjacent room that we were allowed to use for both sitting and resting. They brought in extra chairs to make us comfortable. Food services supplied us refreshments by our room door and kept bringing us more.

I have never experienced such loving, compassionate service to a family the hospital staff didn’t know. I would truly say they went above and beyond to make father and us comfortable during this difficult time.

Thanks to all those involved; you know...