Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus — Local services in Lakewood Township

This hospital is woefully understaffed and poorly run. My mother was there recently for hip surgery and she had an overall experience that started from bad and went to worse. While many of the nurses are very nice and good at their jobs, there are not nearly enough of them so wait times when a patient needs help is long to non-existent. It was not unusual for us to have to wait as much as 30 minutes for someone to show up when the call button was pushed. Many times when a nurse finally answered a call button, we were told "someone would be right back to help us" and we were then forgotten - most likely because the poor nurses had so much else to do that they didn't remember they were supposed to come back.

My mother should have been put in an orthopedic ward following her surgery with orthopedic equipment (bed and chair) to help her recovery. Either Kimball doesn't have an orthopedic ward anymore or they elect not to use it and my mother was in a regular ward with a mixed bag assortment of patients - apparently in order to keep all patients together so the nurses don't have to be so spread out. She did not get all of the equipment she needed even though we repeatedly asked for it. The ward she was in was far from quiet - in fact, the patient in the room across from her was frankly frightening. He had schizophrenia and really should have been in a psychiatric ward - he was shrieking from morning till night, throwing things, climbing on his bed, walking barefoot up and down the halls - once with a leg wound, dripping blood on the floor. This continued for several days - he was never moved out. One of my mother's nurses was especially terrible - no compassion, very rough whenever she had to do anything such as insert an IV, very curt. My mother wanted to get her name but apparently the nurse was used to that - she wore her nametag backwards so her name could not be read and when we asked, none of the other people on the ward would tell us her name. I could go on - this hospital stay did at least provide us with family horror stories to tell around the fireplace for years to come.

I know that medicine in this financially motivated day and age is neither as caring nor as compassionate as it was in times past but it would be nice if a hospital experience, which is already so frightening, painful, and uncomfortable, could somehow be made a little more bearable. I suppose the sad truth may be that Kimball is no worse than most of the hospitals in this country but frankly that doesn't make me feel much better when I have to watch a loved one in pain who is not getting the help and prompt attention she should...

I want to thank everyone in the peri operative team for helping me get through my recent surgery. Dr. Para was competent, compassionate and caring. I felt safe as her patient. She stayed with me after the surgery, along with the nurses, as I was getting stabilized. The nurses were equally outstanding! Even though I was extremely anxious, I also felt safe in their presence. I would like to make a special mention about the nurse that took care of me and prepped me… her name is Rene D. I felt at ease with her because her years of experience, how she answered all my questions and helped calm me when I was extremely anxious. In addition, she was always professional and caring. Thank you Rene, for making the beginning part of this journey more enjoyable. During my post op (I think Rene D was already off) Lori and Chris were also outstanding. They didn’t leave my side until I was stabilized. I felt like They attended to me as if I was a family member. Thank you, ladies. Thank you all for making sure I got in and out of surgery safely. I would also like to mention my surgeon Dr. Keyser. Outstanding surgeon! Everyone that knows him is aware of his level of knowledge and expertise in his field. I know my eyes are in good hands. To whomever manages the Same Day Surgery Department… great job in hiring professionals that not only have the credentials but give that human touch… it’s that extra element that makes a world of difference. I understand the pressures of working in the medical field with hundreds of regulations (my daughter is a nurse) and still all of you manage to provide that extra special touch. Dr. Keyser, Dr. Para, the surgical nurses, the same day surgery nurses… A most sincere thank you. Because of you, I will continue to choose your Same Day Surgery Department and have recommended to others. Much blessings to you and your team. Practice self care so you continue to provide that extra human touch that many medical professionals have lost (due to amounting demands from state and government regulations). Happy Holidays and Happy New Year in 2024.

In wellness,...

I had surgery early this morning and I felt I should share my experience even that leading up to the day of surgery. I actually went to the ER at a DIFFERENT hospital for a gall bladder attack around the first week of December where they wanted to have me stay a day and do surgery the morning after (Friday night into Monday). I let them know that I had finals coming up and if it wasn't ruptured I would deal with it and have the surgery scheduled for after last final. I did just that and after scheduling the surgery I get a call the next morning that it was cancelled because the insurance wasn't accepted which THEY SHOULD HAVE CHECKED FIRST. Anyway the same day I called this hospital (checked review comments) and a day or two later met with dr. Jaronczyk who explained the process and the pros and cons of the gallbladder removal. Ultimately I figured it was best to stop the attacks and all the other symptoms I've had for weeks now like the stomach/back pain and indigestion. The surgery was scheduled the same day and they, of course, checked with the insurance first. I received two calls about the appointment before the day of surgery letting me know what to do to prepare. I arrived at 7am today with my boyfriend and the staff was just so good to us. It's not just a matter of politeness it's that you can tell my safety was important. They had latex allergy signs a million places (exaggeration but at least 3-4) and they asked info several times to make sure everything was correct. Mark was great he eased my anxiety before the surgery tremendously. Next thing I knew I was waking up and it was over. Nothing to be afraid of for anyone having this done. The pain is manageable with the pain meds and I'm already walking around (it helps with the pain). Side note, my bf was given a card to get a free bagel and coffee in cafeteria while I was in surgery. That was very thoughtful. Overall great experience, surgery is surgery but the staff is great and I've only heard great things about...