Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center — Local services in Plains Township

My recent transfer to GWV-ED from WMH-ED on 09/22/2025 was concerning and even infuriating due to multiple shortcomings in basic patient care and communication that no patient should experience. The difference in the quality of care from one hospital to the next is truly appalling.

From the beginning, the nursing staff did not introduce themselves (I only learned the primary nurse’s name from another nurse stating it) or explain the procedures they were performing. This lack of introduction and explanation left me unsure of who was responsible for my care and uncertain about what was being done to me or why. On several occasions, staff members walked away abruptly without ensuring that my questions were answered or that I was comfortable, which contributed to feelings of neglect and frustration. They would just turn around and exit the room.

Throughout my time in the ED, I was not kept informed about my condition, the plan of care, or the expected timeline for testing and treatment. This absence of communication created unnecessary anxiety and made it difficult to trust the process. Basic practices that ensure safety and dignity, such as keeping the call bell within reach, were overlooked. At no point was the call bell placed where I could access it independently, which left me unable to summon help when I needed it most. I needed to go to the bathroom for several hours and had no opportunity to go, as all side rails were raised on my bed, which is considered a restraint, by the way. These oversights had direct consequences. For example, when a dietary staff member delivered my meal tray, it was placed out of reach. The dietary worker was clearly in a rush, as he just placed the tray in my room and walked away, similar approach to the nursing staff. Because I had no access to the call bell, I was completely unable to call a nurse for assistance, leaving me without food until someone eventually returned nearly two hours later. This situation was not only distressing but also unsafe: it reflected a clear, alarming lack of attention to fundamental patient needs.

In addition, there was no evidence of hourly rounding, which is a standard of care in acute hospital settings. Without regular check-ins, important aspects of my care and comfort were neglected. To make matters worse, nurses could be heard loudly talking and laughing in the hallway, which conveyed a sense of inattentiveness and disregard for the patients who were trying to rest and recover nearby. This behavior created an atmosphere that felt extremely unprofessional and dismissive rather than compassionate and supportive.

I strongly believe that GWV-ED has an opportunity to make meaningful improvements by reinforcing the basics of patient-centered care. Introducing themselves, explaining procedures clearly, ensuring that the call bell is always within reach, performing consistent rounding, and maintaining a professional environment would significantly enhance both patient safety and trust. These are foundational elements of good nursing practice and should be consistently prioritized. As a patient, I expect to feel safe, informed, and cared for, but, unfortunately, my experience at GWV-ER fell short in EACH of...

I’ve been sitting with this for almost a year, I apologize in advance for the length of this review, but I feel like I need to raise awareness to other families who may find themselves in a similar situation.

My mother was in a horrible car accident where she broke her spine and several ribs. She was taken to a local hospital in my area and was then transferred to this hospital for a spinal cord surgery. I want to emphasize that all of my mother’s surgeries went very well, and the aftermath was to be expected. I have no grief with any of the surgical staff at this establishment.

However, the other doctors here are unlike anything I’ve ever come across. I was sure to upload my mother’s POA and advanced healthcare directive given the circumstances of her injuries. In this healthcare directive it stated that my mother did not want any life saving measures taken if something went south (meaning she didn’t want to end up in a nursing home or any long term care facilities) I emphasized this with the entire staff.

After failure to my mother’s respiratory system, I was told by several doctors that my mother would need a tracheotomy and PEG tube placement. After reviewing my mother’s healthcare directive on my own I realized that this was a decision she would NOT want me to make. She was very clear in her wishes and I as POA wasn’t to go against what she wanted.

Several doctors told me during this time that these surgeries were not included as a part of my mother’s healthcare directive. One specific doctor (Dr. Lopez (the female doctor) had a meeting with my sister and I, where she accused us of wanting our mother dead because we wouldn’t commit to the surgery. She emphasized that ‘most likely’ the trach would come out and my mother could probably live a normal life without it, but when I specifically asked if there was a possibility that she would have it for the rest of her life she said yes.

A few days later when I was told the intubation tube needed to come out or she needed this surgery, I went against my mother’s wishes and went ahead with the surgeries. For a moment I thought the hospital staff might be right. My mom seemed like herself again afterward.

Jumping ahead, my mother is moved from the ICU to a lower level room, this seems like good news right? Wrong. I receive a phone call that an LTACC (long term acute care center) is coming to take my mother an hour and a half away. The exact thing I told the entire hospital staff she wouldn’t want. I had to make several phone calls to stop the transfer. After a meeting with my mom, family members and a doctor with full clarification of what this would mean for her, she decided to go off the ventilator on her own, and she passed away peacefully.

If you have a family member admitted into this establishment TRANSFER them, if you’re assigned Dr. Lopez RUN. In one of the most traumatic and horrible times of your life, these are not the people you want in...

Geisinger Urology is NOT recommended. The leadership within this organization at Geisinger does not have the patient as the focus of their efforts. I have not had a ton of experience with them but what I have had does not reflect well. The series of events identified below is from my own personal experience as a relatively new patient. If I had a choice, I would seek medical treatment else ware.

In mid 2018 my family physician stated she would like me to see a urologist. I had seen one years ago that has since moved and needed to see if I could set up an initial consultation with a new one. It took several phone calls over a 2-week period of time to set up an initial appointment that was in November. Yes I know this is way out but I figured they were busy.

I finally went in for my initial appointment in November. In order to be ready for this I had already had A PSA and blood work that way the doctor would not send me for the test and say come back for another consult. Each time I visit its $60.00. As a result of my initial visit the doctor is concerned enough to order a biopsy on my prostate. He asked if I wanted to do it in the office or be knocked out. I opted to be knocked out. He stated and the woman up front confirmed that Geisinger scheduling would give me a call to schedule the biopsy.

I waited 2.5 weeks and never got a call to schedule so I called Geisinger Urology back. A couple phone calls later I get to speak with a person and they tell me the will speak with scheduling and get them to call.

12 of December. Another week and nothing. I call back the Urology group again and say just give me your first available. They tell me the first available appointment is Jan 25th. I tell them I will take it.

On Jan 18th I get an automated text from Geisinger for confirmation. I confirm. However I have not received any instructions regarding what I can eat or not, if this is an office procedure or I am gong to be knocked out, etc…

Jan 20th I call Geisinger Urology and get voicemail. (4 calls throughout the day) I leave a voicemail stating I have not received any instructions. NO RETURN CALL.

Jan 25th. My wife and I both take a vacation day since I don’t know what is involved with the procedure and show up at the Urology office to check in. At that point we are told that the doctor (Dr. Mulligan) is no longer with Geisinger. THANKS FOR THE NOTICE!!!!

After some discussion with the admin individual at the desk we are scheduled to see another doctor to start the whole process over again, but the appointment is not until the 11th of February. Also noted that, since it has been so long I need another PSA etc… This will require another charge to my insurance and another $60 copay etc… I’m not sure if their Dr. are good since I have not had to much contact with them. The admin and management of patient care has a lot of opportunity for...