Ambulatory Surgery

When my retinologist scheduled me for surgery at Memorial, I recalled a bad experience from six years ago. I was reassured that Memorial was the best hospital for this procedure. From the moment I checked in, the staff were outstanding. Each one introduced him/herself, explained their purpose, offered additional support and ensured the experience was positive. The surgical nurse, Kathleen, held my hand throughout the procedure. They sent me home with a packet of instructions inside which was a card signed by all the staff I met! Partnering with St. Peter's Health Care has made a major difference. The prospect of surgery can be frightening. I am most grateful to all who calmed the nerves and put me at ease.

My Mom was admitted to Memorial Hospital with stomach bacteria. For 88 years old women it was serious problem. Every day she was there she was seen by different doctors and it seems that they didn't talk to each other, neither they bother to talk to the patient. Since her condition was not improving doctor prescribed very good and very expensive antibiotic, which was supposed to treat bacteria in 2 days. At the same time another doctor prescribed her antibiotic to treat urine infection though she didn't have any symptoms. It turned out that second antibiotic negated affect of the first one. Only after she complained they found the error.

Generally, the staff at this hospital are courteous and friendly compared to other area medical facilities. However, at least one surgical prep nurse was exceptionally nasty and disrespectful during my visit for an outpatient procedure. In fact, approximately 6 nurses were just standing around gabbing for at least 20 minutes in the recovery area instead of attending to patients. It seems the merger with St. Peter's has resulted in a virulent strain of obnoxious and uncaring treatment. It's unfortunate the nurses at Memorial caught the virus apparently spread by the staff at St. Peter's.

This could be named the Happy Friendly Hospital. My wife and I have visited the hospital multiple times and they always treat you very well, with a smile and with patience and genuine concern. From the greeting when you walk to a reception desk to techs, to doctors and nurses.

The only negative we found is that they don't have certain doctors types in house or on call and you may have to wait for a rotation of one from another hospital. Which is what happened to us last time when a urologist was needed and we had to be admitted to wait until next afternoon to see one. I would think this would be a very common need so I removed one star for this delay of not having a common specialist on hand.

Hospital is not crowded like the big ones and this puts one at ease more since you never feel like cattle.

Over the past 27 years I have been in Albany, I have been in AMC and St, Peters. Their treatment left something missing. Since I have been using Albany Memorial Hospital for all my tests (I am a liver transplant paptient), I have been nothing but pleased. Over the years I heard that Albany Memorial was the worst hospital in the area. NOT AT ALL ALBANY MEMORIAL I have found to be courteous, efficient and friendly. Their Technicians are wonderful, and after being in several hospitals throughout NYC, for the Albany Area, is the best hospital.