Health First's Viera Hospital: Emergency Room - Melbourne, Florida

Detroit Q

2 stars for the nurses....Aside from the friendly nurses who were doing their best to handle the overflow of patients, this ER is The ABSOLUTE WORST I've ever been admitted to! They had patients lined up against the walls in the hallways. No pillows, some of us were on hard stretchers, even my nurse complained about mine being a bad bed as she struggled to push me to x-ray and back. I got to the ER before 11am and was still in the hall at 9p and was told there was no guarantee that I wouldn't be sleeping in the hallway all night because they had to save beds for triage. What? I was ambulatory and NEVER saw the inside of a room for triage, they took me straight to hallway F and left me there! I was sent by ambulance from the VA and came in with chest and back pain and extreme exhaustion and I am a prior quadruple bypass surgery patient and veteran!!! ( Which the cardiologist basically ignored because he had other things to do and was rushing out. I felt so devalued and unheard) This is how I was treated and no one with any authority apologized or tried to make it right, but had NO trouble listing me as AMA when I told them I was experiencing anxiety and could not sleep in a hallway all night and needed to check myself out. They basically pushed me out the door after that. And on the way, what did I see? Empty rooms!!!! I am so very disappointed in this hospital and experience! I will never return and I will be speaking to the VA about the billing... because the hospital doesn't deserve a dime!

Ruby Canavan

Went to the er and they have all the patients in er , in chairs , not semi private rooms . I could hear what was wrong with everyone no privacy . What about the Hippa laws? I know it’s flu season but can’t you at least save a few rooms for the emergency patients ?

john hopkins

Unfortunately, has to come in last week with my mother who has been having a lot of issues lately. Wait time getting in was a little lengthy, but that is what it is. Once brought back, we had a great care team, especially our nurse Cassie. Her and the rest of the staff were very caring, efficient and attentive. This Made our visit as pleasurable as could be.

Rachel Powell

I found myself at the ER 2x within 2 weeks for an abscess and had two very different experiences for the same procedure.

First time - wasn’t perfect but it wasn’t bad. We arrived around 8:50am. I was seen very quickly and taken to the “minor injury” section which was very nice. I was essentially in a private room for the exam and following procedure. My vitals were taken quickly, at that time I was able to warn of my medical history, blood tests were taken to ensure there wasn’t an issue that would make the abscess draining more dangerous, my pain level was assessed, and I was treated appropriately.

Second time - It was a busy Friday evening, around 7:30pm, we waited in the waiting area for about 20-30 minutes and then we were taken back but this time we were brought to the “major injury” side. I asked about this and compared it to two weeks prior but nothing was said in response. We were taken to an exam area partitioned by only a curtain, and didn’t see a nurse at all for over an hour, around 9:20. This was after my husband went to go find someone because he felt we had been forgotten. The nurse apologized and said he had not received orders for us yet. ‍♀️ Once I was seen, there was no pain assessment, even though this type of abscess is commonly accompanied with excruciating pain. My pain level was a solid 8-9, not as high as the first time which was 11, but still very high. The nurse leaves after I provide some details, none of which were asked but I felt it important that it be noted I had physically seen my doctor 2 days prior and the abscess looked like it was healing as it should. The nurse reacted surprised and noted that in my chart. I also mentioned several times to both the nurse and NP that I had been in the ER at Viera hospital 2 weeks prior for the same thing. I notified them what I was given for the pain and antibiotic after care. I was told they would likely prescribe the same antibiotic but that was not the case. Since my pain level was never assessed, I was given a hydrocodone and told they would wait 30 minutes. Within 30 minutes there was zero change in pain level, they never asked. They came in and started the draining procedure which was more excruciating than the pain I was already in. The number of times I cried out during the 5-10 min procedure should have been an indicator that the numbing agent and pain medication were not enough.
4 days later and I’m still in a lot of pain (level 4-5 constant) unlike the first time where the pain subsided within 2 days.

These two experiences have made us think twice about coming to this ER. We initially started at an urgent care for treatment but we’re referred to the ER. Next time we need emergent care we will certainly consider driving somewhere further.

Michaela Leary

Although of course I did not want to be here, Nicole made my stay as best as possible. She was so informative, caring, and knowledgeable. I felt extremely well taken care of by her and the rest of the team. I was very upset and in pain and she helped me every step of the way. Honestly everyone was so great. Great bedside manner by everyone. Clear communication on everything that had to be done to help me. The entire hospital has done an amazing job on staffing employees that genuinely want to help and do their best. Thank you!!!

Marilyn belter

I had a great experience here today after having some not so great ones elsewhere. ER nurse Chad was amazing! So patient, understanding and professional! Dr. Montgomery was also very kind and thorough. Everyone from the front desk; to triage, to housekeeping was very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend!

Aj Bpn

Ive been hung up 4x for trying to provide my insurance to the ER. What is wrong with yall? Not only do you not take care of your patients you can't handle us simply trying to provide information so we can take care of these ridiculous bills we get to pay for improper care? Idk how this place is allowed to stay in business

Charles Addis

Been to Viera ER twice within the last week. First at the request of my PCP to evaluate a fractured sternum and ribs. I was ensured nothing major was wrong and the best approach was rest and no strenuous activity for 6 weeks. They were very professional and compassionate with me.

The second visit was again at the request of my PCP to evaluate a possible blood clot in my lower right leg resulting from the auto accident a week earlier. Again I found them to be extremely professional and compassionate with me.

This is a great hospital with an extremely professional and friendly staff.