Published by: Larry Gage on 4/9/2010 11:56:24 AM
Seen by excellent ER doctor at about 10:30 (ok, so someone told them I'm here—probably not the norm for a busy ER). I'm told St. Vincent is now on diversion (hope I didn't cause that). Need X-ray but news ain't great—kneecap probably shattered. (Existential question: Can I violate my own HIPAA confidentiality?) ER suddenly calmer.
Greeted by Arthur Webb, COO. ER isn't just on diversion; it is closing today for good! Inpatient admissions too! I may be one of the last in the door. Arthur says that they had over 130 ER patients yesterday, and Bellevue will have to pick up much of the load. This story has been in the news quite a bit lately. See yesterday's The New York Times article titled,"Nearby Hospitals to Fill Gap When St. Vincent’s Closes." Bankruptcy filing expected next week.
Nurse coming with Percocet. No pain if I keep still but movement is agony—and they're going to move me to X-Ray shortly. Next post may want for coherence but I'll try to let you know what it's like to be cared for in a dying hospital.