Before I spend time explaining what happened during my visit for this review, I want to first…read moreacknowledge the standard reply that EVERYONE states they're receiving:
"Feedback from our community, both positive and negative, is valuable to us. When you are able, please call our patient advocate at 208.799.5304, so we can learn more about your experience and discuss in more detail with you. If you do not feel a resolution can be reached through this manner, you may call our anonymous Speak Up Line at 1-833.268.7243 to share any concerns. Thank you."
After my experience on Sunday, January 25, 2025, on Monday, I returned to SJRMC and went to the desk where patients check in. I explained my dissatisfaction during my 1/25/25 appointment and wanted someone to know. She listened to me and gave me a paper with the name "Jill Balmer" and her phone number, 208.799.5304. I thanked her and left.
As I was exiting the SJRMC doors and heading to my vehicle, I called Ms. Balmer. Getting no answer, I left a voicemail requesting a callback. Days later, I STILL have not received a call back. The next day, I spoke to a medical professional affiliated with SJRMC Coumadin Clinic. She provided me with a phone number for Chris Brown. I was told Chris Brown would be the one to call regarding a patient's unsatisfactory experience when in the ER of SJRMC and to call 208-799-5458. Yesterday, I called this number and left a voicemail asking for a call back. I'm still waiting for a call back.
While working full-time in my remote position, I have been taking care of my elderly parents since I moved them in early 2022. I placed myself on the 'back burner', making sure to take them to their appointments. Some days, it felt like SJRMC was a second home. Pop had dementia, lung & kidney issues, while Mom had heart & hip issues, is on Jantoven requiring IRN checks, and was a frequent visitor to Wound Care with numerous issues with her legs. I ended up quitting my remote position to focus on my parents 100%, since some days they both required full-time supervision. My Pop earned his wings in April 2025, when he passed away right there in SJRMC. Back in August 2022, there was a leak downstairs in our home. Being the "man of the house", at 83 years old, Pop wanted to see the leak and if he could do anything. Directing him slowly down the fourteen stairs, I had him grip the railing and take one step at a time. Being in front of him halfway down, I looked back at him and he was falling forward. I tried to block him, but we both went down. We landed at the base, me on my left side, at the bottom. I broke his fall. I slowly got up, making sure Pop was not hurt. He had tried to stop and had skinned his hands on the walls. Aside from losing skin and a little blood on the walls, he was ok. I crept up the stairs, hurting all over. Pop landed on my right side. Since that day, I have had issues with my right hip. Sleep has been uncomfortable and pain interrupted every night since. One sleepless night, I turned in my sleep to change positions and I felt something move in my chest. I now have this pain in my chest, my right breastbone, or near my clavicle bone area. I put it off long enough. Mom was ok to leave her for a little while. I finally decided to go to SJRMC on a Sunday since it may not be so busy. I wanted to see if I could have someone check to see if I had broken a bone in my chest, if my heart or lungs were about to be punctured. I went in and was asked to fill out paperwork. I am uninsured since I am no longer working and I haven't been to a doctor, nor do I have a physician, for years, since I have been taking care of my parents. Requested, I handed my license to the person behind the glass. Before I went in, she told me she was going to hold my license until I was 'released'. I didn't question that until I thought she already checked me in. Why does she need to hold my license, especially when I was already checked in? I went into a small room to check my BP & I was asked why I was there. "What brings you in today?" I told her that I needed to find out what was causing this pain and to see if it could be fixed. I wasn't sure if I move wrong again, something else may be painful. Sometimes, it hurts to breathe. The nurse took an X-ray of my chest. I was there about two hours & Mom was still at home alone. I had to go. I went and asked how long before I could leave & was told that the radiologist had to review my X-ray. I went back and waited. When the radiologist came in, he said something regarding, "You don't smell like a smoker", or "smell like an 80's..." at this point, I blocked him out. What was he talking about??? Did they think I was some homeless junkie looking for pills?? I'M NOT, & I wouldn't take a Tylenol if they offered, but they sure treated me like I was some dirtbag, pill- seeking lowlife in a category whose need isn't as urgent as one would think. I left, still in pain & with no remedy.