In the past few years, I've come to St. Paul's Hospital frequently, as some of my specialist doctors work primarily out of this institution, so I've had many an appointment here. Plus these doctors have often ordered tests here, too (i.e., MRI's, respiratory tests, specialty stress tests and radiology tests and more). Every time, I've been treated respectfully and everyone has been super professional. (I should add, for many years I worked as a paramedic in the States, and as a phlebotomist and EKG tech in major hospitals and doctors' offices alike, and in medical labs. I am quite familiar with the medical field, and my expectations - and I suppose, my standards too - are very high. And I will add that I am the WORST patient too, which adds another element to my experiences as a patient. So when I say that the office staff, X-Ray techs, phlebotomists, respiratory techs, doctors and nurses and aides have all been excellent with me, that says a lot). The other night was my first time going to the ER here. (Long story, don't ask. All is well). As a medic, I know how ERs work. They are hectic, often chaotic spaces with a large element of the unknown going on (a result of the variety and amount of patients there and what their issues are, as well as staffing and more). I was originally going to go to VGH but I checked online and the wait time there was nearly 8 hours whereas at St. Paul's it was 2.5 hours. I'm so glad I went to St. Paul's. Yes, the ER department is run-down and dated. Yes, many of the patients there were either drug addicts or homeless folks (or both), and/or had mental-emotional issues. The walls are dingy, there's no privacy in the waiting room (AT ALL. I found it startling TBH that there was a "blood draw" station in the middle of the waiting room, and I prayed I wouldn't have my bloods drawn here as I am a tough draw and, as mentioned, I am the WORST patient). So, yeah, the accommodations here are definitely NOT plush, nor are they modern. All that said, the staff working here in the ER when I visited were UNBELIEVABLE. As in, unbelievably GOOD. The tech who registered me in, the triage nurse, the radiology tech who brought me back for a CAT scan, and finally the doctor who, thankfully, checked in with me and then had me go into a separate room to discuss their findings (I was fine and could go home. Yeah!). All of them were incredible. SO professional, so on top of everything, very efficient. I know I must have been prioritized fairly high on the ladder, as I was seen, scanned and consulted with and discharged within 90 minutes. I know that is NOT the norm, but I also know I had the potential for having something serious, and they had to rule it out promptly. And they did. And I am ever so grateful. I'll add two things: I saw the doctors and nurses and aides talking to patients and treating them respectfully, whether the patients were drug addicts, homeless folks or well-dressed grandmothers there with their families. We were all treated equally and professionally. Also, I should not that, within the year, St. Paul's is moving to a huge, new, state-of-the-art hospital by Central Station, behind the Science Center. I've seen tours of the new facility on tv and it blows me away, how modern and spacious it is. So the days of the dated, dingy hospital here on Burrard are numbered. Very soon, this new hospital is going to be as wonderful as all the staff who work here. read more

St. Paul's is a HORRIBLE place. Providence isn't throwing one red cent into it while the new one is being built and the sheets are thread bare and some are torn. Good luck finding a pillow in an emergency bed! The walls and furniture have holes in them and maintenance can't keep up. Their H-Vac system was last updated in 1971 and can't be upped anyfurther so it's FREEZING in there. Good luck finding anyone to get you a blanket to put around you. Staff, nurses and doctors are overworked and grumpy. Provicence pays their ER docs per turn around so you don't get to see one for very long. I have several health issues, none of them my own fault, and St. P.'s is the closest hospital to me. I cannot always be diverted to Mt. St. Josephs so have to put up with this hell hole of a hospital. I won't talk about the food because that's too cliqued. I'm almost in tears if I have to go there! read more

Excellent, speedy, and organized Emergency Care. I'm a nurse and I was blown away at the efficiency. Less than 90 minutes I'd been registered, triaged, EKG done, bloodwork drawn. I was physically seen and assessed by Dr within 30 minutes! Sent on my way with reassurance and amazing documentation with all my test results. read more

Good and bad experiences with St. Paul's Hospital. Operations, scans and personal health situations are handled by the doctors and nurses with exceptional care. Had to return to emergency. Lay on gurney for hours, no pillow offered, no water offered and no doctor ever attended. After waiting hours, I checked myself out. Week later I returned to emergency and did get a bed in palliative care. Conditions are terrible. Due to construction of the new hospital, there is much neglect in the Burrard Street hospital. Nighttime is freezing, nurses are wearing bed quilts around their shoulders. Patients are bundled up with a hooded jacket and quilts to keep warm. Conditions are not ideal for patients that need special care and attention. I hope because of the lack of upgrading and support in the Burrard location we don't have a similar situation that is happening in Alberta where patients are dying waiting in emergency rooms for medical attention. read more

the worst. I spent 14 days or so in this hell hole.the rooms stink.not sanitary and downhill from there....your to be in there to deal with whatever issues which is ok but the food,,absolultey terrible, I spent 2 weeks having food brought in and yet you would think recovering from an issue you might get proper nutritional meals,,,not so here....i never got to shower in two weeks...never changed bloodied sheets in 2 weeks no clean gowns till my roommates daughter got me one they couldn't even take the food trays away and i haven't even got to the staff which to some is obvious on how poor it was/is read more

I was hospitalized for ten nights at Paul's for renal failure. the care I received was excellent. doctors worked quickly. appointments were made without delay. nurses were friendly and experI ended. read more

TRIGGER WARNING - SELF HARM TRIGGER WARNING FRESH HARM TRIGGER WARNING ! yah so my friend and I were extremely suicidal that day and decided we wanted to get help. we stayed from 9pm - 6am and with n0 help or guidance we were sent home with 3 brochures, even though we told them we were still not okay. no one wonder so many young people are dying and receiving this type of "help". example of our mental state TRIGGER WARING SELF HARM TRIGGER WARNING FRESH CUTS read more

A hospital is a hospital, and I'm sure that St. Paul's isn't really all that great. But compared to all the other hospitals I've been to for one reason or another (VGH, Burnaby, UBC, and Mount Saint Joseph--MSJ being the worst), St. Paul's has been the best. Over the years, I've been to St. Paul's for various reasons, such as being born, and as an adult, minor medical procedures and X-rays for potentially broken bones. (I fall and slip a lot.) With the exception of one nurse asking if I was drunk when I injured my elbow (I think it's pretty rude to assume I injured myself because I was drunk--and for the record I wasn't--I slipped after getting out of the bath because the floor was wet), staff have been polite and professional, and I've gotten the treatment I needed, and in a timely manner. (When I came in for an injured knee, I was in and out of there in less than three hours-- that's pretty good for a hospital! At VGH it would have been much longer.) I also like St. Paul's because of the location. While it's not right near a skytrain station (which would be great), it's conveniently located downtown, which is one reason I prefer this hospital. One Christmas Eve, I was downtown and in need of some medical attention for a chronic condition, and I walked right in to the emergency department, got the treatment I needed, and was out of there in a timely manner. So all in all, good location, I get the treatment I need within a reasonable time, and with the exception of one nurse assuming I injured myself because I was drunk, the staff have been polite and professional. [Yelp collections: Medical Services] read more

St. Paul's Hospital - Hospitals Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Horror show! I went in because I needed a prescription filled. Usually I do it over the phone no problem, but I asked to get off some new meds I was taking as they weren't working. I had to gradually go up in dose before they'd work. (called a taper) Dr.Cyr, agreed to taper me off. However, he also wanted to completely stop another new med I'd tapered up on, as he recommended. That would cause a shock to the system resulting in adverse side effects. I disagreed but went along and stopped it, started going down in dose on the other. Usually they call when I need a refill but no. I called with 1 day left, and was told I needed to come in person due to the disagreement. If they needed me to come in they should have told me in advance but they left it and I had to drop everything and go. I ran in 10 minutes to close. They asked me for a pee test. (Strange, but ok) The bathroom was TERRIBLE, and during a viral pandemic of times. The toilet paper was soggy, with handprints. I had to see a new dr due to the time. He refused to taper me and said acted like he never heard of it! The meds cause terrible side effects if I stop abruptly, and I already stopped the 2nd pill. (Hypertension, nausea, puking, shakes, pain) So the point of the meds is to ween you off another pill, with no side effects, through tapering. Then do the same with the replacement med. Goal being no meds at all. To not allow someone to get off it is ILLEGAL. The doctor patient relationship is a sacred one, based off trust. You don't want a medical professional to abuse their power! It's why they take an hypocratic oath to do no harm. So scary. So unprofessional. I tried to video tape him saying it but he called security saying I legally wasn't allowed to tape (I checked later and this is legal as long as you and the doctor are the only two people in the room AND, to boot is illegal for them to refuse. So they broke two laws!) At this point I figured I'd be better to take something than nothing. I've talked to others on the same treatment at this hospital. Despite the treatment plan being explained by the Dr's involved in advance. As well as clearly laid out on any internet article you read. Once they've got you on the meds they refuse to take you off. In effect forcing you to take them.. or stop and face intense complications. read more

St. Paul's Hospital - The picture is of the soggy handprints on the toilet paper. - Hospitals Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I would give this place 10 stars if I could. I came here because the reviews said St Paul's offers the shortest wait time and best care - and it sure did! I got in and out in less than 90 minutes and was treated very courteously by everyone here - from security, to the admin, to the triage nurse, and best of all by Dr Agulnik - unquestionably the kindest, most empathetic, skilled, and efficient physician I have ever met. This place was very busy but Dr Agulnik did not make me feel rushed and gave me a true peace of mind before I left. If every physician were like him, the world would be a much better place. I do have to caveat I'm coming from the US where the healthcare system is literally 5000x worse, so my expectations are much lower than the average reviewer (who are likely Canadian). To me, this whole experience from beginning to end - efficient, friendly, inexpensive, and all medical records consolidated in one place - was unreal in the best possible way. read more

Write a review for hospital? Serious? St. Paul hospital is established over 120 years and it is under renovation now which updating the medical equipments, escalators, roofing and etc. I was at St. Paul hospital for few days and I had true experience of our medical system in Canada. The pre admission clinic staffs were friendly and anesthetist was very professional. They explained to me the procedures, pre/post-surgery care things patiently. My surgery done successfully! I was on PCA unit for days and day nurses were taking good care of me! However, the night shift nurses were too busy or lazy! I got late attention even though I pressed the bell! I know they have stressful job, but no one want to be sick and in hospital. If the government can funding a bit more for hospital, I hope we will get better equipment and service in the hospital. read more

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I was at St. Pauls hospital (Vancouver) this morning for MIBI test. I would like to thank all nurses in particular "April Choi" and "Lydia Perry" for their excellent caring. Dear April and Lydia, thank you so much for helping me throughout my test not only for medicals but also personals. I'll always remember how well and kindly you all cared for me and also other patients. Thank you for making the world a happier and healthier place by your kindness and excellent care. Regards, Mansoor Karimi-Far, Retired university professor read more

I had to get x-rays this morning around 10am. Knees and sternum. I must say the wait time for admitting to the actual x-ray was very fast. The reception at the entrance to the hospital for masks, sanitizer directed me to follow the blue lines, second floor. Then I went in to admitting to check in, I did not have an appointment. I only waited about ten minutes before staff called my name and took me in to the waiting chairs outside the x-ray equipment room. I was treated in a friendly, fast and professional manner. I am truly impressed with the service and efficiency. Thank you so much to all the staff at St. Paul's this morning!!! read more

This is where I was born. Things have changed quite a bit. It used to be a considered one of the biggest hospital in Vancouver but not any more. Its going to move in the coming year to near Chinatown. Sad to see this move. But downtown land has become to expensive to justify its existence here. Every year they have the lights up for fundraising. Its pretty pretty. This time decided to take photos because its going to move and might not have it after their move. read more

St. Paul's Hospital - Hospitals Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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We went to the ER for a non-Covid-19-related emergency at St. Paul's after checking wait times online, and finding it was the shortest at the time. Our expectation was a minimum of 3 hours (we usually go to VGH), but were pleasantly surprised when we were out in 2. Check-in and triage was efficient; once inside, Dr. Anderson's bedside manner was amazing. She was friendly and showed real interest in us as persons, answering questions and providing clear explanations. It's never fun to visit the ER, but we had an excellent experience. read more

Complaint regarding providence health care I have a compliant regarding the Providence health care st.paul hospital. If I could rate them -100% I would have but here there is only 1-5 stars. The psychiatrist, doctors, the social workers, and all their employees are so uneducated, careless, that they can't help it. and messing 1000nds of patients lives every single day. Their promise is to give quality care to their patients on the other hand they ruin your life. I am a male, who has done phalloplasty. And I have been working with st.paul hospital since 2002. It's a long time to deal with such people. They have put my life in to danger, they were the cause of me becoming homeless, drug addict, get kicked out of university with a gpa 4:30, break up with my girlfriend and all they did they put me in to mental hospital twice without my will within one month apart. Because I had to do a phalloplasty, they have changed all my records to trans female to male. Which is 100% untrue just to get funding for my phalloplasty. And the social worker LISA BRADSHAW at JRC CLINIC, told the cop that I am a trans, this wrong information caused me a break up with my girlfriend whome i was with for 1.5year. because the cop told my girlfriend the wrong info in my health records that I am a trans. I got kicked out of university and moved back to Vancouver with no place to go. I was homeless for the full month of winter -5 degrees. God knows what could have happened to me on Hastings with all the drugs that I was using to deal with this situation. I have requested to change my health records to simply the truth. which is MALE. Cause thats how I born as my birth certificate indicates, I born a male. And this information of me being a female to male trans is truly incorrect. I have complaint to their patient care office, and they told me they are not able to change my documents. And they still want to put my life into danger all over again for rest of my life?? These such careless, and uneducated doctors and staff of st.paul hospital plus the quality care office should learn that not all the people who do phalloplasty are female to male trans. I am planning to take them to court and involve as much people as i can to solve this issue. I WON'T ACCEPT ANYTHING ELSE OTHER THAN MALE IN MY HEALTH RECORDS. YOU CAN'T PUT INCORRECT FALSE INFORMATION IN MY HEALTH RECORDS FOR REST OF MY LIFE. And these doctors should pay the price of their actions towards me and my life. Specially DR. WRIXON who is a psychiatrist at st.paul who said that this information is true and they can't change it. They all should burn in hell. Changing my sex to something that I am not is a big crime. My case is very heavy lifted , I am willing to take it as far as it gets. once again they should pay the price of their actions towards me, and my life. And JANINE JONSTON who is the new patient care quality care, did not provide me the proofs they have that they can't change my medical records even I asked 3 times by writing. These names I have indicated here forexample Lisa Bradshaw at jrc clinic, is still working there and messing people's lives, who turned my life upside down. these kind of staff are the careless employees of providence health care with no knowledge of humanity. And let's wish them all hell and never see a happy day in their lives ever again. It is against the law putting patients lives in to danger. And it's also against the law, calling me a female at birth and call me a female to male trans while i born a male and legally my birth certificate indicates male. And I have a male body. misgendering is a big crime in canada. and thats all is done by the hospitals like st.pauls. read more

A Ten star rating! I checked myself into St. Paul's Emergency with a tightness in my chest, back pain, and shortness of breath. Yep all the symptoms of a heart attack. I cannot say enough about everyone I came into contact with from the volunteers who helped me find the way to the Emerg, to the registration lady who so patiently took my information. Everyone seemed only there to help me get looked after. Even the security lady gave me her seat when there were none available. Next came the nurse who took my vitals and had more questions. She was dealing with a 60 something year old, scared guy. She was the first health professional I met, and she seemed to care a lot. She set the tone for everyone else. In the ER, I encountered Dr. Clarke. One of the most sincere, caring physicians I have ever met. More questions, more pokes and prods. I felt I was in great hands. Next came a nurse to draw blood. I never felt a thing. Just eye contact, and a laugh. Just the right amount of humanity to alleviate my stress. I met Ben, a nurse, who injected a bit of humour along with Nurse Devin. Everyone seemed to be there to just make me comfortable. They can't know how much they helped. Met the coolest ER doctor I could image next in Dr. Green. He would fit in on Grey's Anatomy. He was the senior MD. Just enough interaction to do one thing, he gave me the confidence that everything is under control, that the team was getting closer to figuring this out. Off to X-ray where get my heart checked out with an ECG administered by one of the most patient, caring technicians ever. I continued to feel everyone cares. Never a number, not even a patient. I was someone who needed help. Off to X-ray for a better look. Guided by Nurse Ben, handed off to an X-ray tech. Carefully positioned, to get her shots. A touch on the shoulder to say we're done and a kind word as she told me how to get back to the waiting room. Can you see the pattern here. Each and every person I came into contact with did their best to make me feel comforted. Back to ER where Dr. Conley told me my ticker was fine, lab results were great, that I have some muscle damage to my ribs caused by the fall I took which kicked this while thing off. I was released with great instructions, some follow up tests, and a much lighter heart! As I was leaving, my phone went off, it was Nurse Devin. I was being paged. He had Dr. Green on the phone in a second. Upon closer study they found two cracked ribs from my fall. More instructions, more compassion. If there was a way to give a 10 star rating, I would. This ER team, and my experience with them could not have been better. Thank you health professionals at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver! Greg K. read more

EDIT: After posting this review I went over my labs that I was sent home with. The labs show that I was potassium deficient. When I first spoke to the doctor, LAURA AMANDA, I informed her that I had previously had childhood cancer, and that the last time I was in this much pain I was potassium deficient due to treatment. I also told her that my hands and legs kept tingling, going numb, and locking into place (temporary paralysis). She did not give anything for the deficiency, nor did she tell me I was deficient. When I asked why this kept happening to my hands and legs, I was told by her it was probably because I "wasn't breathing right". Now that I am home and reviewing the labs, as well as consulting google, I know common symptoms of potassium deficiency are not only severe muscle pain (which i already knew from previous experience), but also tingling, numbness, and paralysis. I REPEAT, THE DOCTOR I AM REFERRING TO IS LAURA AMANDA. If anyone knows where to review doctors in Canada, please let me know. Nobody should be dismissed like I was. I did not get the proper treatment that I needed. Let me start this review by asking the question: What type of shitty hospital does not provide beds for ER patients? This one. I'm from America, and while on vacation in Vancouver, I got extremely sick, suffering from a fever along with other symptoms. This was the best rated hospital in the area, which makes me worry about the quality of care given at other hospitals nearby. I'm not sure if the horrible quality is the fault of universal health care (which i was in support of previously to this trip), or the hospital itself. I was brought to a room once throughout my 8 hour stay, but only to be assessed by a doctor. I was then sent back to the waiting room less than a minute later, where I spent the rest of my stay. When I was given an IV, one nurse told me to sit down. Later, I was yelled at and scolded by another nurse for sitting where the original nurse put me. Aside from a few people that helped me, the majority of the staff was extremely rude. I honestly never want to come to Canada again just to avoid going to another one of their hospitals. On the bright side, I have a newfound appreciation for the American healthcare system. I have had plenty of frustrating trips the hospital in America, but this takes the cake. At least in America, they give sick ER patients a bed! I ended up paying thousands of dollars for an 8 hour stay where I was being "treated" in the waiting room. They did nothing for me but give me a single dose of steroids, and a single dose of anti-nausea medication, and advil, the last two being items that I already had access to beforehand. I am offended by the rude behavior of the staff, and by the lack of care given. But my biggest grievance of all, what shitty hospital doesn't give their ER patients a bed to lay on? To be clear, I was not the only one who spent the whole time in the waiting room. I was one of many. Very few did not return to the waiting room to continue their care. I found it to be very janky. So Canada, get your shit together. read more

My mom stay here for her open heart surgery, much cleaner than Mount Saint Joseph hospital. The nurses here were very nice when my mom finish surgery and go to CSICU (cardiac surgery intensive care unit) they had a vietnamese speaking nurse to help her so I'm very thankful. They didn't have enough rooms for her so they discharged her a few day earlier then what they original said. Because she cough so much and make too much noise they had to move her to private room for about 1 week so that was good then I can stay with her. The nice nurse Horace give us a reclining chair and some warm blanket. Washroom was in good condition too in my mom room. There is cafeteria in 4th floor with ok food too if you get hungry. read more

St. Paul's Hospital - Hospitals Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Last October I was violently assaulted by two nurses with two test swabs which punctured my nasopharnyx. I now know they were laced with graphene oxide. The assault was so violent that I spat out a mouthful of blood both times and they withheld emergency medicine until I agreed to undertake these two "tests." read more

Amazing care amazing nurses and surgeons made me feel very cared for even being unvaxxed appreciate them all

Not surprisingly, with government red tape, their renovations upgrade announcement two years ago still haven't started, but I digress. Built in 1912, it sure is packed with lots of history. Drove my dad here yesterday morning, glad I know where to park economically without paying their $2 per half hour. Smart how their corridors are marked with coloured lines, depending where you need to go. As per pic, aren't we happy to be Canadians and with an extended benefits plan? ;) read more

St. Paul's Hospital - Hospitals Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

First of all - the doctors were fantastic. But the nurses see to day-to-day. My first nurse was fabulous. Unfortunately. I didn't see him again. One of the last nurses was psycho. She asked pointed and personal questions - info she must have gotten from the computer. Bitch. I was caught off guard. read more

Have you traveled out of the Country to Alaska, during a Covid-19 out break, and the only two countries you have to deal with is Canada and Greece well I have, I went to Alaska with some friends. First we did our due diligence to find out what was expected of us. Princess had one thing, Arivcan had something else, and United airlines had something else to say. This comment is for the treatment my girlfriend got in St. Paul's Hospital. She was taken off the Majestic Princess to St. Paul's Hospital with a positive Covid-19 test. They were not sure if they were going to keep her or not. This comment is coming from a concerned friend I have known for 45 years. No one should be treated like this. She could not get any help, she asked for water, after I don't know how many times she asked she only got a small plastic cup of water, she is a diabetic, and was given no food or water in 24 hours plus no meds, She also asked to go to the bathroom, she could not get any one to help her, so she got up by herself the first time she fell and she was able to get up, the second time again with out help she fell and hit her head. they they did an MRI she was in the basement on a cot before they took her upstairs to a room. The food was less than, and the help was not much better, So she was released to the hotel. If this is an example of socialized medicine I do not want it. Words are powerful, I don't expect change but am hopeful, I am stating how I feel. Would you want your bestie there? I would not, Canada was on my bucket list, NOT ANY MORE. Karen Herrold read more

April 2017 my Mom Belinda Ann Phillip Dob Nov 16 1957 fell broke her nose. She entered St Paul's Belinda Phillip found she had Multiple Myeloma Cancer she was forced to do Chemo by Dr Ross. May/ June /July / Aug she was given chemo no pain medicine. If we went to the hospital we were treated like seekers. The Drs asked us Belinda Phillip an marie Purdy where is the Fentanyl. Mary Ann Purdy Died of Fentanyl over dose Jan 17 2017 we My Mom Belinda Phillip an I marie Purdy did 2 back ground checks 200$ parenting classes for Mary Purdys kids. We never had Any Drugs I was born with Factor V Leiden I'm allergic to alcohol an narcotics. My mom has puked for 2 years projectile you can not breath with a broken nose. When you do chemo you puke my moms file says Do Not Revive her heart is not strong enough to take the compressions. So where does this leave me with my First Aid I Call 911 the ambulance don't come for hours. When they do come I have to fight to get my mom taken in. This is abuse I made over 50 free cedar hats. My Largest Donation went to Melanie mark she got 3 tall cedar hats :My Mom Belinda Phillip an Child Shirley reofrir delivered to her office. Eagles nest pre school got 40 free head bands April' rose received 2 free cedar hats an baby board Tiffany Kindred received 2 free cedar hats. Each project takes me 2 week. All I ask is people Be kind to my Mom Belinda Phillip her Mom Shirley Phillip & Victor Sam were Residential school kids. My mom Belinda Phillip is a 60/s scoop child taken when she was four. St Paul's wants my mom to do Chemo again with out fixing her Nose. I will not do it I will not support a rich dr who keeps taking away my moms carries. They make her do UaS to earn her pain , medicine back? My Mom Belinda Phillip should not have to beg they are billing our Status Card from Boston Bar First Nation for unnecessary things. I have reported the dr to the collage next is Pender Clinic today read more

St. Paul's Hospital - Hospitals Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I work in the ER (in California), but this was my first time being a patient. I was triaged, registered, had labs drawn and resulted, treated with IV abx and medications, and discharged in under an hour which was a huge relief since I was flying back home the next day. This was around 7PM on Tuesday July 4th, so I'm not sure if this is unusually efficient. Nurse, phlebotomist, and Dr. Scheuemeyer were all professional, compassionate, and seemed to enjoy their work, which helped lighten the mood. Also convenient that St. Paul's was an $8 taxi ride from our hotel on Robson St. FYI: if it feels like pyelo, smells like pyelo, sounds like pyelo - you got pyelo and don't try to tylenol extra strength it out. read more

This Hospital bills itself as a haven for the unfortunate and large downtown east side population and is about to get large transfusion of cash (Provincial) for these addicted and usually mentally ill people. All of these reviews have been written by individuals with other regular type health problems. This review is written by someone who has been to emerg at least a dozen times with alcohol withdrawal/mental health issues. Firstly these people don't choose to be addicts or mentally ill - only the first few drinks or drugs were a choice!! Secondly withdrawal is a serious medical issues - siezures and suicide are very real issues. The triage nurses and admissions ladies do everything in their power to get rid of these folks, they are rude, condescending and ignorant. They will tell you that you are looking at 5 -8 hour wait time when there is only 2 or 3 people waiting. I once asked for a glass of water and was told "yeah we'll get right on that". The only reason that I gave one star was that when you finally do see a Dr. they are very good but you are then sent back to the waiting room where you are back in the hands of the rude/ignorant. Please don't tell me how overworked and underpaid they are or what a great hospital this is. It is a superb hospital - if you are getting a heart transplant, brain scan, cancer treatment, stitches, having a baby. If you are anyone from the east end with withdrawal/overdose/mental health issues you would be better of going to a vetinarian. Vancouver Detox and Harbour Light (Salvation Army) are both incredible but it will take you 3+ days to get in for help. Finally now that I am out of the East End and sober I spend time helping others through the vast maze of resources that exist for recovery. If anyone can tell me who I could talk to and try and fix this problem let me know. My next stop is the Vancouver Sun. read more

The staff here should be disgusted with themselves (in ER). I sit and wait for 2.5 hours in EI as a major cut on my finger. I am bleeding the whole time, probly a half cup to 1 cup of blood dripping out. Not once does staff offer me gauge/bandaids. Then I get the stitches, the next morning I wash my hands for 10 seconds and the stitches fall out!!! Have some pride in your work!!! I can only imagine the treatment other people receive, when a doctor who has 10 year of schooling can't even do a simple stitch. IF someone has a heart attack - I can only imagine the help they get by a doctor who doesn't know how to do stitches. To make matters worse, I had stitches there about 2 years prior, same thing fell out in days. My family doctor said they were the worst job he'd ever seen. read more

Oh St. Paul's, we've been together through thick and thin. The good, the bad, the ugly. Both my kids were born there. My first child Ben had that bronchial infection when he was so wee and it was heartbreaking to see him so sick. You made him better though. Then when my daughter was born and she put up such a fight to stay inside that the doctor asked why I was calling this uncooperative child Daisy. There was that time that my son fractured his finger at two years old and held up his own x-rays to examine them. He never did decide to be a doctor despite his interest in the x-ray. I even remember wheeling him in his stroller to your doors for the first time I gave him peanut butter. I figured if he was going to have an allergic reaction I'd play it safe and be at your doorstep already. Naturally I'll never forget how my life was saved there. The doctors cut that cancer out and I've been going back now yearly for the past 14 years to make sure it hasn't returned. I've dealt with triage when their bedside manner left much to be desired but I understand that you're a busy, downtown hospital and see a lot of activity and much unpleasantness. It must be hard to always treat people with compassion. I know that almost every time I've had to sit in the emergency room everyone working was doing their best to keep the spirits positive. My visit last week gave me a glimpse of a group of very busy nurses. They were working hard to deal with the line-up of patients coming through their doors. There were times the level of stress was noticeable but also their humour in getting through it all. They even apologized for the downgrade to the hard cookies as us patients came to after our procedures. Yes we remember the buttered toast, the warm muffin and no the cookie isn't the same but after not eating for a day and half we're really fine with whatever you give us. It'll taste like heaven with that cranberry juice anyway. Keep up the good work St. Paul's! Those of us who live in your midst are grateful for your presence in our community. read more

........You can review hospitals?! Unless they're duct taping your wounds shut, I dont think anyone really has a right to give a bad review to a hospital. I've been here a couple of times. 3 for injuries and 2 for psychological reasons. It's a hospital. They arent gonna treat me any better or any worse than anyone else. Not so much a "customer" as am a patient. It doesnt matter the degree of "service" you receive: You're at a hospital because something stupid and/or unfortunate happened and you need someone to save your life. Whether or not the doctor/triage nurse/paramedic is grumpy or sweet-as-pie, it doesnt matter. The place is clean. The doctors are awake and sober, and the equipment is up to date. Thats all that matters. read more

In 14 days, I will have brain art. That alone is worthy of a 4 star rating... And because random medical tests have become my new 2013 hobby, I feel as though i'm becoming a bit of a connoisseur in the area of medical yelpidom. I've been here a few times before, with a dear friend of mine who also has a habit of acquiring random ailments that generally hit somewhere between 2am-4am on weekday. I actually prefer the ER here to VGH, though rarely see the need to drive downtown. But the waits seem consistently shorter and all the staff i've encountered have been lovely... once you can get their attention. Major location plus? The 7-11 across the street. Because after a trip to the ER, you deserve those tiny icing sugar donuts. And a Super Jos Louis. This past trip, I went in for a CT scan and so got to explore a new avenue of the hospital. First off, my scan was at 8pm. Which is just fantastic when you're a gal on the go. Plus, parking is a breeze around this time and I pulled into a meter less then a block away without having to anxiously circle while swearing loudly (I don't do downtown parking well...). However, the late night scan, meant the main hospital was closed to the public and only the ER remained open. My only qualm with the whole experience here was that once inside ER, flagging down someone to direct me to my scan and take me through the locked doors with VERY scary - DO NOT ENTER signage was a little more trouble then it was worth. No one was in the security booth (which, my scan paperwork told me to venture towards). The ladies at ER reception waved me away when I tried to just pop my head in to ask, thinking I was attempting to skip the line or check in. Finally, I just sort of planted myself in front of a nurse while waving my scan forms. That seemed to do it. But the process took about 15 minutes in total. Once I was brought through the angrily signed doors, I was directed down a quick hallway and landed safely in radiology. The nurse at reception was lovely... even after I asked if it would be possible to take a copy of my brain scan home to frame, she gave me nothing more then a raised eyebrow and a bemused smile. And then POOF - after a quick form, I was whisked into the scan - lie down. swirly machine. don't move. sit up - and done like dinner. The whole procedure was a painless 10 minutes tops. The waiting area for my brief sit was clean, comfortable and well kept. And they had non-cheesy magazines, which I would be grateful for had the stay been longer. All in all, they made what could have been a nerve wracking moment, a complete no-brainer. (pun... intended?) Tip of the hat to radiology at St. Paul's. Bonus Points: After 30 days, you can take a copy of ANY scan you've had done free of charge! Why would you want to take a scan home? Why WOULDN'T you want a framed picture of your brain in your living room? That's just nifty. IHospital art - who knew? read more

I try to avoid hospitals like the plague. Even if I had the plague I would try to avoid hospitals, but sometimes things in life crop up and I have to put on my big girl panties and go on in. The hospital's parking is ridiculously expensive and the ticket dispensing machine is quite possibly the slowest that I have ever encountered. The location of the hospital lends itself to a lot of diversity in the patient base .... in my last two visits I heard two Code Whites (one even in the gift shop!). Part of the hospital is 100 years old and shows its age. I can't say it is too comforting to have the place look like a historical museum when you are looking for the latest, cutting edge medicine. But with that said, I feel that all of my interactions with the hospital personnel from receptionists to lab techs to physicians has been top notch. Because St. Paul's is a teaching hospital you are often fortunate to not only have your physician but also a student, resident or fellow with them. I find when the doctor is also in teaching mode you are often hearing a lot more dialogue about your condition than you would if they were by themselves, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your personality. It is a place that I don't ever want to go to, but if I have to, it isn't too bad. read more

Unprofessional emergency admittance. This review is mainly to cover the admittance process and wait time. I got the worst service at check in time. However the Dr and nurses were polite and professional. The front desk lady who checked me in was completely confused and was unable to provide proper answers. Any question I was asking she was just answering another question. My situation was so bad that I couldn't imagine I can wait even minutes with the pain. I tried to ask about the wait time and they were unable to provide any estimate before I check in. But instead of explaining their inability to provide an estimate, they were replying with a bad attitude that if I am not happy with the wait time I can go somewhere else. What? I just asked how long the wait time is???!!! Then since I was in so much pain I asked them if I can go and sit in the car and when it gets closer to my turn they call me on my phone? The rude lady said sir, I can't come out and SCREAM outside to call you!! What the hell. I didn't know you will confuse calling me on my phone with coming outside and screaming. So I asked her to please stay more focused and treat more professionally and at that point she put it together and realized how bad her behavior was to me. And then I was suffering in pain for 3 hours until it got my turn, which after this point the service was good. A few things I like to provide as feedback: There were a few junkies circling around in the waiting area and once in a while asking me stupid questions, which was kind of scary. It seems the security is unable to secure the area properly. While I am in pain I don't want a junky to come close to me and cause trouble for me and expecting me to answer his non sense questions. There is no LED board or anything of any kind (even 18th century paper numbers) that shows your turn and where you are in the line. So good luck suffering pain until it gets your turn. Expect it might be several hours. I wish I had taken with me a few pain killers before heading there. The other funny thing is that I asked the nurse I am so much in pain and wanted to ask if they can help me with some pain killer, and I got the funniest answer. She told me sir everyone is in pain here, go and sit. So be careful when you talk to admittance people as they are very biased and have attitude. Be ready to hear something rude and impolite from them. I am from US and my experience from Canadian people was always nice and welcoming. This hospital is completely an outlier. read more

St Paul's is a great place to volunteer. No matter what you're comfort level- you can work directly with patients or just in the gift shop. The process for volunteering is to go to the orientation, fill out an application, and meet with one of the coordinators. They'll tell you what positions they're looking for currently (and at sister hospitals too). They do ask for a 3 month commitment. Great opportunity and great location. read more

1 star less for the buffoon tech or male nurse (!?) in ER private bed area. He was caucasian, had a thick food-hiding-in-there-possiblyevensmurfettestuckinthere beard, dark hair and in his 30s. After I asked him about my elderly relative who had a hypertensive crisis and hints at getting a stroke because of his symptoms, whether or not the dye can cause allergies...his idiotic and sarcastic remark was that it was a hospital and no worries because the patient could get help there. When he came back at the end to remove the IV tube so we can leave, he said, "see he is fine, no one died." *****We all have our bad nights, but this was unreal. If I was a professional, not a buffoon like him, I would not want to add further stress to a patient and always try to prevent another emergency to especially if they are hypertensive and elderly!!!!!!!!**************** ****************As for the rest of the professionals - excellent! The poor doctor who came to review the findings with us was totally exhausted and kept rubbing his eyes trying to stay awake. All hospitals must give their doc's and nurses less hours of work in one sitting to prevent mistakes and even posiblly death!!!!******************* Important note: Please try to dissuade the homeless from taking seats in the ER. Patients and familes need them. Also, for severly mentally ill patients, they should be taken into the treatment area immediately - many are schizophrenics and dangerous to the public when not on their medications. Please clean the hospital regularly. read more

I've had good and bad service experiences over at St. Paul's Hospital. The worse I've experienced are the people at the Emergency admittance. It's an emergency, people! Why the attitude? The reason they are getting a generous 3 stars is due to the great people at the Maternity section. Day and Night shift staff are the best over here. Their help in sincere and will do what they can whatever time of day. With that said, the hospital is old. It looks old and the equipment are old. This hospital harkens back to places in 3rd-world countries which by the way have hospitals that look like hotels already. This hospital looks like a, umm. hospital. Which should be a "duh", but shouldn't look like this. Think about it, the last place you want to feel like you're sick and in need of help is by being in a place that mimics exactly THAT. Oh, and cable TV and telephone are both paid service. Thank God for mobile phones. That solves the telephone. For internet, well you'll have to do internet tethering with you're phone so that solves that as well. As for cable TV, it's provided by the Hospitality Network. We signed up for the supposed "Premium TV" service at $17.36/day (after taxes and a one-time administration fee and all we got is a lame 10" screen fit for one person to see. Maybe if it was the year 1980, this would be an acceptable cost of luxury. But not thirty years later. Oh, and what activation fee was that when a lady went in the room with a remote control to turn on the service. How about activating in an automated manner so we can extend, upgrade, downgrade or cancel the service ourselves. This hospital needs to keep up with the times and do a revamp. It's long overdue. read more

In this last month I have taken both my parents to two different hospitals for surgery. I have to say St Paul's is an amazing hospital! People were so kind, smiling in the halls as you pass, the nurses introducing themselves and being friendly is such a shock in comparison to the treatment at UBC hospital! Even the staff who clean and transport laundry etc volunteer to help you find your way around the hospital! My dad left an very expensive breathing aid machine on his hospital wheel chair and a volunteer found it in the parking lot and turned it to security who called us to notify us. I couldn't believe it the machine costs 5 K! I would say this hospital is better than, VGH, UBC and Burnaby General by far! read more

I so agree with Kate L's review (the RN who works at St. Paul's) Unfortunately....but fortunately if you know what I mean, I have been looked at in Emergency, admitted quite a few times and only have great things to say about this teaching hospital. The doctors, nurses, even the cleaners I've encountered are just superb. Of course you're going to encounter someone that isn't so "friendly"......but they are SO busy in there. Sure it's old, sure it's not "pretty", yes it's in a downtown location that you are going to get all kinds of people in there, if you get my drift. They were going to relocate this hospital and the public protests stopped this and they have many ways you can help them - monetary and I even take my used, in good condition, clothing there to help the unfortunate who come in with just the clothes on their backs. Oh yes.....their "hidden gem" - the Gift Shop. It's been written about before as the best little place around. Unbelievable, really different items that change each week. The volunteers that run it are amazing. I do all my gift buying there. All has changed now - Ol' Christy Crunch stood on the steps in 2011 with a huge banner (after all the broohaha and protests) saying IT STAYS. What a lie - they ARE moving to "The Flats" wherever the h**l that is - on swamp land. Mmm great for Vancouver on the fault line! They've already spent millions on the present building upgrading it. Hurry to the fabulous Gift Shop for the most unique gifts and stocking stuffers this Xmas before it moves to the swamp. read more

I'm not a fan of hospitals, and rarely have to utilize their services However, a few weeks ago, I had to visit Emergency 4 times in a week..yes..I kid you not The staff at St.Paul's Emergency are professional, patient, and understanding. Plus many of the nurses have a good sense of humour..especially after more than one visit! I can't say enough good things Thank you read more

They are racist towards Indigenous people. You won't get equal care here if you are Indigenous. They always have a ready excuse as to why you don't rate the same service everyone else gets. read more