Cowichan District Hospital - Duncan, British Columbia

Charlotte M.

Incredible thoughtful care! I was in for a day surgery this afternoon. The nurses all kept me constantly posted on the wait time, as there was an emergency ahead of me so my surgery was delayed a few hours. They provided me with as many heated blankets as I needed, braided my hair, put on my booties, we had great conversations. They smiled lots and were very reassuring. I never felt worried or nervous. They also looked like they were having a good afternoon themselves despite how busy it was, so I didn’t get any stress vibes from them. The communication from nurses, surgeons, and anesthesiologist was fantastic from start to finish.

I truly appreciate the care. Thank you so much

Nancy B.

Thanks to everyone at the lab and other testing departments! My first time at the hospital was a great experience- quick, professional and everyone was very kind and helpful. I felt cared for.

Danielle A.

I went there for major surgery and I could not brag out this hospital enough. Even though it’s an old hospital, but have a bunch of new and updated equipment. The nursery, doctors and administrators were all so kind and wonderful. Nurse Jen in the PACU was amazing and didn’t leave my side and did everything to help minimize the pain. Randi and Catherine in Ambulatory care were also amazing, always smiles and make sure patients are comfortable! If you need surgery, I would recommend CDH!

Susan A. T. C.

I was recently in Cow Hospital for seven days. I have nothing but good things to say about the treatment I was given. It is amazing that the nurses and doctors can be so caring and kind working under such difficult conditions. I commend you all.

riedal K.

I’ve been to the ER a couple times now and both times the staff have been extremely kind and helpful. I tend to get antsy in hospitals due to lots of past experiences in them, but this one im learning I can remain calm in and trust in those providing me care. Really stellar staff, all of them.

Cindy P.

Had a breathing problem this morning and finally became scared enough to go to Emergency. I expected the worst - long wait times, surly and impatient staff. I could not have been more wrong. Everyone from triage nurse to porter to x-ray technician to treating nurses and doctor could not have been more kind, empathetic, and helpful. These people who are perpetually over-worked exuded caring at every step and I am enormously grateful for their efficient professionalism. (Also, I hope to never see any of them again 😉)

Scott W.

There were 10 people waiting in ER, just 10. Three gave up and walked out. I could see staff gathered in a small group just talking and laughing at something - looked relaxed. It was a 4 1/2 wait. My mother-in-law had arrived in an ambulance. She's frail and 101 years old. The triage desk put her into a chair that resembles a shopping cart. When we got there a few minutes after the ambulance, she had already been placed into the waiting area, her head slumped forward and she was vomiting down her front and into her lap. The triage desk gave us a hand towel. A return visit won us a small plastic vomit bag. She was in pain with a severe blockage. We insisted at the triage desk that she be afforded something to recline or lay on. The 'gatekeeper' said, "There are not beds available, she'll just have to wait in line like everybody else." Then the diarrhea started. The poor woman was spraying from both ends and public bathroom was a mess. The triage desk handed us a depends diaper, a pair of hospital pajamas and a couple of those little foiled sani-wipes (the kind you get when you fly first class). Still no physical help or change in her triage status. An hour later, I had to look for a different washroom for myself because the mess in the first one hadn't been touched. I'm a retired first responder and I've never seen the like to this anywhere else. There's a new hospital coming...are they taking the old triage staff with them? Once admitted - treatment upstairs from the doctors and nurses was excellent. The downstairs 'gateway' is however a hell-scape. Any credo of 'Do no harm' has already stumbled out moaning in agony.

Thomas B.

Don't come here for mental health care. I'm used to dealing with the psych unit at Nanaimo District Hospital where there have been very empathetic, kind and understanding professionals. Within an hour if being here, I was asked three times in a row what my issue was I was coming in for (SH issues) and I had to explain continually something I was humiliated to talk about with a stanger. And the final nurse that helped me made sure he informed me of the consequences of my issues rather than calm the situation. Hoping this isn't indicative of everyone in the mental health department here but didn't leave a good taste.