Dartmouth General Hospital - Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Tegan

Had my appendix out here yesterday, was in and out within ~9 hours. Got to the ER around 9:30am, was seen and diagnosed by 3:00, had my surgery at 4:00, and was out the door by 6:15! The nurses were all PHENOMENAL, both in the ER, treatment area, and OR. Nurses Erin (in the short term treatment area) and Dani (in post-op recovery), as well as my doctor (unfortunately I don’t remember her name) were all absolutely amazing and could not have been kinder and more attentive. My surgical team (especially anesthesiologists) were perfect as well. Thank you to everyone for making this as easy an experience as possible, it is sincerely appreciated!

Abbie H.

I received a hip replacement last week. I got preliminary phone calls and checks beforehand. Surgery day, I registered at 7:15 am. Surgery at 9:15 am. Home at 4:00 pm. From start to finish this procedure was like a well oiled machine. I can't think of a moment that wasn't absolute perfection. There were 10 or more team members involved, each doing their job with total professionalism, expertise, competence and care. It was fabulous to experience such care and witness the post OP proficiency. Absolutely stunning. Please accept my enormous appreciation and THANK YOU to Dr. Brendan O'Neill and ALL his support staff. Many thumbs up!!

Brent &. D. H.

Just returned from a hernia surgery at the Dartmouth General and it was a tremendous experience from registration through Day Surgery to Recovery and out the door in about 5 hours. At every step, the staff were extremely diligent, explaining every step, answering all questions and were friendly, engaging and they made the whole experience very pleasurable, well as pleasurable as surgery can get. Very low stress with caring and compassion the watch words from everyone of the nearly 20 staff I encountered. Well Done and Thanks to all the staff involved today

Deborah R.

Had to take my mother to emerg as she hasn’t been feeling well anyway that was a Thursday night the staff were super friendly and nice the wait time is ridiculous but that is the world today, had to take her back on Friday morning for CT scan once that was done we had to wait for results, she ended up with Dr Spencer as her doctor there and he is an amazing and super doctor, Dartmouth General is lucky to have him on staff I was so impressed by his compassion and how in depth he went to find out what is wrong with my mother, she still has a few more appointments with specialists if it hadn’t of been for Dr Spencer we probably wouldn’t be on this road with her but I’m sure we will have answers soon. Thanks again Dr Spencer you made both of us feel at ease and you explained everything in language we could understand keep up the fantastic work

Cel B.

My husband drove me to the ER, and we ended up spending a total of 9 hours there!
He was my support person, there to accompany and help me through the ordeal. When they finally called my name, the nurse in charge refused to let my husband come with me, claiming 'they were expecting more people and there weren't enough seats for family and friends.' So I ended up waiting for hours alone in a hallway.

Meanwhile, I saw other patients coming in, accompanied by family members — probably because they had a different staff member.

And there was empty seats around, including the one beside me !

To the nurse who refused to let my husband accompany me: Find another job — one that doesn't involve working with the public! You are in the wrong place. I’ve worked with the public myself for over 20 years, and there are times when you have to show empathy, compassion, understanding, and be flexible. A hospital is not Disneyland! Denying patients the presence of a support person shows this job is clearly not for you."

I will never set foot in the Dartmouth General ER again — I wouldn’t even bring my dogs there!"

Eliana S.

We spent over six hours at the clinic, only to be told by the registered nurse that we could leave and call the following day for results, as there was only one doctor available for approximately 20–60 patients. Many people left due to the extremely long wait times, yet we were still made to wait without clear updates.

The next day, when I called to follow up, the receptionist claimed there was crackling on the line — which was strange, considering I had another call in between and there were no issues. I was then abruptly transferred to the doctor mid-sentence, without any warning, while I was still asking if it was possible to finish the consultation over the phone due to work obligations.

My main concern was understanding whether my mom’s low blood pressure and sudden inability to speak could have been signs of something serious, such as a stroke. Unfortunately, the whole experience felt chaotic and dismissive — from the poor communication and extremely long waits, to the shortage of staff and the attitude of some team members, it seemed as though they were just trying to get people out as quickly as possible rather than provide proper care.

Linda R.

Yesterday, upon my Doctor's recommendation I went to the Dartmouth Emergency Department. From start to finish I was so impressed by the calming compassion shown by all of the medical staff. I was there at 9:30 am home by 3:00 pm. Remember they are there because they have chosen a
health profession to help make us better. Longer wait times in the ER are not their fault. It is just an example all of the challenges our health care systems are experiencing across Canada. Please give medical staff back the respect and kindness they show their patients everyday. We cannot do it without their expertise and care. I am feeling much better with the meds prescribed to me and I am so very thankful for all their care Thank you again to all the ER staff. Just keep on doing what you are doing and we will all be just fine.

S H.

Unimpressed. Went to the ER with a hernia flare up, waited for 11 hours to see a doctor, was hoping to have surgery for the issue in question, was given extra strength Tylenol for my discomfort, yet the physician in my case sent me on my way! I left feeling very disregarded and stressed!