Southwest Health System

Dr. Vicez is is a great physician. He diagnosed my altitude sickness and listen ed well. He was very knowledgeable and he confronted me on how to get through my illness.He is a truly great professional. His nurse Shanel and others provided sensitive care and comfort to an ailing tourist. Also, Crystal carried out a the EKG and was very sensitive and personable. The emergency room at this hospital was fantastic.

On Friday evening, October 11th my husband went to the ER as he was having severe abdominal pain, he could barely stand up straight. They ordered a CT scan and gave him some morphine. They then informed him that he had pancreatitis, prescribed him some Hydrocodone and sent him home with zero instructions on how to handle pancreatitis. By the next morning, he was in so much pain he could barely move and before we knew it, we were rushing to the ER at mercy in Durango. By the time we arrived, he was sweating profusely, couldn’t walk and was very disoriented. They IMMEDIATELY admitted him, ran some tests and confirmed that the severity of the pancreatitis had quadrupled since he left Southwest memorial, just 12 hours before. Thanks to Southwest sending us on our way, he spent 16 days at mercy, some of which were in ICU. This was the scariest time of our lives. I have yet to come up with any explanation as to why the nurses and doctors in the ER lacked the knowledge or care in this circumstance. I will 100% suggest driving to Durango rather than putting your care in these people’s hands. This could have ended very badly had we not made the decision to go someplace else. Southwest Memorial Hospital, do better.

I received the best care I could ask for from the OR staff and the OB nurses and physicians, as well as the family practice physicians who cared for my baby. My requests/wishes were heard with compassion and granted to the absolute best of their ability. I would 100% recommend any family to have their baby at this hospital.

Registration gets a 1 star. How is it that the greeting staff at a hospital got to be so cruel? Never in my life have I felt like a livestock at auction; Identify. Tag. Scare it out the door. You’re the first person to sit and talk to the people coming in for things like scary tests, or overwhelming results. And you don’t say hello. No eye contact. Ask me your questions lifeless with a rude stare, then get annoyed when I take a pause to think. The bright LED lights and the smell of death in the air already make any brave soul nervous. Then we’re tagged, poked and prodded away. Radiology had the sweetest front desk lady. Every tech I had the pleasure of getting care from was professional- AND HUMAN. You’re in human healthcare; at least pretend to like people.

This is the definition of a bandaid hospital, after tearing my biceps and being in absolute misery for 20 plus minutes, I left to Durango where I live as promptly taken care of , and" they were busy" too. The poor quality of care rests solely on the HR staff , because they are the ones that hire and create the energy of this hospital.

Had a total Reverse shoulder by Dr. Braden and staff, and had an exceptional experience. Just had follow up x-ray and everything is perfect, and by participating in PT following surgery, my range of motion is exceeds expectations. Thanks!

I went in with a piece of metal in my eye, I was very hesitant to do so being my last trip in to San Juan hospital a year ago left me with no eye sight for two months and the piece still in my eye. However, Dr Farr, and one of his colleagues had the metal out in 30 minutes with 0 damage to my eye and 0 damage to my vision. With all specialists being closed on the weekends, they were my only option for help. They were very careful, considerate, and professional. Thanks so much!!!!

I was lucky enough to give birth to my daughter at Southwest Memorial Hospital in Dec of 2022. My OBGYN Dr Kaplan was wonderful and so caring throughout my pregnancy journey. The birthing suites are new, clean and very comfortable. During my delivery, Dr Kaplan was not on call, but still called to check in and even came for part of labor to offer support. Dr Smith delivered my baby girl and was so professional and experienced. I always felt like my needs were heard and I received excellent care. The OB nurses were great, and the lactation consultant Caroline went above and beyond to make sure I was able to start breastfeeding. Even the food was good. Really special experience, thanks to everyone. I am devastated to hear that the family birthing center will be closed, I hope the board will reconsider this decision. It’s such a wonderful asset to our community.