AdventHealth Waterman Hospital in Tavares, FL

Pros

• The nurses were very kind and quick to ensure patients had what they needed at all times.
• The staff are always professional from the front door to the examination room.
• The infusion center staff are personable and professional.
• It's always a pleasant experience at AdventHealth Waterman, especially with Mary who manages the HBO treatment.
• The staff, including doctors and nurses, provided an amazing stay.
• The emergency department staff, nurses and doctors are amazing, kind, and caring.
• This hospital is the best I have ever been to, with every staff member a real class act.
• They treat patients with much care and love.
• Cardiac rehabilitation has been a good experience, helping patients feel more confident to continue on their own.
• The staff are very friendly and professional.
• The emergency room staff and doctors are absolutely amazing.
• The staff are extremely respectful, and the hospital will be chosen again for future tests.

Cons

• The seventeen hours in the ED couldn't have been worse.
• Check-in was too involved, requiring visits to three different desks.
• There was a lack of compassion and respect throughout the visit.
• The nurses were unprofessional and made inappropriate comments.
• The ER doctor was rude and showed no respect for patients.
• The ER manager was the rudest person on the phone.
• The care in the ER was the worst emergency medical care the reviewer had ever received.

Review

AdventHealth Waterman Hospital in Tavares is best suited for families and seniors who prize genuinely attentive bedside care, strong specialty services, and a personal, patient-centered culture. The facility repeatedly earns praise for nurse responsiveness, professional front-desk and transport teams, and a treatment atmosphere that treats patients as people rather than numbers. Cardiology, cancer care, and rehab programs emerge as standout strengths, with patients highlighting successful surgeries, effective cardiac rehabilitation, and a cohesive care team that communicates well at the point of care. For those who want a faith-informed environment that emphasizes kindness and courtesy from admission through discharge, this hospital is a compelling match. It favors decision-makers who can tolerate occasional variability in the emergency department experience while prioritizing consistently solid care in the wards and specialty clinics.

Those who may want to consider alternatives include families prioritizing uniformly predictable ER performance, rapid diagnostic turnaround, and spotless room and housekeeping standards. A recurrent caveat in the reviews is the inconsistency of urgent care experiences: long wait times in some ER visits, occasional perceived lapses in triage and communication, and instances where professional conduct or bedside manners were questioned. For highly risk-averse patients or those who must rely on a blisteringly efficient, always-smooth emergency workflow, other local options with steadier ER metrics may feel safer. Additionally, patients who have encountered disrespectful or blunt interactions from a few providers may wish to compare with facilities that emphasize more uniform bedside professionalism across all departments.

On the upside, the hospital's core positives are tangible and repeatedly demonstrated across departments. Infusion center staff are described as personable and thorough, and many patients credit the front-line team with thoughtful, proactive care. Cardiac rehab is a prized asset, helping patients regain confidence and exercise safely after procedures. The AdventHealth Cancer Institute earns consistently favorable remarks for compassionate, comprehensive treatment planning and clear communication about options and side effects. Across surgical and non-surgical pathways, patients repeatedly praise the quality of clinicians and the thoroughness of post-procedure follow-up. In short, for many, the practical benefits - skilled clinicians, attentive nursing, and robust rehab and cancer services - substantially offset the hospital's occasional service gaps.

Nonetheless, the cons are real and not easily dismissed. Several reviews recount frustrating ER experiences: multi-desk check-in, delays in imaging or treatment, and specific incidents of perceived unprofessionalism or a lack of empathy from some staff members. A few patients report distrustful or dismissive behavior from certain physicians, with one account detailing a particularly negative encounter that led to leaving against medical advice. Room conditions and cleanliness lag in some experiences, with complaints about odor or inadequate attention to daily housekeeping. These outlier episodes matter - especially for families seeking a consistently calm, respectful hospital visit and for patients who require comprehensive, seamless care across the continuum.

Weighing the pros and cons, AdventHealth Waterman remains a strong choice for those pursuing high-quality inpatient and specialty care, particularly in cardiac, cancer, and rehab spheres. The standout clinicians, the consistently warm nursing culture, and the patient-centered approach in many units argue powerfully in favor of choosing this hospital for planned procedures and ongoing treatment plans. However, for families prioritizing a flawless, predictable ER experience and immaculate daily environment, it pays to probe further - ask about current ER wait times, request a direct line to patient advocates, and consider which departments will anchor the stay with the most consistent, recommended staff. For many, the balance tilts toward choosing Waterman as a primary care hub while complementing it with alternative hospitals for urgent emergencies or highly time-sensitive needs.

In practical terms, the decision comes down to risk tolerance and care priorities. If a trusted, compassionate nursing team, clear communication, and strong outcomes in cardiac care and cancer treatment are at the top of the list, AdventHealth Waterman delivers. Families should enter with a plan: identify preferred physicians, request recommendations from the care team, and advocate for continuity of care across shifts. When ER visits occur, approach them with realistic expectations and consider pairing the hospital with a backup option for true emergencies. Overall, the facility's proven strengths in specialty care and patient-centered culture make it a compelling option for many, while remaining wise to the reality that ER experiences can vary and that vigilance is essential for those who prize uniform excellence.

This area of Tavares, Florida, offers convenient access to a variety of restaurants, pharmacies, physicians, and hospitals within a short distance. With popular dining options such as Domino's Pizza and Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill nearby, residents can enjoy a variety of cuisine choices. There are also several pharmacies in the vicinity for easy access to medication and healthcare needs. For medical care, there are reputable physicians specializing in pulmonary critical care, plastic surgery, cardiology, dermatology, and more. Additionally, there are urgent care centers and hospitals within close proximity for any emergency situations. The area also offers options for relaxation with cafes like Starbucks and beautiful parks like Lake Idamere Park nearby. For entertainment, there are theaters such as AMC Lake Square 12 for movies. Places of worship like First United Methodist Church provide spiritual support for seniors looking to continue their faith practice in the community.

Restaurants

• Domino's Pizza (0.4 miles)
• Kalua Beach Bar (0.4 miles)
• Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill (0.4 miles)
• Hwy 441 Diner (1.3 miles)
• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• East Wok (1.4 miles)
• Subway (1.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• The Pharmacist (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• Lake Pharmacy (5.1 miles)

Physicians

• Lake Pulmonary Critical Care (1.8 miles)
• Frank Montoya MD (1.8 miles)
• Central Florida Cardiovascular Center (1.8 miles)
• Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery Associates (1.8 miles)
• Lake ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery (1.9 miles)
• Central Fl Cardiology & Vsclr (1.9 miles)
• Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (1.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Lrmc Riverside Urgent Care Center (2.2 miles)
• AdventHealth Waterman (2.2 miles)
• Florida Hospital Waterman (2.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)

Parks

• Lake Idamere Park (2.6 miles)
• Eustis Lake Walk (5 miles)
• Trimble Park (5.3 miles)
• Donnelly Park (5.5 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Lake Square 12 (3.5 miles)
• Epic Theatres (4.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Church Kidz (4.8 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (5.7 miles)