Burgess Home Health/Hospice

Pros

• The staff at Burgess Health Center were outstanding in patient care.
• They took great care of patients from the moment they arrived.
• They addressed concerns and provided very thorough examinations.
• They treated patients with spa-level, compassionate care.
• The staff treated one another with kindness and respect.
• Every staff member seemed dedicated to helping others excel at what they do.
• The ED staff delivered hands-down the best care.
• Tim in the physical therapy department provided excellent care.

Cons

• It was described as the worst place to go if someone is in pain; they sat in a room for 3 hours in pain and still didn't hear test results because staff were busy.
• They called the facility a joke and warned others not to waste their time, saying to go to a real hospital.
• Kristin was described as delivering horrible service and as one of the worst healthcare workers they've seen; they advised others not to go.
• They were turned away on a weekend and told they could see the doctor only if they paid in full despite having insurance, and their blood pressure wasn't checked.
• There was a perceived big difference in competency between day and night, with daytime ER experiences described as not good.
• They felt ignored and had to ask for steroids, vowing never to return.
• They claimed staff relied on machines rather than listening to the patient, not treating what they were communicating.

Review

Burgess Health Center has elicited a wide range of impressions from those who have walked through its doors, but one thread runs through almost all the accounts: the people who work there often make the experience. Numerous reviewers describe staff who are attentive, courteous, and invested in their patients' well?being. They recall feeling cared for from the moment they entered, with a level of consideration that, for many, bordered on the kind of meticulous service you might expect at a high?end spa. The sentiment is reinforced by praise for the way the team treats one another, too - colleagues described as kind and respectful, with a shared goal of helping each person be great at what they do. In short, the staff's demeanor and teamwork are repeatedly highlighted as a standout feature of the center.

There is particular emphasis on experiences in the emergency department, where patients have recounted both excellent care and the stresses that come with overcrowding. One patient dealing with chest pain noted that, even as the department was slammed with other cases, someone was always checking in and ensuring they understood the plan of care. The patient appreciated being kept in the loop and not judged for their anxiety, and they were reassured by the team's commitment to their comfort and safety. The experience culminated in a transfer to Council Bluffs, but the review credits Burgess staff with doing everything possible to keep the patient informed and comfortable throughout a frightening situation. Such accounts underscore a sense of guardianship during a time when patients most need clear communication and steady hands.

Beyond the emergency room, some reviews sing the praises of specific departments and individuals. One person singled out Tim in the physical therapy department, praising the care provided to a loved one and noting they would recommend Burgess Hospital and its clinic for ongoing medical needs. The gratitude extended to the entire spectrum of care, with references to trustworthy, attentive treatment that could influence future care decisions for family members as well. Another patient described their overall experience as superb, summing up the impression of a facility where dedicated professionals are recognized for their work and where the care feels comprehensive and sincere.

Amid the glowing praise, however, there are sharp, cautionary notes that reflect frustration and disappointment. A reviewer harshly denounced the place as "a joke" and warned others not to waste their time, signaling a perception that Burgess does not meet expectations for someone in significant pain. In a separate account, a patient waiting three hours in a room described the experience as unacceptable, underscoring how delays can undermine otherwise positive impressions of care and concern. These voices remind readers that even highly regarded facilities can fall short for individuals in need of urgent relief.

There are also more pointed critiques directed at particular staff members and moments of care. One reviewer recalled a negative encounter with someone named Kristin, describing the service as among the worst they've experienced and suggesting that the person's busyness impeded the delivery of essential care. The intensity of that critique contrasts with the many stories of warmth and efficiency, illustrating how even a single interaction can shape an overall view of a facility. Other comments capture a frustration with perceived insufficiencies in bedside care during specific shifts or moments, including the suggestion that patients may be left waiting or that attention to crucial symptoms like blood pressure was not consistently evident.

On the lighter side, several reviews mention positive touches that contribute to a sense of quality care beyond the clinical basics. A patient described the staff as very friendly and noted that the cafeteria food was great, a small but meaningful reflection of overall campus hospitality. Others highlighted supportive experiences for a spouse or family member, with caregivers feeling confident that their loved ones received attentive medical attention. The sense of "rock star" care and the feeling of having a dependable, close?to?home option for medical needs recur in multiple accounts, reinforcing a sense of Burgess as a reliable local institution that patients can lean on in times of crisis.

There are also practical reminders about the realities of navigating insurance and billing. One reviewer recounted being turned away on a weekend unless they paid in full, despite having insurance, and another noted a policy that forced payment before even seeing a doctor, which they felt undermined the purpose of seeking care. These anecdotes point to a tension that can exist between the ideal of patient?centered care and the administrative hurdles that patients sometimes encounter, particularly in urgent or weekend situations. Yet even among these criticisms, there are qualifiers that acknowledge the broader context: some reviewers balance financial concerns with gratitude for the care they did receive, while others reserve judgment for future visits.

In sum, Burgess Health Center appears to be a place of strong, person?to?person care, with many patients leaving with a sense of relief, gratitude, and confidence in the clinicians and staff who attended to them. The narrative includes consistent compliments about empathy, clear communication, and collaborative teamwork, as well as occasional critiques that reflect the challenges of delivering timely, comprehensive care in a busy health system. The mix of praise and critique paints a picture of a community hospital that is deeply valued for its compassionate approach and professional capability, even as it navigates the everyday tensions that accompany medical care - from wait times and staffing pressures to billing concerns and individual experiences with staff. For many, Burgess Health Center represents a dependable and welcoming option for care, one that brings comfort, reassurance, and practical medical support to people when they need it most.

Hospitals

• Burgess Health Center (0 miles)
• Burgess Memorial Hospital Heliport (0 miles)
• Burgess Family Clinic (7.5 miles)
• Memorial Community Hospital Corporation (18 miles)
• Tekamah Chiropractic Center (18.3 miles)
• Vision Care Clinic (18.7 miles)
• Burgess Health Center (18.8 miles)

Physicians

• Family Medicine Clinic PC (0 miles)
• Burgess Family Clinic (18.5 miles)
• Maple Valley Mercy Medical Clinic (18.8 miles)
• Horn Physicians Clinic (18.8 miles)
• Lyons Medical Clinic (20 miles)

Places of Worship

• Onawa United Methodist Church (0.2 miles)
• St John's Catholic Church (0.3 miles)
• Onawa Evangelical Church (0.3 miles)
• First Christian Church (0.3 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (0.4 miles)
• Community of Christ (0.4 miles)
• Onawa Bible Baptist Church (0.5 miles)

Parks

• Liberty Park (0.4 miles)
• Gaukel Park (0.7 miles)
• Onawa City Park (0.8 miles)
• Lewis & Clark State Park (3.2 miles)
• Campground Playground (5.7 miles)
• Whiting City Park (7.3 miles)
• Pelican Point State Recreation Area (13.2 miles)

Theaters

• Iowa Theater (0.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Bamboo Village Chinese Cafe (0.5 miles)
• Tug's (0.7 miles)
• Michaels Dairy & Pizza Inn (0.9 miles)
• Country Cafe (0.9 miles)
• Fiesta Brava (1 miles)
• Subway (1 miles)
• El Jimador Onawa (1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Stangel Compounding (0.5 miles)
• Whiting Family Pharmacy (7.4 miles)
• Western Iowa Compounding (18.8 miles)
• Maier Family Pharmacy (18.8 miles)

Cafes

• Millers' Kitchen (0.5 miles)
• Francine's Cafe (0.5 miles)
• Onawa Cafe (0.6 miles)
• The Fence-Post (15.8 miles)
• Uncommon Grounds (15.8 miles)
• Gotta Get Some Coffee (18.5 miles)

Transportation

• Onawa Municipal Airport (0.8 miles)
• U-Haul (18.1 miles)