Union County Gen Hosp

Pros

• The receptionist/MA was courteous and attentive; Cindy the trauma nurse was professional and adept at her job.
• The venipuncturist was sharp and talented.
• Dr. VanWormer is a long-time fixture at the hospital, an extremely intelligent clinician who presents the facts clearly.
• The ER staff were kind and got patients straight back.
• UCGH is a small hospital, but not small in the care they provide; the ER staff were caring and efficient.
• The nursing staff were friendly, explained everything, and listened when patients weren't feeling well, making them feel like they were in great hands and part of a caring family.

Cons

• The reviewer described the experience as the worst health care experience of their lives.
• It took almost an hour before any nurse checked on him, with no timely care.
• The doctor seemed intoxicated, asked the same questions multiple times, and spoke inappropriately.
• Nurses appeared to lack knowledge, failed to start an IV, and did not adequately address pain.
• Outsiders felt unwelcome and implied they would be treated poorly for being from outside the town.
• Nurses were seen laughing loudly in the hallway about the patient's case, which felt disrespectful.
• The staff were rude and condescending, with a sense that they did not care about patients.
• They reported that test results or information could be withheld until payment.
• The reviewer would give zero stars and would not recommend the hospital to anyone.
• The doctor could not name bones or tendons and did not provide appropriate pain relief.

Review

Traveling health care workers and temporary residents often rely on the local emergency department as a lifeline, and the stories from this collection illustrate a broad spectrum of experiences at a small-town hospital network in Clayton, New Mexico. On the positive side, several travelers found the ED to be welcoming and capable, with a team that combined warmth with professional competence. One reviewer highlighted a reception area that was courteous and attentive, praising the trauma nurse who seemed to be both experienced and thorough. The venipuncturist was described as sharp and skilled, and the overall impression was that the department operated with a high level of efficiency and care, even when the patient's primary care needs weren't being addressed in the moment.

A standout figure for many was Dr. VanWormer, a physician who has been a fixture in the hospital for decades. Descriptions of him emphasize his intellect and candor - an extremely intelligent clinician who "gave me the facts without pulling punches." While he was noted as not being a primary care provider, several reviewers saw his blunt clarity as a strength for urgent care situations and a strong asset for the hospital's ED. The sentiment repeated across multiple encounters was that his experience and direct communication added substantial value to the care provided in emergent circumstances, a comfort for travelers who needed straightforward, evidence-based guidance.

There were also visits by patients who encountered kindness and speed in getting back to safety and comfort. One reviewer recounted arriving at the ER en route to another destination and being promptly escorted to the back with friendly, efficient care. The provider who assessed them offered plain-spoken explanations, and even if humor was part of the bedside manner - someone joked about not being a "real doctor" - the patient felt the support and knowledge were real, leading to a speedy improvement.

Another recurring theme was the sense of being treated like family. A number of patients described the care as genuinely compassionate, with ER staff and on-call doctors who took the time to explain procedures and medications, and to listen when someone was not feeling well. The small-town hospital setting was framed as a benefit - people remembered by name, acquaintances who made patients feel comfortable even during scary moments, and a culture where visits felt personal rather than transactional. This familial touch extended to everyday interactions - patients recounted seeing nurses in grocery stores who still asked after their well-being, reinforcing the impression that staff truly cared about the people in their community.

Yet, the same collection also contains multiple divergent and troubling experiences that paint a far more complicated picture. One traveler described the experience as the worst health care encounter of their life: after arriving with excruciating head pain, the care was slow to begin - "almost an hour before even a nurse stopped in" - and the doctor arrived not in scrubs but in regular clothes. The patient felt the care was mismanaged, with repeated questions and a lack of appropriate intervention, such as an IV, despite clear distress. Staff appeared unsure about what to do, and the overall impression was one of disengagement and delay. This account painted a scene of frustration and fear, leaving the patient to depart in worse shape than when they arrived.

A harsher posture toward the same facility appeared in another review that explicitly gave zero stars to the hospital and to Dr. Van Wormer. The writer claimed significant concerns about the quality of care, suggesting intoxication in the examined physician, poor communication, and a sense that the patient was not being taken seriously. They described a chain of perceived missteps - nurses lacking a grasp on care, misdiagnosis or failure to read imaging quickly, and even unprofessional behavior by staff who allegedly spoke poorly about the patient in front of others. The tone was accusatory and deeply dissatisfied, with a call to avoid the hospital unless absolutely necessary.

Other accounts delved into the social dynamics around care in Clayton. One reviewer suggested that, if you're not from the area, you can face resistance or suspicion - an impression that outsiders might have to "make it their own" to receive fair treatment. Complaints about the local culture included perceptions that the hospital would "make it real hard to live in the community" for those who didn't fit the in-crowd, and a sense that outsiders could be left feeling marginalized rather than supported. A separate account about the medical billing angle hinted at a broader frustration with regional ties influencing how care is perceived and received, emphasizing the tension between being a visitor and being a patient in a small town.

There were periods of particularly tense feedback as well, including reports of rude or dismissive nursing staff, and a perception that not all staff members were equally committed to patient comfort or timely pain management. In one instance, a patient described hearing nurses laugh and chat near the room as if discussing the patient's stated symptoms, which amplified the feeling of disrespect and eroded trust. Another review recounted a lack of clear instruction for post-care needs, such as proper boot use after a foot injury, and poor communication about tests and results - culminating in a sense that the patient was left without appropriate care or guidance. The pattern in these narratives suggests systemic strain, where individual moments of courtesy are offset by missed cues and a sense of disorganization.

Despite the breadth of negative experiences, there are still hopeful notes. A different visitor who stopped by Clayton's ER while traveling through reported a very positive and professional encounter: from the receptionist to the doctor, the team was described as friendly, competent, and efficient. After blood tests and X-rays, the individual learned there was nothing serious to worry about and left with a sense of reassurance and gratitude. This contrast highlights the variability in what patients experience - moments of human connection and clinical competence coexisting with episodes that feel procedural or impersonal.

Taken together, the array of reviews presents a complex portrait of care at UCGH and the surrounding emergency department ecosystem in this rural area. For some travelers and community members, the hospital represents a beacon of responsive, compassionate care delivered by skilled clinicians who blend honesty with empathy. For others, the same setting evokes frustration, miscommunication, and concerns about staffing, treatment consistency, and the interplay of local dynamics with patient needs. The recurring thread is clear: small-town emergency departments can be excellent, human-centered places of healing, but they can also expose gaps and tensions that leave patients feeling unseen or underserved. The overall takeaway is a reminder that even within a single hospital system, patient experiences can be profoundly varied depending on staff, time, and the particular circumstances bringing someone to the ED.

This part of Clayton, New Mexico, offers a convenient and peaceful environment for senior living. With multiple places of worship such as the First United Methodist Church and St Francis Xavier nearby, residents can find spiritual fulfillment. The proximity to Union County General Hospital provides easy access to healthcare services. Additionally, there are cafes like Rabbit Ears and Mock's Crossroads Coffee Mill for socializing over coffee, pharmacies such as City Drug Co. and Health Mart Pharmacy for medication needs, and restaurants like The Elklund and Wing Street for dining out. The Luna Theater offers entertainment options while U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer ensures convenient transportation options. For outdoor activities, Clayton City Park and Rita Blanca/Kiowa National Grassland offer opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Overall, this area of Clayton provides a well-rounded community with essential amenities for senior residents to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.

Places of Worship

• First United Methodist Church (0 miles)
• Clayton Church of God (0.1 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (0.2 miles)
• St Francis Xavier (0.4 miles)
• Seventh Day Adventist Church (0.5 miles)
• Clayton Gospel Church (0.5 miles)
• Harvest Baptist Church (0.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Union County General Hospital (0.1 miles)

Cafes

• Rabbit Ears (0.1 miles)
• Mock's Crossroads Coffee Mill (0.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• City Drug Co. (0.4 miles)
• Health Mart Pharmacy (0.4 miles)

Restaurants

• The Elklund (0.4 miles)
• Hotel Eklund (0.4 miles)
• Wing Street (0.6 miles)
• Pizza Hut (0.6 miles)
• 87 Restaurant (1 miles)

Theaters

• Luna Theater (0.4 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (0.5 miles)

Parks

• Clayton City Park (0.6 miles)
• Rita Blanca/Kiowa National Grassland (0.9 miles)