Tazewell Community Hospital

Pros

• The staff at the hospital have a good attitude and are helpful.
• The Veterans Clinic housed at the facility is great.
• The hospital saved a life.
• The ER staff were polite, helpful, and listened to patients.
• The greeter and registration staff were kind, efficient, and non-judgmental.
• Administration should be proud of the caring staff.
• The ER team and other hospital staff were professional, kind, and accommodating.

Cons

• The reviewer would not recommend the facility to anyone.
• The operation is described as absolutely ridiculous; the reviewer says not to bother going.
• The reviewer states they encountered a ruder ER doctor.
• The reviewer claims Carilion could care less about the rural community.
• The hospital totally missed what was wrong with their son.
• The phlebotomist bragged about sticking another patient and was rude.
• The staff is described as very unprofessional and rude to patients.
• The ER had no pillows for almost 10 hours, causing misery.
• The reviewer says it's about the money and not about caring for patients, and that the hospital isn't worth the land or money.

Review

This small rural hospital sits in the middle of a tight-knit region and is often described as the "little hospital that could." It's notable for housing a Veterans Clinic, which many local residents praise as a real asset for active service members and veterans alike. Reviewers acknowledge that the facility doesn't have the same level of resources as larger urban hospitals, but they frequently compliment the spirit and dedication they see from the staff. There's a recurring sense that the people who work here care deeply about their community and try to make the most of what they have.

On the positive side, a thread runs through many comments about the staff's attitude and bedside manner. Several patients testify that the people they encountered were friendly, caring, and willing to go the extra mile within the hospital's limitations. There are memories of compassionate actions, respectful communication, and competent care that left people feeling valued as patients and as human beings. One patient even wrote, "They saved my life!" and others echoed similar sentiments about being treated with kindness, which stands out in the midst of the facility's constraints. The veterans program is repeatedly singled out as a meaningful benefit, reinforcing the sense that this hospital serves an important role for its community.

But the experiences aren't uniformly positive, and many reviews carry strong warnings. A number of people describe a frustrating and disheartening pattern of care, ranging from perceived incompetence to what they see as an underinformed approach to diagnosis. One account laments a "ridiculous operation" and an ER doctor who seemed unfriendly, suggesting that the facility could be doing more to listen, test appropriately, and engage with patients rather than rush through care. Another reviewer alleges a misdirected focus on more central organizational goals, accusing the hospital of prioritizing revenue over patient care, and expressing a belief that rural patients aren't being adequately served.

There are several vivid anecdotes of concerning interactions in the ER. One patient arrived with numbness on an arm and a history of a stroke, only to feel that the doctor focused on back pain instead of the potential for another stroke, which led to dissatisfaction and a decision never to return. Another report describes a phlebotomist who bragged about sticking another patient and dismissed a different patient's request for help, leaving the impression that some staff interactions could be improved dramatically. There's also a troubling recollection of a triage experience where a male staff member, reportedly off-duty in some sense, was seen in a bathroom stall when the patient needed care, which tainted that visit for the patient and their family.

Yet there are consistently complementary stories of care that did go well. In a case of rapid assessment for a heart rate issue, patients describe being brought back quickly, monitored with machines, and given thorough testing for heart attack risk, anemia, and clots. The staff's attentiveness and willingness to adapt - such as respecting a patient's preference to avoid an IV unless necessary - made a difference and left a lasting impression of professionalism. Similarly, a patient who visited the ER with a family member noted that the staff were helpful, kind, and attentive, which reinforced confidence that the hospital can provide quality care when things align positively.

There are strong testimonials about the hospital's humanity and the way staff treat people in genuinely difficult moments. A story about a relative with severe illness and COVID-related pneumonia highlights a team that was nonjudgmental, empathetic, and thorough from admission through discharge. The patient's family member emphasizes that the care felt personal and respectful, with clear communication and a sense that the staff valued the person behind the illness. Another account praises the admission-to-discharge process, noting that the entire team - reception, ER doctors, nurses, radiology, and records personnel - worked with kindness and professionalism, making what's often a scary experience feel more manageable.

The hospital's limitations and challenges are also plainly acknowledged. A common thread points to long wait times and logistical hurdles, especially when transfers to larger Carilion facilities are necessary. One patient describes enduring a lengthy ER wait (nearly ten hours) without adequate pillows, leaving pain and discomfort unaddressed as they awaited transport to a larger hospital for a needed procedure. There are also critiques about triage efficiency, delays in getting crucial imaging or care, and the frustration of feeling like other patients with shorter or different needs were prioritized. A caregiver who sought care for a child reports a concerning misdiagnosis for a fever and respiratory symptoms, underscoring the risk of missteps in pediatric emergencies.

In sum, the experiences at this facility reflect a nuanced balance between skillful, compassionate care and serious, sometimes systemic, shortcomings. Many people praise the staff's dedication, the presence of a Veterans Clinic, and moments of truly life-saving or life-preserving treatment. They also point to real areas needing improvement: clearer diagnosis and communication, better training and professionalism among some staff, more consistent triage and patient flow, improved comfort for patients during long waits, and a renewed focus on patient-centered care rather than external pressures. This hospital clearly plays a vital role in its community, and the breadth of experiences - ranging from deeply positive to deeply frustrating - speaks to a facility navigating the realities of limited resources while striving to do right by the people it serves.

This part of Tazewell, Virginia, offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking to settle in the area. From convenient dining options such as Bulldog Kreamery and El Mariachi Restaurant, to pharmacies like Olde Virginia Pharmacy and Four Way Pharmacy nearby, residents can easily access essential resources. Additionally, there are several places of worship in close proximity for those seeking spiritual community and support. The presence of healthcare facilities like Tazewell Family Health and Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital ensures that medical needs are met locally. Transportation options provided by U-Haul Neighborhood Dealers offer convenience for travel or moving purposes. Nearby parks such as Lincolnshire Park and Pinnacle Rock State Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure. Overall, this area presents a well-rounded environment with a range of services suitable for senior living.

Restaurants

• Bulldog Kreamery (0 miles)
• Long John Silver's (0.3 miles)
• Hardee's (0.6 miles)
• El Mariachi Restaurant (0.7 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (0.8 miles)
• Wendy's (0.9 miles)
• Pizza Hut (0.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Cross Point Ministries (0 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (0.2 miles)
• Apostolic Assembly of Christ (0.3 miles)
• Tazewell Family Worship Center (0.4 miles)
• Tazewell Christian Church (1.1 miles)
• Apostolic Assembly of Jesus Christ (1.2 miles)
• Tazewell OutReach Ministries. Jesus Warriors (1.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Olde Virginia Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Four Way Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Hayes Drug (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Hayes Drug (2.5 miles)
• Amerisource Bergen Drug (13.5 miles)

Physicians

• Tazewell Family Health (0.1 miles)
• Shrader W Eric MD (0.5 miles)
• Allergy And Asthma Center Of Bluefield PC (13.2 miles)
• The Clinic (14.9 miles)
• Sideline Orthopedics And Sports Medicine (15.4 miles)
• Miracle-Ear Hearing Aid Center (15.4 miles)
• Naeem A Qazi (16.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital (0.5 miles)
• Clinch Valley Medical Center (13.3 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (0.7 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (1.7 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.1 miles)
• New Horizon Taxidermy (8.8 miles)

Parks

• Lincolnshire Park (7.2 miles)
• Poplar Gap Park (8 miles)
• Playground (14.8 miles)
• Graham Square (15.4 miles)
• Bluefield Gazebo (15.4 miles)
• Pinnacle Rock State Park (16.2 miles)
• Bowen Field (16.2 miles)

Cafes

• War Coffee Shop (15.9 miles)