Encino Hospital Medical Center
Save16237 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA 91436
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Encino Hospital's emergency department elicits a wide range of experiences, from moments of genuine care and professional responsiveness to episodes of frustration, fear, and perceived neglect. Across the many accounts, patients describe a setting where outcomes seem to hinge as much on which staff members are on duty and how long the wait is as on the medical conditions themselves. Some visitors paint a picture of a facility that can shine when its team is aligned and attentive, while others recount painful, frightening, and even unsafe experiences that leave lasting impressions well after discharge.
A recurring theme in the negative reports is the sheer and distressing delay before receiving attention. Several people describe arriving by ambulance or as walk-ins only to wait for hours with significant symptoms - nausea, severe pain, dizziness, and other urgent concerns - before any meaningful assessment or treatment. One narrative details waiting from around 10:20 p.m. to 3:15 a.m. in a waiting area, with little visible concern from staff. The experience is not limited to a single shift or patient; another reviewer recalls waiting from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., told to wait in a small, cramped room and given the impression that care would come only when staff could fit it in. The sentiment that triage or intake processes can feel cold or perfunctory, even when patients are in obvious distress, echoes across multiple stories, including complaints about being told, effectively, that care would come "when we can" and that ambulance transport somehow conferred priority that did not always translate into faster attention for others waiting nearby.
Rudeness and insensitivity from some staff members also color these accounts. Several patients describe encounters with a nurse who was directly involved in intake as rude or unprofessional, and in one particularly striking case, a nurse in a separate incident mocked a patient in severe pain and refused to enter the room when requested. Language used in the moment - such as dismissive remarks about the patient's pain or past visits - contributes to a perception that the ER environment was unsafe or unsupportive, especially for individuals already vulnerable due to their medical conditions. In a troubling episode, a patient who asked for a different nurse and for medical relief was discharged after being made to sign paperwork, only to seek care elsewhere and be diagnosed with a serious condition that could have worsened had they stayed. These stories reinforce a pattern in which patients feel degraded, ignored, or forced to endure prolonged suffering.
There are also specific, deeply troubling incidents that people recount with particular clarity. One patient's experience centers on an ovarian pain episode where the nurse, identified as Claudine, mocked the patient in tears, refused to come into the room, and jabbed roughly with a shot while making dismissive comments about stomach pain. The nurse's demeanor, coupled with a discharge that left the patient still in pain, is described as unsafe and negligent, especially because a subsequent visit to another hospital revealed a ruptured ovarian cyst. The patient was told that such neglect happens more often than it should, underscoring a fear that emotional abuse and indifference can coexist with medical care in a way that jeopardizes safety.
There is also frustration around certain preventive or ancillary actions, such as a patient bitten by a dog seeking a rabies post-exposure shot. In that case, the doctor's decision not to administer the shot due to the perceived very low likelihood of rabies led to a prolonged, five-hour wait with no resolution, leaving the patient anxious and unsatisfied with the risk assessment when there was still a possibility - however uncertain - of exposure. These anecdotes highlight gaps not just in acute care, but in risk communication and patient reassurance during high-stress encounters.
On the other side of the ledger, several reviews offer strikingly positive counterpoints. In some cases, the emergency department is praised for rapid assessment and expert care. One patient described a team that worked swiftly to identify the source of lower-left abdominal pain, with a CT scan revealing a small kidney stone lodged in the ureter. The report emphasizes a cohesive effort by doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, lab staff, and even janitorial personnel who contributed to a three-day care experience that felt thorough and competent. Pacing, bedside manner, and clear explanations helped transform a painful episode into a recovery period that felt well managed. In another positive vignette, a patient lauds the entire staff's professionalism and camaraderie, noting that the department's teamwork and the seeming ease with which the patient was guided through testing and treatment left them impressed with Encino Hospital.
Specific names surface repeatedly in the praise, underscoring that exceptional experiences often hinge on the presence of certain clinicians and nurses. Dr. Herman, and colleagues including Dr. Ohn and Dr. Valentine Lee, receive thanks for their knowledge and personable approach. In a sequence of appreciations, patients highlight the care they received from these physicians as well as supportive nursing staff - such as Sepi and Gracie - who helped stabilize and reassure patients during visits. The X-ray technician Bronski is remembered for making a painful process as comfortable as possible and for obtaining the necessary images quickly and efficiently. In these cases, the care feels not only technically proficient but also compassionate, with a sense that the patient could trust the team handling their injury or ailment.
Beyond individual clinicians, some reviews acknowledge a hospital culture that can feel homey and organized, with patients expressing comfort in the environment and the sense that the staff are well-trained and committed to patient welfare. Commenters point to efficient handling by certain teams, a well-functioning admission process, and a general impression that the hospital has the capacity to deliver excellent care when it is at its best. People often frame these experiences as a contrast to the more problematic encounters, suggesting that Encino Hospital's emergency department is capable of the highest standards, even if those standards are not consistently realized for every patient or on every shift.
Taken together, the narratives paint a picture of an emergency department with significant variability in patient experience. Some patients leave the ER feeling heard, respected, and adequately treated - often praising the expertise of specific doctors and the empathetic actions of certain nurses and technicians. Others depart frustrated, in pain, or feeling unsafe due to long wait times, perceived indifference, or concerning interactions with staff. The strongest common threads point to the need for improved triage efficiency, better staff communication, more consistent compassionate care, and ongoing attention to safety and patient dignity. In the end, Encino Hospital's ER appears to be a place where excellence is possible - and where failures to meet basic expectations can be strikingly harmful to those who come through its doors.
Encino Hospital Medical Center, located in Encino, CA, offers a comprehensive assisted living community for seniors in need of extra support and care. With a range of amenities and care services, residents can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.
The community features fully furnished accommodations with cable or satellite TV and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access, allowing residents to stay connected and entertained at all times. Residents also have access to a dining room where they can enjoy delicious meals prepared by the skilled kitchen staff. Special dietary restrictions are accommodated to ensure everyone's needs are met.
Encino Hospital Medical Center provides 24-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Medication management is also available to ensure residents receive their prescribed medications on time. A mental wellness program is offered to promote emotional well-being among residents.
Residents have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities designed to enhance their quality of life. Resident-run activities help foster a sense of community while scheduled daily activities provide entertainment and engagement for all residents.
The location of Encino Hospital Medical Center offers convenience with many amenities nearby. Cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship, and theaters are just a short distance away. This allows residents to easily access any additional services or recreational opportunities they may desire.
Overall, Encino Hospital Medical Center's assisted living community provides a comfortable living environment with top-notch care services and amenities that cater to the unique needs of each resident.
This part of Encino, California offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With multiple pharmacies like CVS and Valley Drug & Compounding nearby, access to necessary medications and healthcare supplies is readily available. There are also a variety of dining options ranging from fast food chains like McDonald's to sit-down restaurants like Chili's Grill & Bar. In terms of recreational activities, seniors can enjoy parks such as Lake Balboa Park and the Encino Bike Path for outdoor exercise and relaxation. Medical care is easily accessible with nearby physicians at Southern California Orthopedic Institute and the Mid-Valley Comprehensive Health Center. Transportation options include the Van Nuys Airport and the FlyAway Bus Terminal to LAX for any travel needs. Additionally, cafes like Starbucks provide cozy spots for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. Places of worship such as St Michael & All Angels cater to spiritual needs, while hospitals like Kaiser Permanente Emergency offer peace of mind in case of medical emergencies. Overall, this area provides a mix of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment in Encino.
Encino Hospital Medical Center is located at 16237 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA 91436 in Los Angeles County, California
Encino Hospital Medical Center on seniors.fyi includes 19 photos including images showing healthcare, building, architecture, interior, living room, exterior, parking, lobby, and more.
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