Lakes Region Hospitals and Clinics
 

What are the hospitals in the lakes region like for people that live in the area? Do they have good trauma units? How about diagnosis and chronic care? Is Dartmouth Hitchcock the better alternative? Also wondering what folks in the Moultonboro area do in an emergency? Wolfeboro and Laconia are at 30-45 minutes away. Is there any clinic more nearby?

I started this thread for three reasons... first, I misread the recent thread about the Wolfeboro Hospital Fair question as a "fair question about the Wolfeboro hospital", and am curious. :D Second, if I ever need to get me or someone else to a hospital fast, I don't know where to go. Quality is unknown and distances are far. Last, as I plan to move to Moultonboro full-time and "geezer issues" catch up with me, I want to know what my options are.

Good Question
 

Lg,

My vacation home is in Moultonborough as well. I have had the fortune when I or someone in the family has need medical attention had the time to get to Laconia. Where in my opinion we have always gotten great treatment. Also with what I have witnessed the emergancy 911 service seem to work really well in the area. We have had a few emergancies on my road and someone always seem to get there very quickly.....

Response time by the police,fire and medical personal in town is excellent. A close relative who lives next door has needed help on two different occations. It really is impressive how fast help arrives. The last time was life threatening and he was transported to the lakes region hospital in Laconia. We were with him through the whole experience and I would not hesitate to use them again if needed. I also know they will med. flight you to Dartmouth if they do not have the expertise to provide the care you need.

I have lived in Moultonborough for 4 years. The first year I was here my Dad became ill while visiting. The response time by the town's emergency personnel was outstanding, and Dad's care at Lakes Region General Hospital was exceptional - not only from the specialist assigned to his case but also the nurses - I was just blown away by their absolute kindness to Dad, support to our family, medical competence, etc. - you just could not ask for anything better - you want the patient lovingly and carefully cared for, but when they also make sure that as the family you're taken care of and are well informed too - that's invaluable. Indeed, I heard one family say their father got better care at LRGH than at Mass General. I continue to go there for my medical needs (the adjacent medical building) and to the hospital for tests, etc. The same degree of caring exists there today as well. Rest assured!

Good to know others are thinking about this.
 

Later this summer my father (86), my siblings, and I are returning to Lake Winnipesaukee after nearly 50 years. It's his wish to spend another summer in a place holding fond memories for all of us (though, we all know that the Lake has changed over the decades).

We're renting a house on Whortleberry Island, accessible only by boat, as you undoubtedly know. He's healthy, living alone, ambulatory, still drives his car, etc. But, what if something happens. Anyone with a perspective on emergency care for those living 20 minutes from shore? Any advise will be appreciated. We have a power boat.

Thanks

Lakes Region ER
 

We've used the emergency room and walk-in facility at Lakes Region Hospital several times. While our medical issues have been relatively minor, we have been pleased with the treatment received. Short wait, pleasant staff and good docs.

Island emergancies
 

Kylie,

Some years back there was an incident I know of on an island, and what ended up happening was that a call was placed to 911 and and ambulance was dispatched to 19 mile Bay, and the the injured individual was put into a boat by the family and rushed to meet the ambulance at the dock. I believe there was some talk of sending a police or fire boat to the island, but in the interest of time in this particular case, and because the family had the ability to do so, the person was transported on a personal vessel.........

My point here I guess is that EMS knows the area, and is able to deal with the issue.....and in the case I know of, was able to work through and come up with the best plan to get the injured person to help as quick as possible.

We live up here almost half the year and have had occasion to us Lakes Regional and several associated physicians. The care and the service have been excellent and, as a retired physician, I may look at things a little differently. Dartmouth- Hitchcock is an excellent referral source for consulatation and, although 2 hours away, our care there has also been first-rate and efficient.

Kylie
 

We also had a family reunion at the lake several years ago with my 90 year old father. He had spent most of his summers as a young man on Sandy Island at the Boston YMCA camp. We also spent summers at the lake while we were kids growing up in New Jersey. We took Dad on the Sophie C so he could see Sandy Island once again. Dad died the following January. How happy we were to spend that last summer with him at the lake he loved. Enjoy your Dad and the special time you will have.

I know this is ancedotal but I just don't want you to think that with all the praises that Lakes Region General is without problems.

My father (80) recently fell and was taken to Lakes Region via ambulance. He was later sent back to his residence. Later in the evening the nurses sent him back to the hospital because he was in intolerable pain.

That's when we found out that during his first trip to Lakes Region earlier in the day, they decided an 80 year old man who fell on his hip did NOT warrant x-rays! None were taken until the nurse sent him back via ambulance the second time that evening.

Several health care professionals I spoke with following that incident expressed concern and had similar stories to tell me.

All hospitals have issues, but I just don't want you thinking that the facility in Laconia is on par with Dartmouth-Hitchcock or Mass General.

Again, my story is anecdotal, but from what I can see its an adequate primary hospital but if something serious happens go to Lebanon or Boston.

For those on the southeast end of the lake, Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester is also a good option. My parents were both treated there for life threatening issues. Their treatment was great and both are well.

http://www.frisbiehospital.com/index.asp

Advice from an ol' native.........if it's serious....go to Hitchcock!

LAkes Region was good to us.
 

Hitchcock is a pretty far drive across the state to Hanover from the lakes region isn't it?

We are on Long Island - so its a split between Huggins and Lakes Region as they are equal in distance and time.

Our 4 year old fell and gashed her head right above her left eye - lots of blood, screams, and a very puffy eye. Not a nice situation when you are supposed to be having fun at the lake.

We drove straight to Lakes Region - called ahead so they knew we were on our way with a 4 year old, and they were all set for us when we arrived, took us in right away - gave us fabulous treatment - and the Doctor was great! Stiched her up in no time and we were back home and out on the boat that afternoon! She has a scar - but its not bad at all - barely noticeable and for a girl - a scar on the face is not something you want! Lakes Region gets our thumbs up!:)

I totally agree,wildwoodfam. The emergency care is excellent.as are most services....went there,myself last year with a couple of broken ribs.I'm suggesting that if you need spine surgery, a transplant or some real serious treatment,that Hitchcock is a teaching hospital,affiliated with Dartmouth college.They have unlimited funding,a national reputation and some of the best doctors in the country.

...and what if you can't get someone to the boat?
 

Living on an island... up three flights of stairs and ramps... how does that kind of emergency get handled? (Rattlesnake Island)

IG

Fortunately, Wolfeboro and Alton have Fire boats, and they can bring a "Stokes" litter (wire basket thingee) to carry the patient down. Alton does it on Mt Major as necessary (another reason to give our firefighters and EMT's a tip of the hat when you see them).