MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Emergency Room - Laguna Hills, California

Neil L.

I've been to a great number of emergency rooms as a first responder and a civilian, and I can tell you that my recent experience at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center ER was less than favorable.

My wife had a medical emergency and I accompanied her to the ER. First off, the ER waiting room had nowhere to sit. My wife and I had to share a seat, which was annoying.

Mind you, while I squeezed into a shared seat built for one there was a homeless woman camped out in the corner in a chair, which she never left during the entire night. Security apparently didn't care, and it was obvious she wasn't a patient.

If anyone from the hospital cares to follow up on this area of concern, the homeless woman can be seen on your hospital security footage from at least 8:00 pm on 1/29/25 until 7:00 am on 1/30/24, along with three security guards hanging out by the front door.

The triage time took hours, and my guess is there was either a staffing issue in the ER or the operation wasn't working smoothly as it should have.

Once assigned a bed in the emergency room things didn't move any more efficiently. Sure, people did their jobs, but they also were terrible at checking the patient, providing information or verbal updates, and they seemed to purposely look the other way as they passed by the patient's bed.

If you needed help, like being detached from monitors to go to the restroom, you needed to hail one of the employees skirting by.

Sure, in the end you get the medical attention you need, but at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Emergency Room, you're likely to ride a bumpy and uncomfortable road getting there.

Maryam F.

This ER and hospital are truly exceptional, with some of the best medical personnel I’ve ever encountered. While the check-in process can be challenging—especially with the front desk staff who lack empathy and come across as robotic—everything changes once you get past that stage. From then on, it’s nothing but angels caring for patients.

The medical staff go above and beyond, not only addressing physical health but also providing incredible emotional and mental support. I am deeply grateful to have such a dedicated and compassionate facility just 10 minutes from my home. Thank you for being there when I needed it most.

Beth M.

I have been to the ER Department twice in the past 3 months. Both experiences were very good! Very impressed with the staff, doctors, and nurses, who were all attentive and addressed my issues. From the time I was checked in to the time I left was not that long - of course, I may have just gotten lucky and the ER was not that busy! But it is an ER room, and at times they can be really busy, so one needs a lot of patience when going to an Emergency Room.

Bill C.

This was the worst experience I have ever had. I arrived in agony at 3:40 pm. Severe attack of Adult Abdominal Migraine Syndrome. They knew nothing about it. I have had many prior attacks and I knew what I needed. IV Promethazine. I waited in the lobby for one hour waiting for a room. Then waited for the doctor to see me. It wasn’t until 8:00pm that I saw a doctor. Then found out they didn’t have IV Promethazine. I finally got some relief at around 9 pm. I waited over 5 hours for any help. They do not have enough staff, waiting times are absurd. I’m telling everyone I know to avoid Saddleback emergency at all cost.

Arash Z.

Very clean facility, well equipped, and kind staff. We waited for sometime as they prioritized patients with more severe conditions. AMANDA, a nurse in ER, was so kind and caring. She made sure we are well informed and taken care of.

Joanne H.

The outpatient radiology imaging center is really nice. Chris at the front desk is super friendly and helpful. And our CT technologist Kristi is very patient with great expertise, we really appreciate it!

Nicholas K.

Buddha statues displayed blasphemously in the Gift Shop as decor to sell scented soaps, hand sanitizers, etc. Christian icons are sold in back in a sacred corner. But the faith of Buddhist patients is treated with contempt at this hospital. Would the hospital use Jesus statues in such a way? Heck no! And the manager was dismissive when I tried to tell her my feelings about these displays of Buddha as a Garden Gnome.
Also, this hospital has UNVACCINATED staff working onsite - see photo.

Lindsey S.

Do not waste your time and money on this hospital!! Wait times are atrocious, but I can forgive that as I understand ER’s can be incredibly busy. The way I was treated by my nurse and the lack of care or treatment from my doctor, I cannot excuse. Every question I had was met with such horrible attitude and condemnation, I would’ve rather stayed home in pain than ever have come to this hospital. I was yelled at, and had the door slammed in my face for simply wanting more information on a treatment that the doctor himself said would “probably not show anything important anyway.” I did not feel safe in the hands of the staff and wasted 5 hours of my life, uncomfortable and in pain to only receive a basic medication. Please choose somewhere else!!