When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego
Why Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego stands as one of the largest and longest-established medical centers in California, offering a broad spectrum of health services that make it an excellent destination for friends and family in need of quality healthcare. Located centrally in the Hillcrest neighborhood, it provides convenient access to a wide range of essential medical services, including family-centered obstetric care, advanced orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular treatments, and minimally invasive surgeries. Its rich history dates back to 1890, growing from just five beds to a full-scale hospital renowned for combining state-of-the-art medical technology with compassionate patient care. The hospital also operates a Level I trauma center and offers 24-hour emergency services, ensuring patients receive timely and critical care around the clock. As a teaching hospital, it supports medical education and research, increasing the quality of care through continuous advancement in clinical knowledge. Moreover, Scripps Mercy is recognized for its commitment to serving all patients, including uninsured or underinsured populations, emphasizing a socially responsible approach to healthcare. Visitors to the hospital will find a welcoming environment, professional staff, and access to numerous outpatient centers, making it a trusted place to meet medical needs in a supportive atmosphere.
Here's what people think of Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego
As of recent, Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego holds a 3.2-star rating based on 677 reviews.
User reviews for Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego present a mixed picture, evidenced by an overall rating of 3.2 from 677 reviews. Patients frequently acknowledge the hospital’s skilled medical staff and the quality of advanced surgeries offered, highlighting its reputation for superior critical care and specialty treatment such as prostate surgery and cardiovascular services. Positive feedback often mentions the friendly and professional demeanor of healthcare providers, as well as the comprehensive availability of services including emergency care and outpatient programs. Reviewers also appreciate the hospital's efforts to support uninsured patients, reflecting its mission-driven service approach. On the other hand, negative reviews tend to focus on concerns such as long wait times, occasional communication issues, and inconsistencies in the administrative and patient experience aspects. Some patients express frustration with scheduling delays and coordination of care, which can detract from otherwise strong clinical outcomes. In conclusion, while Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego is widely respected for its medical expertise and range of services, some areas of patient service logistics and responsiveness could benefit from improvement to enhance overall satisfaction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Greg K
As a healthcare provider with 13 years in nursing and a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2012, I was deeply disappointed with my same-day surgery experience at Scripps Mercy Hospital. From the moment I arrived, the outpatient surgical center and waiting area felt unwelcoming, outdated, and lacking even basic amenities like water, coffee, or a vending machine. It was uncomfortable for my family and far from what a patient-focused environment should be. In pre-op, my nurse Tonya was outstanding, and both Dr. Hui (surgeon) and Dr. Hany Rayan (anesthesiologist) clearly explained the procedure and post-op expectations. I informed the team of my history with post-anesthesia nausea, vomiting, and shivering. They acknowledged these concerns and said they’d take preventive steps, which I appreciated. However, post-op was traumatizing. I couldn’t thermoregulate and experienced intense sweating, dizziness, and sedation so profound that I couldn't communicate beyond one-word responses. I panicked internally, convinced my temperature was dangerously high, but I couldn't speak. I recall being covered with ice packs by my nurse, who was excellent at reading my nonverbal cues. I believe I was given multiple doses of morphine, though I wasn’t informed of the specifics. Thankfully, my pain was managed, and I didn’t vomit. Despite being told I’d be discharged 1–2 hours after surgery, I wasn’t released until nearly 5 PM, and neither Dr. Hui nor Dr. Rayan checked on me in post-op. Upon discharge, I was still heavily sedated. My husband was shocked at my condition. There was no follow-up call the next day—nor at any point in the 10 days following surgery—from the surgical center, Dr. Hui, or Dr. Rayan. That lack of basic follow-up was appalling. When I checked my Scripps portal, the anesthesiologist's discharge note falsely claimed I was fully participating and that my vitals, including temperature, were normal—completely contradicting my condition. It read like a generic, copied template. I spent the night after surgery sweating profusely and changing soaked sheets. Fortunately, the worst symptoms eased by the next day. While I’m thankful they could accommodate my surgery quickly, I will not return to Scripps Mercy. The waiting room was grimy and uncomfortable, I was discharged in an unsafe state, and I received no follow-up care. If not for the pre-op and post-op nurses, this experience would have been far worse. Sadly, I cannot recommend this facility to others. Follow up: they said to reach out a week ago, I did promptly, and never heard back. Rating went down to a 1 Star.
Samuel Sanchez
From Oregon, stuck in San Diego for the moment and brought my wife here because she is 12 weeks pregnant. Aside from the case manager, Angelina who was great. The front desk and initial check in nurse were extremely rude to her. Basically told her situation wasn't an emergency. The doctors completely blew us off and set us up an appointment at a clinic they knew wouldn't take our Oregon insurance but gave us emergency insurance that also, ISN'T ACCEPTED AT A CLINIC. I ended up taking her to Sharp Hospital and guess what, my wife has a hemerage in which could have caused a miscarriage and this could've been found out 2 days before hand if Scripps Hospital doctors didn't completely disregard us in the first place. Also, we were checked in well before a few other patients but those patients whom were laughing and smiling and clearly weren't pregnant or in any dire emergency situation got attended to first. This hospital is horrible. The staff is stuck up. Heard nurses and doctors joking about other patients complaints and conditions. They did absolutely nothing for my pregnant wife. Do better.
Tracie Woodley
EMERGENCY ROOM- First HATS OFF to the 2 WONDERFUL COMPASSIONATE Security Guards working in the emergency room entrance on Wednesday 7/23/25! I was literally crying tears trying to walk into the emergency room, and both security guards welcomed me compassionately. My back was in the worst pain I had ever experienced. Upon leaving those same two security guards in the emergency room called a courtesy shuttle for me and the most kind, compassionate gentleman named Manuel ( I believe was his name) drove me to my car and I’m forever grateful. I feel I was not taken care of correctly. I am a Scripps member and I have nothing but great things to say about Scripps, but the emergency room at this hospital Treated me as if I were asking For drugs as a drug user. I am a 53-year-old lady who does not do drugs, and I was in the most excruciating pain of my life and all they did was offer me Tylenol, Advil, and some icy hot patches for my back. They Refused to take x-rays. I understand that can be expensive but to refuse x-rays when I’m literally crying and can barely walk in so much pain. I left the hospital more frustrated and angry than I did when I was in there. There was a nurse who I know was a diabetic herself - a young beautiful nurse or Practitioner who was so sweet and compassionate and administered a Muscle relaxer shot in my arm. I was blessed to receive her because It seemed like I was bothering everybody else. The doctors hardly spoke to me and were more interested in yelling at the man in my room about his recent drug use. I understand they are located downtown, but this was ridiculous and unlike any other emergency room I’ve ever visited in my life. There were no people in there upon my arrival and I will never go back no matter what.
Shayne Ellis
I want to preface that I loved the ER doctor, Dr. Jon Ludwig, who was on call that night 5/08/25. He was humble, validated the chronic problems I was experiencing for a while now, and he seemed like a genuinely good guy! But I absolutely hated the ER nursing staff there on 5/08/25, at least the ones I directly interacted with. They were rude, unhelpful, unprofessional and immature. I was right next to the nursing station from my room and I could see them during the 5+ hours I was there. They spent majority of the time gossiping about patients or going on their phones and sitting down to chit chat with each other. Only 1 of the nurses I saw there that night would get up frequently to check on their patients. Worst experience I’ve had with a nursing staff. Two of the nurses I had assigned to me (WHO ARE SHOWN IN THE PHOTO BELOW. THEY SPENT MAJORITY OF THEIR SHIFT IN THAT POSITION, SITTING DOWN, GOSSIPING, SCROLLING ON THEIR PHONES & WERE INCREDIBLY RUDE WHEN YOU TALKED TO THEM). I don’t know if they were having a bad day or were just lazy. Interacting with them and seeing what they did felt like the equivalent of dealing with mean high schoolers. They clearly seem to be in this field for the paycheck and nothing else. They do not care about their patients. They left my labs on the table for several hours before remembering to send them in. Which at the time didn’t bother me, but their bad, catty attitudes and laziness gave me reason to never want to come to this ER again. Rolling their eyes, clearly not wanting to do their job, even the bare minimum seemed to get them upset, getting frustrated at me when I winced at the pain from their poorly done IV insertion (MIND YOU THIS NURSE WAS NOT WEARING GLOVES EITHER). Proceeded to grab my arm and move it back and forth roughly and said it “Look you’re fine”. And when they went back to the nursing station, I could hear them complaining to their coworker and saying, “I was making a big deal out of it” (for simply wincing). The nurses I had belittled me for wanting a few clarifications about what procedures they were doing to me. Some of the worst patient care I’ve seen from nurses and this is coming from a healthcare worker. It’s a shame because the doctor was kind, competent, well informed, and he listened and addressed many of my concerns. The radiology tech who transferred me to get my CT scan had a great attitude too. I wish I got her name. But she had red hair and was really sweet, her, the other radiology tech there that night and Dr. Ludwig there made the experience I had there a little better!
Frank Russell
The team at the ER at Scripps Mercy did a wonderful job. They were very professional, caring, and went above and beyond what I was anticipating. Kudos to the doctors, interns, nurses, and other professionals on the team. I would highly recommend this ER if you ever have the need! Thank you! .
How to reach Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego
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Why Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally with your friends at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego? While a hospital might not be the first place that comes to mind for a social meetup, Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego has unique qualities that make it an interesting spot to rally around with friends and family, especially for gatherings centered on support, wellness, or community awareness. Located in the heart of Hillcrest, a vibrant San Diego neighborhood, this historic medical center provides a welcoming environment that can foster meaningful conversations about health, caregiving, and shared experiences. With its long-standing reputation since 1890, the hospital is not only a place for high-quality medical care but also a hub for education, community outreach, and support services. Whether your meetup is motivated by a desire to support a loved one, participate in a health-related event, or simply explore a central San Diego landmark together, Scripps Mercy provides a unique setting where friendship meets compassion and learning. Its proximity to local restaurants, shops, and clinics also means you can blend purposeful time at the hospital with casual social activities in the surrounding neighborhood.
What activities are available around Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego for group meetups? While the hospital itself primarily serves medical and emergency needs, its location in Hillcrest offers many convenient group activities to complement a hospital visit. After or during a visit, groups can explore the nearby dining options and cafés, perfect for casual social gatherings or reflective conversations. Hillcrest is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, from casual to upscale, providing ample opportunities for shared meals and catching up. The hospital grounds also include amenities such as a cafeteria, coffee carts, and a gift shop where small group members can grab refreshments or thoughtful gifts. For those interested in wellness, the hospital campus features pastoral counseling, meditation spaces, and nonclinical cancer support services, which can be inspiring settings for intimate group discussions or support meetups. Additionally, visitors can enjoy walking excursions around the neighborhood, experiencing local shops or parks, thereby turning any visit into a holistic outing that balances health and social interaction.
Why is Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego ideal for hosting group meetups focused on health and wellness? Scripps Mercy Hospital is not just a place for emergency care—it is a teaching hospital with a wide array of specialty services that make it valuable for groups focused on learning and wellness. For instance, its status as a Level I trauma center and provider of robotic surgeries highlights its advanced medical capabilities, which can be motivating topics for hospital tours or educational events that a group might organize. The hospital also offers patient navigation and consultation services, including meditation and pastoral care, which help foster emotional and spiritual wellness—making it a thoughtful venue for support groups or wellness seminars. Even though primarily a healthcare facility, the hospital’s open visiting hours from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. provide a flexible window for group visits to patients or participation in community-support activities. Meeting here allows groups to witness firsthand the integration of cutting-edge medical care with compassionate community outreach, making it a place of inspiration and shared empathy.
How does Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego’s accessibility and facilities support group visits? Situated at 4077 5th Avenue in the Hillcrest neighborhood, Scripps Mercy Hospital is centrally located with easy access for locals and visitors alike. The hospital campus is walkable from many nearby restaurants and shops, allowing groups to combine purposeful hospital visits with socializing nearby. Parking is available in an adjacent multilevel structure, with options including free parking for the first 30 minutes and reasonable daily rates, making it convenient and affordable for group visitors who may spend the day on campus. Additionally, valet parking is available, and disabled visitors can receive parking validation, ensuring accessibility for all group members. Inside, amenities such as the cafeteria and coffee carts serve as practical meeting points for groups needing a quick refreshment. The hospital also provides spiritual care services and gift shops, adding thoughtful touches to visits with loved ones. Overall, these features make it logistically simple and accommodating for friends or family to rally together.
What makes the surrounding Hillcrest neighborhood around Scripps Mercy Hospital a perfect extension for group meetups? Hillcrest is one of San Diego’s most lively and inclusive neighborhoods, renowned for its diverse culinary scene, boutique shops, and welcoming atmosphere. When groups gather at Scripps Mercy Hospital, they benefit from the hospital’s prime location within walking distance of many social amenities. After spending time inside the hospital for visits or support activities, groups can transition easily to nearby restaurants offering everything from casual breakfast spots to sophisticated dinner venues. Beyond dining, Hillcrest offers vibrant local shops and parks that provide excellent venues for outdoor group activities like walking tours or casual strolls. This blend of healthcare and neighborhood vibrancy creates a unique combination where purposeful healthcare interaction can be balanced with relaxed socializing, making Scripps Mercy and Hillcrest an excellent duo for any group gathering.
What specialty services and unique features at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego appeal to groups interested in healthcare topics? The hospital is a leader in multiple specialty areas, including urology, heart attack and heart failure care, stroke treatment, and cancer surgery, with national recognition from U.S. News & World Report in these programs. Groups interested in healthcare education or patient advocacy will find these specialties compelling for organizing educational sessions, discussions, or tours. The presence of the Woltman Family College Building on campus, repurposed to provide cancer support services such as pastoral counseling and meditation, offers a unique, supportive environment that could benefit groups needing spiritual or emotional healing spaces. Furthermore, the hospital’s comprehensive emergency services—including its Conrad Prebys Emergency and Trauma Center—highlight the importance of trauma care and community preparedness, which could be topics for health awareness meetups. These offerings underscore the potential of Scripps Mercy to serve not just as a healthcare provider, but as a center for community health education and group engagement.
Why is Scripps Mercy Hospital’s long history important for those considering it for group gatherings? Established in 1890, Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego is the oldest medical center in the area, carrying a rich heritage of service to the community. This historical significance gives it a sense of stability and tradition that can be meaningful for groups that want to connect with the city’s medical and cultural history. The hospital’s longstanding commitment to serving uninsured and underinsured patients reflects its dedication to inclusivity and compassion, values likely shared by social or support groups. Groups interested in the history of healthcare or in supporting community health might find value in convening at a place with such a deep legacy. Additionally, the historic architecture and campus features, such as the century-old Woltman Family College Building, contribute to a unique visiting experience that combines modern medicine with a sense of historical continuity.
What amenities does Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego offer that enhance comfort and convenience for group visitors? The hospital is equipped with several amenities that facilitate a pleasant visit: an on-site ATM, multiple dining options including a cafeteria and coffee carts, and a gift shop for purchasing thoughtful presents. These features prove handy for groups who might spend extended time on campus, offering convenient access to refreshments and essentials without needing to leave the premises. The hospital also provides spiritual care services, which can add a comforting dimension for groups rallying in support of loved ones or celebrating milestones related to health recovery. Visiting hours from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. provide flexibility for groups to coordinate their visits around busy schedules. Together, these amenities reflect a thoughtful approach to visitor needs, making it easier for groups to focus on their purpose while enjoying a degree of comfort.
How does Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego support group meetups linked to healthcare emergencies and trauma? The hospital hosts the Conrad Prebys Emergency and Trauma Center, a Level I trauma facility operating 24/7 to provide critical emergency care to the San Diego community. This makes the hospital a natural focal point for groups involved in emergency preparedness, trauma support, or healthcare training. The trauma center's leadership and advanced capabilities could serve as a powerful backdrop for groups seeking to raise awareness about trauma care or to hold educational workshops. The hospital's well-organized parking and visitor services further support group logistics, ensuring those rallying together can access the hospital easily even in busy neighborhood conditions. Knowing they are close to one of the best trauma centers in the region can give groups peace of mind during visits related to urgent health matters or support activities.
What considerations should groups keep in mind when planning visits or meetups at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego? Because the hospital is located in a busy urban neighborhood, those planning group visits should allow extra travel time to navigate traffic and find parking. While parking is available onsite with reasonable fees and validation options, the hospital’s location means groups should coordinate transport carefully, especially for larger gatherings. Since Scripps Mercy functions primarily as a medical facility, it’s essential that group visit purposes respect patient privacy and hospital policies around visiting hours and conduct. Ideally, groups interested in wellness or support activities should contact the hospital ahead of time to arrange appropriate spaces or services, ensuring a smooth and respectful experience. Overall, thoughtful scheduling and consideration of the hospital’s core mission will help groups make the most of their visit.
How can groups leverage Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego’s resources for support and recovery meetups? The hospital’s integrated approach to patient care extends to community and family support, including nonclinical cancer support, pastoral counseling, meditation, and family consultation services offered through facilities like the Woltman Family College Building. Groups focused on health recovery, caregiving, or emotional support can find these resources invaluable for creating a compassionate environment conducive to healing and connection. Access to patient navigation and resource libraries can also empower groups to better understand healthcare journeys and share practical advice. Organizing meetups around these services can deepen group bonds and provide tangible benefits beyond simple socializing. This makes Scripps Mercy Hospital much more than a clinical setting—it becomes a community partner in health and wellbeing.
What makes Scripps Mercy Hospital uniquely positioned within San Diego's healthcare landscape for group engagement? As San Diego County’s longest-established medical center, Scripps Mercy Hospital combines cutting-edge care with a dedication to inclusivity, making it a uniquely trustworthy place for groups needing comprehensive health services and support. Recognized nationally for excellence in several specialties, it offers a credible and inspiring setting for groups interested in healthcare advocacy, education, or wellness. The hospital’s proximity to the diverse Hillcrest neighborhood, its balance of historical significance, and progressive treatment options create an unparalleled environment for groups to feel connected both to the local community and to the broader mission of health. This combination of heritage, innovation, and accessibility provides groups with a multi-dimensional experience rooted in care, community, and collaboration.