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The Waiting Room

(81)IMDb 7.01 h 22 min2012NR

The Waiting Room is a riveting look at a public hospitalÕs overtaxed ER in Oakland, California. A poignant blend of humor and drama, the film offers an ultimately uplifting look at the struggle and determination of one community and one hospital.

Starring: Demia Bruce Carl Connelly Eric Cyganik Morgan

Genres: Special Interest Documentary

Subtitles: English [CC]

Audio languages: English

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Directors: Peter Nicks

Supporting actors: Asia Daniella Cyganik Nicole Douglas David English Jocelyn Garrick Aaron Harriesmore…Cynthia JohnsonDavelo LujuanLiz LynchMatthew RehrerAmandeep SinghGlenn TerryDouglas WhiteRicka White-Soso

Producers: Linda Davis

Studio: Open'hood, inc

Rating: Not Rated

Purchase rights: Stream instantly Details

Format: Prime Video (streaming online video)

Devices: Available to watch on supported devices

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1 star		11%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Kalikiano Kalei

An excellent documentary about Oakland's (CA) Highland General Hospital

Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2019

Verified Purchase

I had the privilege of working at Alameda County's (Oakland, CA) hospital & clinical complex for a number of years in the 70s & 80s and greatly enjoyed the material & content of this video documentary. In a secondary context, this film brings into sharp focus the extreme difficulties met in bringing basic healthcare to 'medically indigent' individuals, just as it highlights the exponentially growing challenges brought to bear on public funding programs by recipients who in many cases suffer from substance addictions (who may be illegal immigrants or simply economically impoverished) or substance related mental health issues. Do not miss this film if you are a concerned, active and involved medical professional who recognises the need for astute future public health insurance policies. As for the front-line employees of the Alameda County Healthcare System, they ALL deserve a medical medal of honor for duty above and beyond the call!

One person found this helpful

Helpful

A gut wrenching and very timely film, revealing challenges faced by uninsured patients in one hospital ER

Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2013

Verified Purchase

Behind all the debates on health care reform lies the reality of people who are both very sick and uninsured. The Waiting Room shows the faces of those patients - and the doctors and caregivers who strive to help them. This documentary was shot in the emergency room at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California but the same harsh reality plays out in emergency rooms all across the country.

The film is undeniably grim but also surprisingly inspiring. There is no sermonizing by the filmmakers. Instead, they step back and let viewers come to their own conclusions as they hear the words and see the faces of often desperately ill people. They also glimpse the calm and steadying care of doctors who know they can only do so much. There is no false or heightened drama here.

Perhaps that is because there is is drama enough watching those forced to seek treatment in the ER. The young man who was scheduled for urgent surgery -until a medical center learned he had no insurance. Now he is waiting for assistance in Highland's emergency room. There is is a young girl with a raging fever and a tongue so swollen she can't speak. He father always had a job but now is unemployed and his family has no regular medical care.

I was moved to tears by the heartbreaking and gut wrenching experiences of the patients and the hospital staff who were trying to work miracles or at least keep chaos at bay - in a clearly floundering system. And of course I couldn't help but wonder: what if I faced a devastating illness and was uninsured ? What would I do if I didn't have the good fortune to have health insurance and a primary care physician in a decent medical group?

The faces and words of each patient revealed some of the answers to those questions. The fear that comes when necessary surgery is denied due to lack of insurance. The growing despair of those who take a number in the morning, and then wait for hours (often in pain) while hoping to be seen before the end of the day. Worrying about the costs of medical treatment. Little to no follow-up care because an ER isn't for long-term treatment but only a temporary solution.

There is no overt political message here. Instead, the film is an invitation to see the faces and hear the voices of those who may not be heard or seen otherwise. It drives home the complexity of our healthcare system and raises questions- and hopefully sparks communication- about how to confront the challenges of healthcare for those who are ill and uninsured.

9 people found this helpful

Helpful

Powerful look at the reality of the healthcare system for the uninsured

Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2013

Verified Purchase

What could be more relevant at this particular time than this movie? And even more so because the filmmakers trusted viewers enough to let them arrive at their own conclusions. There is no narration by some celebrity or political spokesperson. There are only the words and experiences of those who are very sick, uninsured, and with few options for medical care.

The Waiting Room shows the faces of those patients - and the doctors and caregivers who strive to help them. This documentary was shot in the emergency room at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California but the same harsh reality plays out in emergency rooms all across the country.

The ER at Highland Hospital has overcrowded waiting rooms and lengthy waits to get seen by medical professionals. There are strong efforts from hospital staff to keep things moving along. But when other hospitals turn patients away, they come to Highland Hospital. It may be the only option left.

The film is undeniably grim but also surprisingly inspiring. There is no sermonizing by the filmmakers. Instead, they step back and let viewers hear the words and see the faces of often desperately ill people. They can also glimpse the calm and steadying care of doctors who know they can only do so much. There is no false or heightened drama here.

Perhaps that is because there is is drama enough watching those forced to seek treatment in the ER. The young man who was scheduled for urgent surgery -until a medical center learned he had no insurance. Now he is waiting for assistance in Highland's emergency room. There is is a young girl with a raging fever and a tongue so swollen she can't speak. He father always had a job but now is unemployed and his family has no regular medical care.

I was moved to tears by the heartbreaking and gut wrenching experiences of the patients and the hospital staff who were trying to work miracles or at least keep chaos at bay - in a clearly floundering system. And of course I couldn't help but wonder: what if I faced a devastating illness and was uninsured ? What would I do if I didn't have the good fortune to have health insurance and a primary care physician in a decent medical group?

The faces and words of each patient revealed some of the answers to those questions. The fear that comes when necessary surgery is denied due to lack of insurance. The growing despair of those who take a number in the morning, and then wait for hours (often in pain) while hoping to be seen before the end of the day. Worrying about the costs of medical treatment. Little to no follow-up care because an ER isn't for long-term treatment but only a temporary solution.

There is no overt political message here. Instead, the film is an invitation to see the faces and hear the voices of those who may not be heard or seen otherwise. It drives home the complexity of our healthcare system and raises questions- and hopefully sparks communication- about how to confront the challenges of healthcare for those who are ill and uninsured.

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

drcarmen

Good for students interested in medicine

Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2014

Verified Purchase

Many students have an "ER" (tv show) impression of the life of a physician. This documentary puts into perspective the day to day challenges that face any compassionate physician when working in the emergency department. It is a good eye opener for students who feel they have in interest in medicine and challenges them to think about health care delivery and the socioeconomic stresses placed on physicians, staff, and patients.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Joe

Okay

Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2017

Verified Purchase

A general glimpse into what a county ER is like in the USA. The patient accounts tell a moving story, but the meaning isn't spoon fed to the audience.

The film's message isn't novel, but it's memorable.

Helpful

George Domijan

Highland Hospital and the world of emergency services

Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2016

Verified Purchase

A compelling slice of life documentary, at a very busy hospital emergency room. You really empathize with the people seeking treatment, and marvel at the strength and professionalism of the staff that treat them.

One person found this helpful

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