Highland Park Hospital - Highland Park, IL Review

I have been in my share of hospitals in the last 3 years (mostly having babies!), but none were quite like Highland Park Hospital. Okay, maybe shopping mall is a gross exaggeration, but there are definitely some similarities-- chatty nurses, valet parking, long waits, etc. Read on to find out more!

Before I arrived at the "mall", I mean Highland Park Hospital
On a recent trip in for a planned surgery, I was struck at how conscientious the staff was BEFORE I even arrived. They called, gave me contact names and numbers and told me to call with any questions. I was blown away at how diligent they were before I was even a patient.

Getting to the hospital
Since I dont live in Highland Park, I was a bit concerned that it would be out of the way. But, it really wasnt. It is 2 minutes from the expressway-- so easy for people to come visit. And even better, when, I arrived the day of the surgery, I was greeted with  valet parking. Nice! I didnt have to walk at all.... door to door service, for free! Come on, we dont do that in Chicago.

Pre-Op Experience
I was scheduled to go in originally at 8:30. It was changed the night before to 12:50. And, then the day of-- to 3:30. Long waits are not my thing, but stuff happens, so you just go with the flow! I was so happy to be surrounded by really nice nurses that seemed to very much like their jobs. Although, I must have been asked a million times, my name, birthdate and doctor. :)

Post-Op
I recovered in the maternity ward and was so taken by the nurses. Most of them were super nice, patient and understanding. In fact, two of them I liked so much that they told me about their family trips, their children and in one case, sat and had a drink with me in the afternoon. It was like going shopping with my friends. They told me I was their favorite patient and I completely ate that up! It could have been since I am not a moaner or complainer. I dont scream, complain or get nasty when I am in pain. I roll with the punches. Literally. 

Only working with your doctor and his/her assistants
Another major plus of Highland Park hospital is that it isnt a teaching hospital. Now, I really care about education and helping others, but not when it comes to my body! It is so frustrating at times when a resident stitches you up and then the doctor has to come in and do it all over again. BUMMER! I am very into education and teaching, but it was nice for once to not be the guinea pig. It was especially nice having ONLY my anesthesiologist and not a resident.

There are of course, some downsides of Highland Park Hospital... 
Like any hospital, it has drap decor. It is very run of the mill in the common spaces. The private rooms on the other hand, remind me of a little lacy B&B. Very girlie. If I were a guy, I would think it were a little too country.

Also, I didnt find the technicians to be great. I had a few over my few day visit and they were generally grumpy.

Lastly, the staff wasnt the best at IVs. In fact, several of them admitted it. (which I appreciated) Let me share an example: I needed one IV during my visit. It took 1 time to put the original one in. Then, later, I had to have it removed because of its location and it took multiple people and about 5 different needle pokes to get it in the right place. Annoying!!!!!!! But, since I liked the people so much, I went with the flow. *TIP* ask for someone from the anethesology team to put it in. They are pros. Definite one-timers.

Bottom line, Highland Park hospital is a good hospital with caring staff and I would go back in a heart beat.