The Prentice Hospital at Northwestern

Monday, January 5,2009

Before Jill was told by Dr Burt to wait until Friday this is what I wrote in the morning.
It is information that I am sure you will find interesting.

Jill will be admitted to the Prentice Building. It is a brand new Pavilion that has been added to the many different ones here. It is actually a Woman's Hospital for all their needs. Gynecology, Breast Cancer, a special birthing facility etc.
The 15 th floor is for transplant patients. The sixteenth floor was for pre transplant therapy. That is where Jill was the last time. This building is only one year old.
The fifteenth floor has it's own heating and cooling system. The air on this floor does not interact with any other floor. It is a sterile environment for the patients because their immune system is compromised and they are susceptible to infection. Anyone that has a cold or infection is not permitted on this floor. If you are healthy, you still have to wear a mask and disinfect your hands upon entering the room.
Patients are not permitted more than 3 visitors at a time. Each room has a couch that converts to a bed for one family member to stay with the patient.
All meals are prepared individually at the time you order. They are delivered to the room immediately so that the food does not stand around and sit in hallways on trays. When you finish you call for your tray to be picked up.
All rooms are private. You cannot use the patients bathroom. It is for them only. Bacteria can be transmitted there and can lead to infection.
The Hospital is one block from Lake Michigan. The view is magnificent. All rooms have a flat screen TV that also can be used as a computer. A keyboard is provided. Your stay is long, so they try to make it as comfortable as possible.
This is the most BEAUTIFUL hospital I have ever seen. They even have a library open to the public on the first floor. Computers are provided there for use by the public. There is also one in the waiting room for you to use.
All the pillows and bedding are hypoallergenic. Only pull down filtered shades are on the windows.. No blinds,draperies, or valances because they collect dust.
Jill is in the best place and in the best hands. That is comforting for us
Love
Doreen