Mimi is in the hospital this weekend; here's what I'm thinking this moment about what makes a great hospital

- cleanliness to the max (spotless, no trash, looks freshly painted, smells pleasant and fresh)
- sweet, kind, loving, smiling, neatly-dressed, gentle staff members
-where it is obvious every employee has had HIPAA and patient safety goals etched into their brain
- wonderful, patient-focused doctors who don't mind if you ask them 101 questions including where they studied and trained plus their quality track record
- helpful nurses and employees who willingly provide directions and will even escort you to where you are trying to go without having to ask
- everything is new or looks new and pristine
- clear and detailed directional signage inside the hospital walls and outside around the hospital campus
- leadership that instills a culture of caring, healing, compassion, respect, ethical conduct, and excellence
- mission-focused and one that values faith in healing
- gentle, skilled lab staff. Needles = ouch!
- little or no overhead announcements
- soft toilet paper
- soft sheets
- fold out couch for a loved one
- nourishment station for loved ones (juices, crackers, ice, cups, coffee, etc)
-roomy patient rooms ~ may I have some elbow room, please?
-all private rooms
- restrooms with plenty of towels, washcloths and soap
- everyone washes their hands before and after caregiving and wears gloves for all patient encounters
- responsive nurses, i.e. once you hit that buzzer they arrive
- DVD player in room is nice but not mandatory. We have not turned on the TV
- lighting that dims
- windows to the outside
- every staff member introduces themselves by name and position and explains what they are going to do before they do it
- volunteer/employee who keeps the family updated every step of the way while patient in surgery
- gift shop and cafeteria with late/later hours for people who visit after work - many may not be able to arrive until 7 or 8 p.m.
- flexible visiting hours
- kids' stations/activity stations for children who are visiting
- current, clean-looking new magazines in waiting areas (not torn or crumpled)
- Free WiFi in every possible area on the campus
- quick to arrive elevators
- managers who are open to suggestions and new ideas
- housekeepers who are nearby at all times and up-to-speed on getting trash out of the room at a moment's notice
- a place where the patient and family comes first, the staff members treat each other with respect and the pride factor in the hospital and parent organization are clearly evident