Wonderful hospital with amazing staff and beautiful surroundings.

Wonderful hospital with amazing staff and beautiful surroundings.  Read Less

I can't think of anyone who likes hanging out at hospitals, but if you're going to pick one to send your kid to for an extended...  Read More

I can't think of anyone who likes hanging out at hospitals, but if you're going to pick one to send your kid to for an extended stay, you will feel like you're in good hands. Convenience Factor: Covered parking with a $10 reduced rate and catwalk to the hospital that also connects to the new Prentice. Facility: It's a brand new spanky clean, modern facility with artwork everywhere and interactive multimedia screens to keep little ones occupied - a museum experience for those who don't get out much. For teens there is a special activity room where they can take things back to their room - games, movies, etc. The halls are wide and spacious with security guards everywhere. The Rooms: My stepdaughter has a beautiful view of the city. She has a widescreen TV in her room that streams kid-friendly shows and kid-friendly movies for her to enjoy. Though I wouldn't want so many people in my room all the time, the nurses are extremely responsive and come in more than you can imagine and there is always someone coming in to clean the garbage and the bathroom. Food: Patients order food off the hospital menu and they also have specials, like tonight's fried rice and vegetable option. They also had a chicken and tater tot option. The kitchen closes at 8pm, but for those hungry after hours they round up soup and crackers - no questions asked. You will also find a series of restaurants in the next building over like Au Bon Pain and an excellent cafeteria on the 11th floor with great coffee and food that tends to run on the hospital-healthy side of things: yogurt, granola, *green* sandwiches, etc.The only tricky thing, when you live away from the city and don't stay onsite full time (not required with teens), is it can take a few calls to get a status report - like whether your kid is being released today or tomorrow. My advice is if you can stay nearby or onsite full time on the pull-out guest couch it will make your life much easier. Overall, Chicago is blessed to have such an amazing facility for all kids--who deserve nothing but the best.  Read Less