Harper Hospital

Anyone having had surgery at harper, please give me some description/advice on what to expect. My surgery is next tuesday and I really want to know what to expect. I have heard there are parking issues early in the morning??? Any reply is appreciated. Kim

Kim, There shouldn't be parking issues early in the morning. I don't know what time the valet opens but you can be dropped off at the Hutzel Lobby, right in front of the main parking deck at Alexandrine and John R. The Hutzel Lobby doors open at 5am. Have you had your preadmission testing yet? If not, ask them to show you the lobbies. Theres usually no problem when I get there at 6:30. Jeanne

Hi Kim, They told me to be there at 4:30am, but the doors weren't open when we arrived. My hubby pulled up to the main entrance to Harper and the security guard let me in. Everyone there was exteremely friendly and helpful. I didn't have to wait very long to be taken to pre-op and my surgery was on time. The only negative things I have to say about Harper: the night shift nurses are understaffed and it took me over an hour just to get ice chips; and when I was discharged it took transport FOREVER to get there with a wheelchair. Other than that, the nursing staff is fabulous, very caring, attentive and understanding. Beth

I had WONDERFUL care at Harper I have had surgery in one of the top hospitals in Ohio too and they did not even compare with Harper it was so great. I am from a small town and was very nervous about going to downtown Detroit but my husband dropped me off in front at Hutzel women's ER and I got right in and my surgery was on time and everything was so smooth you will be having excellent care please refer to my profile to see my experience I was so nervous that my surgery was cancelled the 1st time and was sooo nevous it was almost cancelled the 2nd! I am so glad it was'nt and I thank God I had this surgery.... Jess

Expect good things. I park in the Dr.s spots. I'm a putz. kp @ goal

Hi Kim, Yeah you go to the Hutzel entrance depending on what time you need to be there. The Hutzel entrance is open all night and Harper and Hutzel all intertwine anyway. There is a guard @ the Hutzel desk 24/7. DIVA

I had the same experience from having to be there at 4:30am (and being let in by a security guard at Hutzel) to nurses being understaffed. To be honest, I had read so many great things about Harper, that I had expected more, I think. In the pre-Op area, I had a nurse in training and it was a little unnerving considering my level of anxiety that morning, but everything went relatively smoothly. That is one thing about Harper that I noticed when I had my filter inserted as well. They are so coordinated. There were a few very professional, caring people who stood out in terms of my care (outside of Dr. Wood, of course). However, there were times when I had to press the nurses button 3 times (over the course of an hour) to get pain meds or ice chips, or to service my IV Pump (I learned how to silence the thing myself). In fact, a few times I simply walked down to the nurses station so they'd add another bag of fluid and stop the incesssant beeping, or for ice chips or pain meds. It's ok, I needed the walk anyway (I did a lot of walking) but I think I waited a long time (one hour and 3 nurse calls is a little excessive, IMHO) in certain instances. The staff members who were caring (including Dr. Wood), were exceptionally so....and I think that made up for any negatives I experienced. I give Harper a thumbs up. HTH, Chele

I too am having surgery with Dr. Kole at Harper. I am glad you asked this question. I am just waiting for my date! Good luck! God Bless, Mary