Perceptions on Twelve Days

Not all hospitals are created equal. Zale-Lipshy was at one time a private hospital built with the newest technology in 1989. It is now a university hospital as part of the UT Southwerstern Medical Center. Next door is Parkland Memorial Hospital a taxpayer financed hospital. Also, adjacent to both Zale-Lipshy and Parkland is Children's Medical Center. All three hospitals provide excellent care. During my husband's stay at Zale-Lipshy I decide to stretch my legs and check out the other hospitals. I was amazed at the great difference in ambience between the three.

Zale-Lipshy, with spacious uncrowded carpeted hallways has a feeling of peace and comfort. Every patient room (as well as hallways and other areas) is decorated with a unique Asian textile donated by The Eugene McDermott Foundation. There are over 350 museum quality textiles.

Children's, designed with the child in mind, has a huge trainscape in the front entry area. The hallways are brightly decorated. A window view into the hospital pharmacy allows one to observe a robotic arm at work. Wagons are available for patience transport.

Accessible by tunnel to both the other hospitals yet a world away is Parkland. With twisting uncarpeted hallways (in the areas that I saw) I found myself confused and lost even with plenty of signage. The waiting areas held the typical crowds one sees in television hospital scenes. An attached McDonalds is very busy no matter the hour. If I did not know of Parkland's outstanding reputation, first impressions would worry me.

Perceptions can be strong. It is important to look beyond to see the whole picture.