The hospital’s Guest House hotel which is right next door to the new cardiac unit is a very nice place for family to stay. Once at the hospital, the staff make every effort to keep you informed of milestones reached throughout the surgery. Family is then welcome in the ICU afterward. Once in the recovery room (they’re all private rooms) family is encouraged to visit no matter what time of the day or night. Foldout beds and blankets are available also to spend the night. A peaceful top-floor “lounge” area is a great place for family members to get away from the hosptial atmosphere for short periods. There’s even live music and other entertainment from time to time.

Educational info is made available in numerous ways including personal classroom sessions, reading materials, and on-line tutorials so family can learn about the surgery and recovery and how they can help support the patient. Of course there are public access computers available in the waiting rooms as well. Prior to surgery, the patient is given access to create his own personal webpage that can be updated regularly after surgery by a family member. Thus, anyone anywhere in the world has immediate updates (with their password) without having to continually call, or be called by family members to keep tabs on the patient. What a great thing!

Yes, if my tissue aortic valve needs replaced ever again, I’ll be going back to Cleveland Clinic for the procedure. Good luck to all who need surgery no matter what facility you choose!