Macneal Hospital
Save3249 South Oak Park Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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The set of experiences shared by patients and families about MacNeal Hospital reveals a broad spectrum of care, with moments of genuine compassion and highly concerning gaps in service. Across the comments, the emergency department (ER) dominates the conversation, but the stories also touch on ICU, hospice, maternity, and even outpatient scheduling, painting a nuanced portrait of a facility that can be both a source of comfort and a source of distress for different people at different times.
A recurring thread is the frustration with wait times and the pace of care in the ER. Several reviewers describe waiting hours for basic needs or even a bed, with one person reporting more than six hours without pain medication for a catheter problem and others recounting 20 hours in the ER before a bed was found. There are mentions of six-hour waits without updates and situations where patients felt neglected while in obvious distress, such as high blood pressure with accompanying headaches and blurred vision. In several accounts, the sheer volume of patients and limited staffing appeared to slow the entire process, leaving patients feeling abandoned or that their concerns were not being prioritized.
The behavior and professionalism of staff in the ER and beyond are another major point of contention. A number of reviews allege under-staffing and inconsistent levels of empathy. Some posts highlight nurses who were attentive, kind, and responsive - examples include praise for certain nurses and aides who took time to check in, manage pain, and communicate with patients effectively. On the other hand, many reviews describe rude or dismissive interactions, laughter and joking "at" patients in pain, and outright unprofessional conduct. Specific grievances include unnecessary delays, being told to leave against medical advice, and experiences where patients felt ignored or talked over. A few accounts also mention language barriers and the need for clear, patient-centered communication, noting successes when bilingual staff helped patients understand their options.
The hospital's ability to support vulnerable situations - end-of-life, hospice, and post-surgical recovery - also shows a stark contrast between excellent moments and deeply troubling ones. One family recounted a painful scene in which security was called and asked their relatives to leave a private moment with a dying loved one, despite not being in the way of clinical workflow. In stark contrast, another review praised the ICU nurses and doctors for their supportive, informative, and compassionate care, including language-accessibility and clear explanations of options. The hospice unit received high marks for kindness and accommodation, with families feeling that their loved one was treated with respect and dignity during a difficult transition.
There are also standout positive experiences that provide hope and balance in the narrative. Several reviewers commend the maternity team for warmth and responsiveness after hearing alarming stories about the ER from others. The birth of baby Kyle was described as a positive and reassuring event, with nurses and staff seen as "superheroes" who responded quickly to needs and provided excellent care. The ICU and hospice stories likewise show consistent, individualized attention from caregivers. Some patients explicitly credit certain doctors and teams - such as a physician who understood a complex endometriosis flare and a cardiology team that performed a procedure and supported discharge - as evidence that MacNeal can deliver high-quality care when the staff have the time and resources to do so.
Administrative and logistical concerns extend beyond the ER and into outpatient scheduling and coordination. One account highlights difficulties in arranging a mammogram after referral, with delays and a lack of a clear escalation path or supervisor contact when calls were not returned. Another reviewer referenced the perception that the hospital presents as a top-tier institution, yet daily operations, staffing decisions, and interdepartmental coordination sometimes fail to reflect that claim. These reminders emphasize that patient experience hinges not only on clinical expertise but also on reliable scheduling, accessible communication, and proactive problem-solving processes.
Taken together, the collection suggests a hospital capable of delivering deeply meaningful, patient-centered care in certain moments - especially when staff are attentive, multilingual, and well-supported. Yet there are persistent, systemic concerns: long ER wait times, inconsistent professional conduct, under-staffing, and gaps in communication and follow-through. Families repeatedly call for more consistent staffing, better pain management practices, clearer updates, and stronger escalation pathways so patients and their loved ones feel informed, respected, and secure. In short, MacNeal Hospital appears to offer remarkable compassion and technical competence in many cases but is hindered by operational strains and uneven experiences that can color a patient's overall impression of the care they receive.
The Macneal Hospital in Berwyn, IL is an assisted living community that offers a wide range of amenities and care services to meet the needs of its residents. The community provides a comfortable and fully furnished living environment with cable or satellite TV and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet for entertainment and connectivity. Residents can enjoy delicious meals in the dining room or outdoors in the restaurant-style dining area, with special dietary restrictions taken into consideration.
At Macneal Hospital, the staff provides 24-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. They also offer diabetes diet management, medication management, and a mental wellness program to ensure the overall well-being of their residents. Housekeeping services are provided to maintain cleanliness and tidiness.
In terms of recreational activities, there are resident-run activities as well as scheduled daily activities to keep residents engaged and entertained. For those who enjoy reading, there is a small library available. Additionally, the community has move-in coordination services to assist new residents in settling comfortably into their new home.
Conveniently located near parks, pharmacies, restaurants, transportation options, and other hospitals, Macneal Hospital offers easy access to essential amenities and healthcare facilities for the convenience and peace of mind of its residents.
Macneal Hospital is located at 3249 South Oak Park Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402 in Cook County, Illinois
Macneal Hospital on seniors.fyi includes 24 photos including images showing interior, healthcare, building, office, reception, waiting area, urban, architecture, and more.
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