Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania - Pavilion

"The distinguished Dr. Michael Acker, Cardiac Surgeon, is a medical rock star. My dad's condition was critical and fatal. Dr. Acker performed a double coronary bypass and unequivocally saved his life. By the grace of God, we found this amazing hospital and extremely talented souls. My highest regards to the whole staff on the 7th floor and special thanks to Dr. Jiri Horak, Patricia, Jane, Rachel, Marisa, Michelle, Sean, Melby, Anna and Ciara for their knowledge, dedication and benevolence. God bless you all for saving my dad and making him younger and stronger! Merry Christmas and God Bless!"

"My older sister had surgery at UPenn Pavilion May 31,2022 , hospital had just opened October 2021. Her main surgeon Dr Desai three weeks prior to surgery only stopped in to see her once after receiving a call from me insisting staff stop promising each day he would be stopping by but never would. This surgery my sister agreed to only after being told 3 three weeks in she wasn’t a good candidate for TVAR the non invasive surgerical version of the 8 hour procedure she was told she needed . Her surgery lasted 11 hours. My sister suffered a catastrophic bleed, left bleeding for hours internally and taken back to OR three times before determining the Swans Catheter inserted through her pulmonary artery during surgery had puncture her artery leaving her losing blood for hours. The major blood loss led to other major complications. My sister never left that hospital. The impact of the blood loss was too substantial. She lasted three weeks and died June 25, 2022. The main surgeon Dr desai never met with us again since giving the brief update at the conclusion of her surgery. My mother had surgery years ago at the old UPenn building with surgeons and staff that are now retired so I’ve had good experiences atupenn in the past. The pavilion marketed to provide to of the line care expertise and technology my sister had confidence in their care because drs in the hospital also bragged about being the best. My sister’s last surgery in 2013 was a good experience however, in this new building all new hires, post Covid, there exists a different atmosphere of people. For example in the past you would never hear students talking about the grade they received while any points they lost on their test from assembling their patients cannulas incorrectly and they are standing in the hallway of the critical care unit with critically ill patients just nearby in hospital room trying to survive. My sisters care was handled by one different Dr after the next and her main surgeon never showed or met with us again since the end of her surgery. How is a family member supposed to trust and trust the care of their loved one into the hands of physicians that made such a drastic error and miss that led to her death. I have so much more than I could share, but I will not. I read other reviews. God bless those who had a very good experience at this New Hospital UPenn Pavilion but I can attest a witness that the care my sister received and the interaction that I had with staff at the hospital is not top ranked at all compared to the way it used to be in the past. As a result, my sister is dead and my family and I will never have her with us again. The head of the cardiac department, Dr. Acker he was very cold and insensitive inspite of what had happened. He said to us Accept it your sister is just going to die."

"My dad (64 y/o) had a triple bypass (CABG) done recently (November 2023) by Dr. Cevasco. He had multiple severe blockages, so the surgery was urgent, but ultimately planned. The whole process was so unbelievably smooth at HUP - truly a well oiled machine. From the consult, where we were also able to do pre-admission testing same day at the Perelman Center, all the way through to the procedure and discharge at the Pavilion a few weeks later. The information that we received about the procedure and the process was well represented, and the care and hospitality by staff was next level. We sincerely have never met nicer hospital staff - not only the nurses and those involved in patient care, but also Fran from the Caregiver Center, clerical staff, as well as valet and ancillary staff. Dr. Cevasco is not only incredibly skilled, but also very personable and approachable. Jane and Melby in the HVICU worked so efficiently and did it with so much kindness. We saw firsthand how cranky hearts can be post-op and how much support they require to stabilize. Jane and Melby responded to each alarm so methodically while also being friendly and compassionate towards us as the family. Brian, Kevin, Joan, and Olivia (among others I’m sure that I’m missing) in the step down unit were very accommodating as my dad was navigating the early stages of his recovery. Throughout the entire hospitalization he never had to wait for any of his needs to be met, including medication, removal of tubes/wires, or even simple things such as water and snacks. When he voiced concerns to the staff regarding his discharge, the staff took them seriously and opted to provide support for an additional day. He walked out of the facility the same way he walked in 6 days prior (plus a better functioning heart), which is a miraculous feat considering the gravity of the procedure that happened during that time. It is truly a testament to the skill, protocols, and procedures that HUP has put in place for their patients’ success. Also, the rooms in the Pavilion are nothing short of exquisite - basically hotel rooms with medical equipment. Couldn’t recommend HUP more!!"

"I had a kidney transplant a month ago. Considering the procedure, everyone from the nursing staff on the 11th floor in the Pavillions to the Transport Technician, to my post transplant team to my dialysis tech! I wish I could give them a higher score. I had my transplant surgeon laughing when I told him that I used to be a stripper named Chocolate Thunder! It was truly a wonderful experience that I will never forget. They truly conduct themselves as if they were of one mind!"

"Horrible hospital. If you have other options available go somewhere else. Staff walks around with there underwater hanging out. At discharge nurse does not help patient in ICU get EKG wire off or get dressed. Totally unprofessional. These weren't the only issues. Repeatedly gave them the opportunity to redeem themselves but it did not happen."