Provident Hospital of Cook County

Provident Hospital ER is always understaffed and a poorly ran hospital; starting from the moment you step into the door. Perception and first impression are key elements with an initial entry into any Emergency Room; it contributes increase patient satisfaction, improved patient engagement, reduce anxiety and stress, and a stronger reputation/trust for the hospital. The hospital still doesn't have functional air conditioning for the patients and staff. I thought a/c was a crucial and fundamental role for air quality, infection control, and conducive to patient recovery and staff well-being. I’ve had several encounters, in past visits with "Kate" who seemingly ran the show in the ER. She has been working at Provident for some time and still displays; a constituency with a rude and unprofessional etiquette. I couldn't believe how nurse "Kate" spoke to my grandmother and other staff members. What standards are these Healthcare Professionals being held accountable for? When my grandmother and I was finally taken to the exam room of the ER, it was clearly they didn’t have enough staff working. We could hear nurses constantly complaining about being "Short Staffed" “No Lunch Breaks” in a very small proximity of our room. We also could hear background chatter about how no one does anything to help, union issues/policies, and how the staff works without decent lunch breaks. It is reflective when an Emergency Room is severely understaffed and hot/humid; it causes unnecessary long wait times, agitation with patients, and burnout among staff. When patients are being subjected to sit in the ER with unfavorable and uncomfortable conditions it creates a hostile environment. It’s not fair that patients are left to deal with ignorant/rude staff members who are obviously burnt out for over 7+ hours; this environment creates unnecessary tension with patients. When you are also dealing with some staff members who are very mean and condescending to patients; it can provoke tension, violence, and physical altercations in the waiting area. This was a very scary scene for my geriatric grandmother to have witnessed. These consistent issues trickle down from poor management and leadership within Provident Emergency Room.

I'm Hispanic, I walked into the E.R 8-23-2025 9:30am with a severe headache- the two women in front desk were discriminating, the moment I walked in I was talked to coldly, as If I was in a prison or something, I was waiting in line and an african American woman wasn't in line they took her first and ignored that I was there, then when I was asking the woman if she could check for my carelink she raised her voice asking me to lower my voice which I never rose, I wasn't aggressive but they were coldly passive aggressive, those two women that older one especially have a very racist demeanor. She was smiley with the african american there but the whole opposite with me. The woman in front with red hair said my carelink was a charity about 3 times loudly and almost angry and I dont get the point of her being so heartless and inconsiderate To me being on charity- and she claimed she worked on financial services- The woman taking vitals skinny with bleached dreads - was also cold, and asked me why wouldn't I contact my own dr. I mentioned that I didn't know how to and she acted arrogant like I was dumb for not knowing how. As if everyone should contact their healthcare provider first before going to the ER. All in all I'll be going to stroger from now on or an access clinic. It's clear to me how african Americans are feeling about hispanics now theyre coming out more with their racism.. it's sad and it hurt me but I had to write this. Hispanics shouldnt come here we arent liked. They will take care of you with a nasty attitude. No smiles and make you feel uncomfortable, unwanted and lesser than. The nurse that treated me right before the doctor saw me, her name was michelle, she was very polite, and professional. The doctor that attended to me, was also polite and professional, the women in the front waiting area, just think too much of themselves. They are rude, discriminating, and the whole time I was in the room getting my IVs I couldn't actually rest with their chatter, going about how she said this and she said that. Gossiping to each other, as loud as possible.

My mother and I recently visited this facility. Her primary care staff was polite and spent the right amount of time with her, which we appreciated. However, when she went to get her blood drawn downstairs, the experience was disappointing due to poor communication. After signing in, we sat down, but the phlebotomist didn't acknowledge anyone waiting for about 20 minutes. Eventually, someone informed us that she needed to check in at the front desk. I understand that staffing can be an issue, but the lack of communication was frustrating and should be improved.