TMC PULSE

t m c » p u l s e | s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6 28 Suite Life Hospital suites across the Texas Medical Center oer patients a hotel-like experience B y C h r i s t i n e H a l l A great view, a gourmet meal and a comfortable place to lounge are amenities all of us expect at upscale hotels. But these luxuries are available at hos- pitals across the Texas Medical Center, as well. For patients who want to make their stay a little more comfortable and are willing to spend over and above what insurance will cover, hospitals including Houston Methodist, Texas Children's, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, and CHI St. Luke's Health–Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center offer suites for one night or extended stays. Courtney and Chris Shields heard about the Signature Suites at Memorial Hermann-TMC from their obstetrician. Courtney enjoyed the experience so much with her first child that when she was ready to deliver her second, she chose to stay in a suite again. "It's so nice, and has room for our family and friends to visit," Shields said. "It feels cozy like a hotel room, but you are still in the hospital." The 11 suites at Memorial Hermann-TMC run an additional $250 a night. Benefits include a one-nurse- to-three-patient ratio, a tea station that serves conti- nental breakfast, and afternoon hors d'oeuvres. One of the suites features a larger bed for athletes. Many of the hospitals treat high-profile patients— celebrities, politicians and athletes—as well as patients from countries with strained governments. Most take special precautions that include elevated security systems. Former president George H. W. Bush favors Fondren 12, the tony 12th floor of Methodist Hospital where he has stayed for bouts of pneumonia and flu, according to media reports. But as the Shields' know, the suites aren't just for the rich, famous or powerful. Patients from all walks of life who come from all over the world try to secure these special rooms, sometimes months in advance. "Our large and medium suites are the most popu- lar, and we are full most of the time," said Alice Baker, guest relations manager for Houston Methodist, which has offered suites for nearly four decades. Fondren 12, which has 27 rooms, was named for Sue Fondren Trammell. It opened in 1979, after the hospital began attracting presidents, kings and other digni- taries from around the world, many of whom came for care by famed cardiologist Michael DeBakey. The out-of-pocket cost for a night in one of these suites ranges from $300 to $1,345. Chris and Courtney Shields introduce their older son to his new brother. This is the second time the couple has stayed in the Signature Suites at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.

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