Gina Jennings

Review of Lubbock County Detention Cente...

Stellar service.

Stellar service.

My dad got into a bad accident an hour away and was immediately transported to University Medical Center in Lubbock. Surgical ICU and the geriatric unit treated him well. Top service! Two days after he was discharged and returned to Oklahoma, they called to see how he was doing, ironically while was sitting at his doctor's office waiting over an hour to be seen for a follow-up.

The nursing staff see a need, and they get right on it.

My mother and I had to drive from Oklahoma to Lubbock, and we got in around 1am in the morning. The nurse gave me a list of hotels within a block that offer medical rate discounts for stay. Be sure to ask about the medical rates. We stayed at the La Quinta Inn only a couple blocks away. We were greeted with a cheerful smile, and we got a room right away even without a reservation - at 1 in the morning! Lubbock Texans have been outstanding. I'm very grateful.

The second time we returned to visit dad after his surgery, we slept in his room. There was only one reclinable bed. The nurse immediately ran to the other room to get one for my mom. Very attentive.

Also, keep in mind that the University Medical Center is adjacent to the Texas Tech University side of the hospital. Be sure you know which side you're supposed to be on. Sometimes people will tell you to enter where the double flags are. Well, both sides have double flags. So it can get a little confusing. After you're there for a couple of days, you'll get used to getting around there.

The units are interconnected and you can walk through by hallways, but if you don't know where you're going, it can make for a very long walk. However, the friendly patrons can help show you around. You've seen hospitals that just feel sad and glum to be in. UMC is nothing like that. It even feels cheerful at night. Maybe it's the lighting.

The parking lot is big and divided by rows A, B, C, D. In the morning the parking lot fills up fast. If you have a handicap sticker on your car, use it. Otherwise, you'll be parking way in the back. They also have a shuttle service from the front entrance to the parking lot. So be sure to remember what row number you're in: C3, D2, etc. It's pretty organized.

Security is always present on the facility, not like a police state or anything, but regular security making the rounds. Made me feel much better. Plus, they have a helicopter pad for medivac.

My dad's a senior citizen, a military veteran and an out-of-towner, and his care was prime. If you're thinking about University Medical Center for treatment, go for it.