Hospital Hopping With Sally #4: Palisades Medical Center

Me and the beautiful Manhattan skyline

Let’s go back to the moment when the idea for Hospital Hopping with Sally first came to life. It all started during a walk, which is usually when my brain slips into its most creative gear. Something about putting one foot in front of the other always opens the door for inspiration. 

I was visiting a friend at Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, New Jersey. At one point, a nurse politely asked me to step out of the room so they could take care of whatever needed to be done behind the curtain. With unexpected time on my hands, I decided to explore. 

First Impressions: Light, Space, and Cleanliness 

The first thing that stood out was how bright and airy the entire facility felt. Natural light poured into every corridor, and the clean, fresh environment immediately elevated my mood. 

As I wandered through the halls, taking in the open layout and calm atmosphere, I found myself drifting toward what I thought was a restaurant. It turned out to be the cafeteria, although it certainly did not feel like one. 

A Cafeteria With a Skyline View 

The cafeteria featured a sweeping view of the New York City skyline, which could rival the scenery from a high-end dining spot. I sat down along a wall of windows and enjoyed my very tasty sweet and sour chicken while looking out at the city. The day was so beautiful that it felt almost wrong to be indoors. 

Eating a delicious meal with a wonderful view

Before heading back, I stopped by the ladies room, which was impressively clean and well maintained. Everything I encountered continued to reinforce the same feeling. This hospital knew how to create a positive environment. 

Stepping Outside: The Hudson River Walkway 

When I exited through the hospital’s front doors, I discovered a beautiful path that wound its way through the parking lot and onto a long promenade running parallel to the Hudson River. I soon learned I was standing on the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, an 18.5 mile stretch that begins at the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee and continues past Liberty State Park to Bayonne. 

The walkway leading me toward the river

Off I went, strolling along the river, passing playgrounds, picnic areas, benches, and lush landscaping. I was completely taken in by the Manhattan skyline, the water, and the peacefulness of the walkway. For a moment, I forgot I was supposed to be visiting someone inside the hospital. I even briefly wondered whether the patient had seen me wander off. It is entirely possible he watched me return to the parking lot to retrieve his fishing pole from the car. 

What I thought I would do if I actually caught a fish remains a mystery. I imagined I would take a picture with my trophy. Beyond that, I had no plan. I mean, it is not as though I would have taken the fish home, or even known how to get it off the hook to throw back. 

Such a beautiful day!

Returning Recharged and Inspired to Palisades Medical Center

Hours later, it occurred to me that I should probably return to my hospital visit. By the time I made it back upstairs, I was overflowing with enthusiasm. The fresh air, the views, and the walk had filled me with endorphins, and my mind was buzzing with ideas. 

That walk was when the concept of rating hospitals on their aesthetics clicked into place. Not to be confused with anesthetics, which is a very different department. Like I said in previous Hospital Hopping blogs, I am not qualified to rate medical care personnel, but I have more than enough practice walking through hospitals. 

And this one truly stood out. 

💊 Rating: 5 out of 5 pills 

Stay happy and healthy,  

Sally