The staff in CBAT are so very clearly not listened to, overworked, and underpaid. This is absolutely insane that the staff still do an amazing job under these working conditions. The snacks were never restocked, they were dealing with code yellows while understaffed, and when the staff ask to buy new supplies for the kids, its takes so much time to deliver or they just get completely ghosted! Again, the staff is amazing but management could use a lot of work. My Childs favorite staff were, Mandy, Gio, and Abby. Do better!! read more

I never imagined I'd be writing a review like this, but after what Franciscan Children's did to our 12-month-old son, I can't stay quiet. Our baby is medically complex and ventilator-dependent. From the moment he arrived, they made unauthorized changes to his trach and vent settings. Nurses admitted to suctioning far beyond the safe depth. The tubing was never replaced during his stay and was full of mucus and visible mold. Alarms went ignored. We found him choking on secretions more than once while staff stood by. They inserted an incorrect feeding tube, gave medications unnecessarily, and failed to send proper documentation when transferring him back to Boston Children's. Even BCH staff were stunned by the state he returned in. This place didn't care. They didn't treat him like a human being. They made him worse. They lied, avoided accountability, and acted like we were the problem for asking questions. I wouldn't trust this place with a houseplant, never mind a child. If you are a parent, please do your research. Franciscan Children's failed our son in every way that matters. read more

If you are considering Franciscan Children's for your child, please read this first. I've never written a Yelp review like this before but after what happened to my son Jaxson, I don't have a choice. My son is only a year old and has been through more surgeries and pain than most adults ever will. We were told that Franciscan would be a safe place for long-term care. Instead, it turned out to be one of the worst experiences of our lives. From the minute he arrived, there were red flags. They changed his trach and ventilator setup without telling us or writing it in his chart. The suctioning was done way past the safe limit and one of the nurses even admitted they "go further" regularly. They left mucus-filled tubing in place for days. We later found out it was growing mold. Think about that. Mold. In medical equipment being used to help a baby breathe. He was left laying flat on his back with his alarms going off and no one responded. I had to step in more than once just to make sure my own son didn't stop breathing while in their care. The lack of urgency was sickening. They gave him Ativan when he didn't need it. They jammed in a feeding tube incorrectly. He came back from Franciscan to Boston Children's dehydrated, uncomfortable, and with dried blood near his ear and trach site. He was clearly miserable and no one had done a thing about it. Even the team at Boston Children's was shocked by what condition he was in when he returned. They didn't communicate with us. They didn't follow his care plan. And they didn't seem to care. It felt like they gave up on him before he ever had a chance. I'm a father. I'm angry. I'm heartbroken. My son deserved better. Your child deserves better. No family should ever have to experience what we went through here. Please don't make the same mistake we did. Don't trust the nice website or the reputation. Trust your gut and look elsewhere. Franciscan Children's failed my son and they failed our family. read more

Dental department is very disorganized and not accommodating. We needed an emergency procedure for an individual on the autism spectrum, and explained to them at length that he would not tolerate a procedure without sedation. When we arrived they said they would not sedate him, despite telling us on the phone that they would. Instead, they wanted to restrain him to the dental chair and attempt to work on him awake, which we had explained to them was not safe for them or him. When we refused to consent to restraint, they said we would have to schedule another appointment because they didn't have sedation measures ready. They were not considerate of the individual's disabilities, and they were not honest with us on the phone. They could have told us on the phone that another appointment would have to be scheduled for sedation, but instead they misled us and caused the individual the unnecessary anxiety of traveling to the dental office. read more

My daughter had to have day oral surgery here. The staff called on a regular basis to make sure I had my paperwork in and confirm the appointment. I got a call the day before about check in. The booklet that came didn't have great directions and this hospital is close to Elizabeth's hospital. Not being familiar with the area we got all turned around. We did finally park on the side entrance, got checked in, put our window pass in the windshield and away we went. We were escorted to the waiting room and then we moved right in. The nurse and anesthesiologist explained everything in real words and made my daughter feel comfortable. We gowned up and were able to stay with her until she was fast asleep. They were able to give her the IV after she was asleep and gave her shots for the mouth pain. My daughter hates going to the dentist and orthodontist much less have a bunch of teeth pulled out. We tried and it was not an option so we went this route. It was well worth it. The staff made her feel safe and comfortable and at ease. She woke up a bit groggy but was soon tuned into the movie they had playing. They gave her a few books to look at and one to take home. The nurse packed up a goodie bag with medical supplies and gave complete instructions for the next couple of days. They called the following day to follow up and see how things went. Awesome! I would do it again and I know my daughter would too. This was much less traumatic and worth it! read more

I think the world of Franciscan Hospital. I was there for several month due to an ruptured aneurysm. When I arrived i was unable to walk, speak, or even feed myself. I had no use of my dominant hand as well. After months of working with PT 0T and speech pathologist I was walking around, speaking again and taught how to even write with my other hand. Years later I came back for several operations on My hand and foot that provided me more use. My mother would bring me to Ortho Clinic all the time. It was like visiting family. read more

This review is for dental clinic. It was our first time here and first impressions say a lot. 1. Couldn't find dental clinic so I asked someone who worked the for help. She took me to the wrong area! How do you offer to walk me to the wrong department????? 2. Finally made it to the children's dental area and was on time for my appointment. I was provided paper work to complete which only took me like 4 minutes to have it done because it was short. BUT front office staff took almost 20 minutes to put my info in computer! It doesn't take that long if you know what your doing. 3. I had to ask front office 2 times what was taking so long to be seen as it took 40 minutes of waiting. She said she had to put my info in the computer. My response to her was that it shouldn't take that long to handle that. 40 minutes really come on! NO ONE ever came to acknowledge us to let us know they were running late if that was the case. Wait, but how could they be running late? as when I walked by earlier I could see no patients were in exams rooms people were just sitting around socializing. 4. this is supposed to be a children's hospital, right?!!! I did not find staff to be friendly at all. Instead I felt disrespected by front office staff, because she made me feel like waiting didn't matter so just wait. I don't recommend this hospital. Based on the overall reviews I wonder how this place is not closed and getting their act together. If you want medioquer treatment go there. Never again read more

This reflects the social workers & Dr's that work with the kids in Unit 1. Our daughter who had some issues had to come here. The staff members on the floor - some where kind and compassion it and really gave what was needed and then others were a tad rougher. As for the Social workers & Dr's all I have to say is they are just great. Not only they helped our daughter but they were patience, compassionate, understand and really did care about her. They went beyond what their job entailed. As for the other hospital staff on all levels of jobs they treat you the parent with the ut most respect and goes beyond the call of duty. If you have to be at this Hospital for the level of support you might need - you need to go come here. My hats go off everyone here..THANK YOU read more

A very nice lady let me use the restroom there last night. I felt blessed!

We had a great experience here. This hospital was recommended to us by our dentist in Lowell. She doesn't do surgery, so she referred us here. They were great to our children. Our youngest had to have teeth removed and capped. They put her to sleep so that they could do everything in one visit. Our oldest is going in next week for surgery. The people we dealt with both times were very nice. They carefully explain everything and go over everything thoroughly. I highly recommend this hospital for dental procedures for children. read more

Never go here for dentistry. Two bad experiences are forcing me to warn everybody. They employ dental students to do work, and so it's a toss up whether or not you get somebody competent. One of my sons went for a routine cleaning - turns out they took some xrays and saw cavities and started drilling, only to realize he didn't have a cavity in one tooth. Then when they applied fillings to the cavity and the drill hole they made, they took so long trying to get the equipment in my son's mouth he gagged and threw up everywhere. I know some kids have a stronger gag reflex than others but I was appalled. Today they called me about a visit my son made this week with his mom - problem is he didn't go. They insisted he was there, had my son's date of birth and address correct, etc. They wouldn't speak to me anymore and told my wife to call them back. They did realize the error and called back to apologize though. I'd recommend Pediatric Dental in Brookline - that's where I go now. read more

my daughter has been there for a couple months now recovering from her surgery, excellent care and nurses are very helpful with teaching you what to do and always being there amazing social workers and overall the staff is extremely helpful especially on Unit 2. read more

This bearing only applies to Unit 2 which is the only portion of the hospital we have used so far. My brother has been in there for weeks now recovering from a hip replacement from Boston Children's. At first I was nervous because all we've ever known is Boston Children's but now I had to admit I prefer this hospital over BCH. The staff are much more attentive to him. They are constantly doing his oral care (he's on a G-tube and is on meds that cause a coating around his teeth and gumes), repositioning him, and overall just interacting with him. The hospital even took him to a BC football game on an outing! When I come to visit him he's always doing something different. He's either in bed, or in the game room with other children, or in his chair.... they don't just abandon him like I've felt has happened in the past at BCH. 5 stars all the way. Great care, great people. read more

I have written negative reviews of 3 service providers for major mental health disorders, and, to be fair, I also should commend a provider that was outstanding. That would be The Child and Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Program at Franciscan Children's. The doctors were attentive and skilled. The case manager went the extra mile to bring families, the medical staff, and other social service workers together. The environment of the ward was as excellent as could be hoped for, with the best nurses I have seen in this kind of environment. Top drawer. Adolescent mental health disorders are gut wrenching, and you don't want to have to work through them. If you are faced with them, however, my experience was that Franciscan Childrens was a valuable partner. read more

Unethical staff that are very unprofessional with their population. Trying to talk to the secretary is like talking to a wall and the staff seem to be burnt out to the point of not focusing on the children's needs. Very disappointing. read more

How do you describe an institution that doesn't say "No" to kids in need? The answer is that words could never do FHFC (Franciscan Hospital for Children) justice. It doesn't matter the illness, disease, disability or difficulty to FHFC. They endeavor 24 hours a day 365 days a year to improve the lives, the quality of lives of their patients and their families. FHFC operates in the shadow of much more famous local institutions....Children's Hospital, Dana Farber, The Jimmy Fund. They do it from some non descript buildings in Brighton, MA. Non Descript from the Outside, only! Inside small and big miracles happen daily. FHFC first came to our attention when our prematurely born infant was ready, after 5 months to leave the NICU at Beth Israel Hospital. Our son, a true miracle of love, care, science and modern medicine, w/ a healthy dose of luck, and good karma, and lots of prayers thrown in, survived being born at 1 1/2 lbs, 2 1/2 mos. early. Four months later it became clear he was outgrowing the NICU. Still affected by his Chronic Lung Disease, aka CLD, Abe was ready for a "stepdown" unit. There are really only two choices in Boston, Spaulding Rehab, and FHFC. Both are fine institutions, but FHFC is focused solely on children. This made our decision easy. Our son now almost 5 mos. old had grown to 10lbs. He was still on oxygen requiring a nasal cannula. Our son spent another 4 mos. at FHFC, growing and being weaned off of oxygen. The staff and services were great. Our son thrived with his care, therapies, and the overabundance of love and affection that is part of the "soft side" of the FHFC experience. Four months after arriving our son was now 15 lbs and ready to come home. He came home on Halloween, 3 yrs ago this month. He needed oxygen at home for another couple of months, but by January 2011, on his 1 yr birthday, he came off oxygen. 3 Months later our son went back to FHFC for Medical Daycare. The Medical daycare staff took to our son w/ the same kind of love, affection, that is prevalent throughout FHFC. He has been attending Medical Daycare since. The difference is that he is now almost 4, attends the pre school in our town, is a happy, healthy, crazy about his Boston sports teams little boy, w/ boundless energy, an inquisitive mind, and a terrific young intellect. Part of his love of learning, of music, his skills interacting with others were nurtured by FHFC and the Medical Daycare team. We are truly grateful. Our son is a little miracle, a "mitzvah" a blessing to us and all who know him, we will ever be grateful to the staff, clinicians, doctors, nurses, teachers, therapists and caregivers at FHFC. This place is the real deal! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! read more

My daughter and I have been coming here for their dental program since 2004 and we live a couple hours away. This place is phenomenal. I plan to have my daughter be a patient here for life. The staff treat her like GOLD from day 1. read more

This is the second time I was referred here.The first time was a breeze, second time not so much. what I thought was helpful turned into a disaster. my son's dentist faxed over all the paperwork to have him book for sedation. He had to miss school only to get there and nobody knows what he is there for. I spoke with the dr who said he has no paperwork on my son. after confirming this with the receptionist anna(who forgot to call me back initially when getting him booked). I have never seen such dis-organization. Not feeling comfortable with my son in the care of these people. read more

I've had the privilege of interning at the children's inpatient unit this past semester, and have been impressed by both the caliber of expertise and consistent quality of care provided by everyone on the unit. I couldn't have asked for a more complete learning experience from my graduate program and I certainly recommend this program to any family with a child in crisis. read more

This hospital is not good at all. They have canceled us 3 times already and every time we had to wait months for another appointment. We finally have our appointment and one person didn't show up so instead of letting us go they want to wait and make us wait hours. Our appointment was 930 now they are saying 130. My daughter is 3 and hasn't eaten since 8 last night she shouldn't have to wait just because someone else didn't show up in time. This is just not right at all. I am not happy with this hospital. Ok so they tell us she can have a Popsicle so they give her one she puts it in her mouth and they come in a take it away and say now you can't have it we are taking you in an hour. My daughter is so upset and crying so bad. I am so beyond unhappy read more

My son was here for inpatient for 8 weeks. I can not say enough about the caring and informative staff. The social worker and doctor assigned to my son worked together as such an amazing team and never made me feel uncomfortable with any questions I had wether big or small. They also were very willing to work with my son's schools and outpatient team. A+++ thank you! read more

I have been bringing my son to Franciscan hospital for the last 5 years for a number of services. Let me be clear, their PT, OT and Speech staff members are excellent and they did help my son a lot, that is the only reason that I am giving this hospital two stars. On the other hand the organization of this hospital is a nightmare. On many occasions we would take our son for his scheduled appointments to find out that the session was canceled without getting any notification by either phone or email. In addition to that the billing department of this hospital must be using a system that is 2 decades old at least!!! I have been getting bills from these people for dates that I have already paid. Thank god I am good at keeping receipts. Over the years I don't remember how many times I had to take time of my work to drive to Franciscan to take care of my bills because of their incompetence of handling a single bill. In addition to that their stuff on two occasions told our nanny that they would reject services for my son if we didn't pay the coo-pays even though we had already paid them in full. Finally, this hospital has a blizzard phone automated system that will call you several times a week confirming appointments even after I specifically asked them to remove my work phone number and add my wife's personal number. Even that seems like a difficult task for them. I would recommend staying away from this place to avoid the headache of dealing with their administration. read more

My 6 year old daughter feared going to our local dentist. When we came here, they welcomed her and treated her with joy. She has looked forward to coming here each time, even when she had procedures scheduled. Highly recommended! read more

Amazing Experience. My daughter recently got four fillings here from Dr. Kritsineli and had to receive anesthesia so we had to go to the OR. Far from what you would expect of an OR experience, Franciscan Children's is smaller and inviting and feels more like a clinic. A warm atmosphere, clean, respectful and knowledgeable staff and efficient time-management. From the front desk staff, Dentist, dental assistants, child specialist to the last nurse walking us out to the car, everyone was reassuring and just great. Two thumbs up! read more

We had a stellar experience here for oral surgery. After seeing a negligent dentist for a few years, we sought a second opinion for my child's bad cavities. This dentist advised us to go the general anesthesia route due to anxiety and severity of cavities, so off we were to Franciscan Children's. I didn't even really know about Franciscan, but I was really impressed. My normally anxious child was totally at ease throughout the entire process. The nurses definitely know how to work with kids who have anxiety and sensory issues. They made us all feel calm. The anesthesiologist was also really helpful and answered all of our questions. Surgery is scary, but we all felt confident in the care and as relaxed as could be. The nurse called to check in the next day. Highly recommended for oral surgery....but fingers crossed that it isn't needed again!!! read more

this review only applies to unit one. the food here sucks. everything makes me want to gag. and the tomato soup is literally watered down marinara sauce, and not the good marinara sauce. those are my only complaints. otherwise great place totally recommend it PEACE. read more

We have been to Franciscan several times for my son who has mild cerebral palsy. Because of his extreme fear of needles, he gets Botox injections in the OR under anesthesia. I've had a great experience every time. The nurses are the best and are patient and kind to him. And the doctors take the time to answer questions, and give the best of care. read more

The inpatient care here is great. My son was here and received excellent care from all the staff and the great team of doctors and social workers. I can't say enough about how they have helped my child. Still has a long road but they have definitely stared him in the right direction. read more

There's a new receptionist now, Sierra, which makes the whole place seem to run smoother!

The dental clinic was exceptional. The nurses, anaesthesia team were just wonderful. They made my daughter and I very comfortable and were even helping to entertain her when there was a small delay in a previous surgery. I would highly recommend this place. A little hard to get to during rush hour, but worth it. read more

My grandson had a procedure done on Momday at the operative dental and what a awesome staff..the nurses gave the best care to him as we'll as me...I am so glad to have met everyone..and you can't get a better staff. A big huge thank you...love Jimmy Juice and his Nana read more

Terrible Dentistry, have been going there a year with my daughter and the issues she is having with her teeth, there are rude and unhelpful and they drag everythign out so much that the wait time do more harm to my daughter. But I feel "stuck" with them now because ew have waited so long for serives. We have been waitin since february to get a cavity filled this week. we rang to confirm only to be told that last month they "canclled" this appointment and never told us. Next appointment is 6 weeks away so my poor daughter has waited 3 1/2 months wiht a tooth ache. I feel terrible that I didn't got to childrens from the start she could have already have been treated. read more

As a 17 year old I was hospitalized in their adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in 2010. I have been hospitalized in 6 other inpatient units with a lot of trauma and abuse and this was the most outstounding experience. At many mental health facilities, night staff barely speak english and have no skills at all in mental health. Their daily staff had to rotate for night shifts so you knew no matter what you were getting excellent care. They have a classroom and various therapy groups, and I was really impressed with the range of things they have to keep you busy in down time. In even adult units- the extent of what you might have to keep you occupied is some crayons, paper, a tv and some falling apart board games. They had a wide variety of craft activities, games, and also allowed patients to borrow personal dvd players or ipods in their rooms before lights out to help transition into bed which was shocking and wonderful. Unfortunately there are times when a patient needs to be put in seclusion. I have extraordinary trauma from this happening in other hospitals where I wold experience verbal abuse, threats of sexual violence as a way to coerce me, neglect of medical needs, and just leaving me in a room with a mattress with no way to soothe or distract myself. When I had a crisis on the unit the staff responded with loving concern and empathy and patientce. Their quiet rooms are what such a thing is meant to be. Had a window with light coming in, carpeted floors with an enormous bean bag chair and all kinds of various balls/sensory things to soothe yourself and they had a staff member sitting on the fllor there with me helping me to calm down. I felt truly cared about and safe. We got to go outside on their playground regularly and I thought it was very intelligent (although an unusual occurance in an inpatient program) that they allowed my family to take me out of the hospital on "passes" to see how I would adjust before discharge making discharge (Even though I was discharging back to a residential program) much much smoother. The only complaint at all I had was that we were always hungry. It is a childrens hospital and some of us were 16, 17, and 18 year olds who needed more than a child sized portion of meals but they weren't allowed to let us be taking extra food. If your teen needs acute mental health care- go to franciscans- hands down. read more