Mary Bridge Children's Hospital

I took my child to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Emergency Room for the second time, and unfortunately, I had the same experience again. Every time we go, we wait over an hour in the waiting room. Then, after being taken to a room, we wait another 20 minutes or more to be seen by a doctor. What’s most frustrating is that when the doctor finally comes in, it feels very rushed. They barely examine my child and seem to observe from a distance rather than doing a thorough check. We leave feeling confused, without clear answers about what’s causing the symptoms or what we should really watch for. As a parent, when you bring your son or daughter to the emergency room, you expect them to be carefully examined and for your concerns to be taken seriously. Instead, we left without clarity or reassurance. Based on my experience, I would recommend going to Seattle Children’s Hospital instead. We have received much better care there.

Mar 2026

My son was recently discharged after being hospitalized for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). He received care at OHSU in Portland, though we live in Tacoma. After returning home, we noticed irregular abdominal movement and breathing, which caused significant concern given his recent medical history. Based on medical guidance, we brought him to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital for evaluation. The initial check-in process appeared straightforward. However, after three hours of waiting, we approached the desk to confirm that there had not been an error with his registration. At that time, staff were unable to locate him in the system, and we were then told he was on a waiting list. We waited an additional hour before being called. When we were finally brought back, we were taken to a room to complete another check-in process with a nurse, which felt unusual given the time already spent waiting. Afterward, we were taken to a treatment room where vitals were taken, and then staff left the room. Approximately 30 minutes later, another nurse entered and asked many of the same questions that had already been asked by two previous nurses. Additionally, we had arrived with specific medical concerns and instructions related to our son’s recent CDH hospitalization. While these concerns were acknowledged verbally, they were not acted upon. After we questioned the care process, we felt the quality and attentiveness of care declined. Ultimately, we chose to leave due to lack of progression in evaluation. What is most concerning is that no one attempted to stop us, follow up, or contact us afterward, despite our son’s complex medical history and recent hospitalization. Due to this experience, my family does not feel safe returning to Mary Bridge for future care.

Dec 2025

Mary bridge used to be my choice for a children’s hospital but not anymore. I have a sick 3 month old baby has been sick since birth her pediatrician did bloodwork and referred us to hematology. The next day she got a fever so we took her to the ER. They kept asking why we were even there they didn’t even take her vitals in the waiting room it took forever to get her back into a room the Dr came in and instantly asked why we are there that her labs looked fine and she didn’t see an issue. She ordered the same labs so after the RNs came in and took turns poking at her 4 different times they finally got it. But we couldn’t stay in the closed off room we had they then moved us to this other area that was very small and no privacy with other people who were very very sick so now I have to wonder what else my baby came in contact with. After hours of waiting the Dr came back just to tell us that nothing was wrong the blood work was fine even tho again it showed like it was all messed up and that she’s fighting infection. Me and the dr went back and forth a little bit and I said I should of just went to Seattle Children’s where the dr said yes you should have. I felt like they were careless from the start we never got answers and instead of treating a baby with a fever they just didn’t want to deal with it. So here we are 2 AM leaving with a screaming baby that still has a fever. The drs at Mary bridge have seriously became careless.

Dec 2025

The staff here are so amazing and caring. My son and I were there for a couple nights. And Lulu and Katie were our nurses and they were the kindest and most helpful. All the doctors and staff and so kind and helping and the hospital is huge and so accommodating. They helped me and my family during such a scary moment as a new mom.

Dec 2025

My granddaughter was referred urgently by her primary care provider to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma for severe eye pain. When we called to schedule, the customer service agent (named Julie or Julia) was rude, dismissive, and lacked any compassion. Despite the referral being clearly marked urgent, she refused to treat it as such and offered an appointment six months out. This is unacceptable for a children’s hospital. A child in severe pain should not be treated as a scheduling inconvenience. The agent made no effort to listen, escalate, or explore alternatives. Her tone and attitude left us feeling completely disregarded and anxious for my granddaughter’s wellbeing. This experience showed a serious breakdown in empathy and process at the front line. I hope leadership reviews this case and ensures staff are trained to handle urgent referrals with the care, compassion, and urgency that children deserve. Families should never have to fight to be heard when a child is in pain.

Nov 2025