Surgery patient praises physicians, staff

Lutheran Hospital often receives notes from grateful patients and guests, thanking us for the care they or their loved ones received here. Recently, hospital president Andrea Burch opened a letter from a surgery patient so grateful for the medical expertise and kindness shown him that the below note was at the top of his to-do list, on his first day back home. It is our Dr. Kudos of the Month.

I am writing regarding a word I have come up with that completely fits my care yesterday. That word is “thoroughness.” There are many other words I would like to use as well, but I will cover those shortly.

I had to get to a computer first-thing this morning to express my great care I received yesterday. For starters, T.J. in pre-op. What a neat lady with 38 years in the nursing field. She has a great personality, sense of humor, very personable and thorough. Thank you, T.J.!!

I was then visited by Dr. Ashley Davis, general surgeon. Dr. Davis again was very thorough, attentive, sincere and personable. I also really like the fact that she was very informative with all my curious questions. Thank you, Dr. Davis!!

I was then visited by Dr. Cliff Daniels, anesthesiologist. Dr. Daniels had previously been my anesthesiologist when I had my right knee replaced. Dr. Daniels has a way with patients that is very calming, friendly, informative and, again, thorough. He explained to me the block I would have, explained that I would be intubated, which I expected, and what/how I would feel afterwards. Great bedside manner, thank you again, Dr. Daniels!!

Then there was Carolyn the OR nurse. I did not get a chance to talk to her too much, but she was very friendly, informative and told me she would be with me through the whole procedure. Thank you, Carolyn!!

Lastly, my PACU nurse, Laura Grey. Laura, too, has a great bedside manner, second to none. Her sense of humor, honesty and sincere concern for the patient is very obvious. I was provided with prompt and proper pain management as needed. She knew ahead of time when I needed pain meds and pretty much knew when they would kick in. Great lady and very thorough. Thank you for everything, Laura!!

Once I was ready to leave, Laura continued to provide me with instructions on home care and the need to rest. I was then escorted to our car by a nice young man named Evan. He was very personable and professional. Thank you, Evan.

In conclusion, I feel all of these individuals should receive recognition for their amazing patient care, and of course, thoroughness. Thank you, all!