Hospital’s staff, care is first class

The reason I went to Providence Everett Medical Center for my back surgery was Dr. Sanford Wright. His reputation in performing this complicated procedure was “world class.”

My first encounter with “The Providence culture” was when I showed up for my pre-op blood draw. Naturally, I went to the main lab where I was informed that these procedures were performed at another location. The next words out of the lab tech’s mouth were “stay right there.” She came out of the lab and led me through the labyrinth of hallways, down an escalator and showed me where I had to go. I didn’t get her name, but she is a great example of the hospital’s philosophy.

The care I received after my four-plus hour surgery was peerless.

I had begun to see strange people walking around outside my eigth floor window, and a small dog under a chair in my room. Dr. Beckley quickly determined my low sodium level was the source of my hallucinations. He also, with radiology help, diagnosed my mild pneumonia. His bedside manner needs to be emulated.

The nursing staff and nursing assistants deserve special mention. The entire staff were exceptional, but three were extraordinarily helpful. Nurses Ann Okpara, Deresa Fowler and Greg Krolikowski performed above and beyond their job description. Quoting Ann: “Don’t hesitate to call … you’re the reason we’re here.” The tradition of Florence Nightingale is alive and well on the eigth floor at Providence-Colby. A fact I learned from my stay is Kenya, Poland and Romania’s losses are America’s gain.

In closing, thank you, David Brooks, for maintaining and building on the culture of Gail Larson and Sr. Dorothy Klingele.

EILEEN BERKELAND

Burlington