My Visit was a Pleasant One

Thank you for all the help and kindness you showed my wife (Pat) and I. I can’t find the words to express myself. Without your training and love for the work you do, (for ALL of us in Sherman Hospital life) pain would be a lot worse. And again, I must thank each and every one of you and that also goes for a great doctor who had taken care of me before. Dr. Ramesh Khanna – he has to be one of the best. Also, Stephanie (RN) in Pre-admission testing; RN’s Jean & Health in Ambulatory Recovery, Recovery Room Nurses: Many Nash and Sharon Seaman – the best!

Thanks very much for making my visit a pleasant one.

Note of Thanks from a Sherman Regular

I have been a patient numerous times at Sherman and have always received excellent care from the staff. And now you have a new modern facility with the same family of care-givers. Best of both worlds.

Thank you!

And a special thanks to Marlene, Jennifer, Janina, Colleen K and Paula on my visit on 12/18/09.

Thoughts on the New Hospital, From a Patient’s Eyes

I trust you can spare a minute to accept my simple gratitude for the fine attention and services I recently received at your brand new facility over the Christmas holiday.

My unexpected stay was outstanding-of course, it didn’t hurt that I occupied a room in a hospital that was open only six days. I credit my restored health and understanding of my condition to the ER’s quick diagnostic sequencing and introduction to some fine cardiologists and pulmonologists. From improved hospital gowns to the wonderful Sherman Room Service food (every piece of fruit sweet; all meals hot and delicious and servers gracious); from the incredible dedication and pleasant demeanor of the staff to the apologetic night time techs, I couldn’t have asked for better.

I visited the old Sherman recently for cataract surgery and appreciated the attention to detail but you’ve outdone yourselves here. The idea of providing nurses with walkie-talkies was brilliant and the 12-hr shift makes sense which seems to work well for the staff; fewer new faces for the patient to deal with. And that white wall board is so helpful in sorting out who’s who and even what darn day it is. Faulty TV replaced immediately; non-related doctor walked into the room to pick up my dropped glasses and a nurse, once I mentioned my concern over the cost of a new med, actually went to her computer to let me know what it would cost at Wal-Mart. Then there was the lost gift of a miniature Christmas tree that ended up in the dock area but Joel of Materials Management went the extra mile to search for it Saturday, found it, and then personally delivered it to my room. Now who expects all THAT?

I loved the design of the building but the plain vanilla décor took me back. However, seven days later, I was delighted that I didn’t have to look at tiring murals and flower decals. The less is more approach to the simplicity of the interiors says to me, no fussing around here, we are a practical bunch who are committed to the mission.

I apologize that this is so lengthy; just wanted to demonstrate that some of us recognize that there are angels in the details as well. My volunteer application has been mailed to Tina and I look forward to serving the patients and staff in any way possible.

My best to you, your staff and everyone connected with the new Sherman Hospital.

Sherman Exceeded All Expectations

Throughout the past several years my family have accompanied our mother to Sherman Hospital for her dialysis and other health needs. We have always felt that she received appropriate care from all healthcare workers involved.

We want to take a moment to acknowledge some of them for their exemplary care. Our mother passed in August of 2009 and it is important to us to credit these departments and individuals because they definitely exceeded all expectations and deserve recognition.

Our family spent countless hours with our mother on her regular visits to the Coumadin Clinic and Dialysis Department as well as the too often visits to the Emergency Room.
Sherman Hospital essentially came to be known as her “home away from home.” To Mom, Sherman was also a part of her family. She received exemplary care in all departments. Staff always presented a positive attitude while displaying genuine concern and respect to not only our mother, but also to our family. It was quite evident that they all maintained compassion for their patients as well as patient’s families. Most importantly, they made our mother believe that they felt privileged to be her caregivers.

Upon our mothers death, we were consoled by Dr. Menis and nurse Camie who allotted unlimited time for my numerous questions. Nurse Mercie, in dialysis, confirmed for me the positive and reciprocal relationships that our mother had formed with caregivers who regularly interacted with her at Sherman. I know these particular individuals were not responding to specific job responsibilities.

It is obvious that these individuals within the departments of Sherman Hospital are committed and dedicated to patients as well as patient’s families. We are hopeful that you will recognize the aforementioned departments and individuals for their outstanding commitment and efforts.

Thank you.

Great Care in the ED

I wanted to let you know about the great care I received in the ED last Wednesday. At first I was reluctant to come to Sherman because I was in so much pain and I could not even get dressed. In my pajamas and barely able to walk, as soon as I got to the ED Lynda Duncan saw me and knew how much pain I was in and immediately she and Jeanne got me settled in an exam room.

Additionally, nurse Patti and Sandy, the Nurse Practitioner, also gave me excellent care. Both health care providers monitored my pain continually and reassessed it to make sure I was getting relief. I also observed how they washed their hands; used two identifiers and Patti explained why she was asking me to identify myself. They explained everything to me and provided me with excellent discharge instructions. I could not find anything that they did not do correctly but more importantly, as a patient they showed compassion and concern for my condition and relieving my pain.

In the future, I will never be hesitant to come for care. I have already personally thanked Lynda and Patti but wanted you also to know what a wonderful team you have in the ED.

Job Well Done

I am writing this missive to inform you of my visit today (12-9) to the Sherman hospital for a MRI procedure. From the moment I entered to the final exit I must compliment all with whom I came in contact with.

Caregivers: Meg and Sandy
Pre-admission: Judy, RN
Preoperative Nurse: Anne, RN
Recovery Room Nurses: Linda and Rick

Each person displayed the highest degree of professionalism and thoughtfulness that one expects when dealing with the staff at Sherman.

Please convey my thanks and gratitude to one and all for a job well done.

Thank you!

Thank you for your compassion and care!

I was recently admitted (November 20) for an emergency appendectomy. Because it was an emergency, you don’t have a lot of time to worry or think about what goes on around you. I just want to comment on the care that I received. Starting from the moment I was checked in, every single person was calming, informative, professional, and obviously extremely capable. You have to forgive me, I cannot remember all of the names, but from the nursing staff who prepped me, to the surgeon (Dr. Farbota), to the recovery room staff, and the nurses and staff that were with me while I was there. (Rosemary, Julie, Kelly, Angel, and I know there were a few more…) Everyone was extremely compassionate and caring, while ensuring that both my wife and I were comfortable and informed.

It takes a special kind of person to be able to care for such a diverse population of patients, and you should know that your staff could not be better suited. No one likes to be in a hospital, but I can honestly say, if I have to do it again, I would insist on spending my time with the Sherman Hospital staff. Please make sure to pass this on to all of the people who were involved with my treatment. They really made an impact, and I would like for them to know that!

Thank you again, and best regards!

-Nick

A Lovely Letter of Patient Praise

This past October I had the pleasure of being a patient at your hospital. I can’t begin to tell you what a pleasant experience it was during such an uncomfortable time.

Too often, the good is overlooked and goes unrecognized, so I felt compelled to let you know how grateful I am for selecting Sherman, even though my resident hospital has been a different one. Starting with the ER, the doctors and nurses were attentive and caring, which allowed me to be at ease while I waited to know my CAT scan results. Dr. Ford and Bridgett, the nurse on duty, helped me more than once and provided the proper doctors to assist me while I was admitted into the hospital for the weekend. I am blessed to have such an incredible team of doctors from the Elgin GI Office, and was relieved to have my doctors of choice, Dr. Aron and Dr. Kosinski to care for me during such a worrisome time.

I would like to also commend the nursing staff that cared for me, their professionalism, compassion and knowledge about the field put me at ease. I was treated kindly and efficiently every step of the way. My General Surgical nurses; Josh, Gina, and Maria went above and beyond to help me and treat me with the utmost respect and consideration. I truly felt like I had a team of family members surrounding me before and after my surgery, and I knew I could rely on them for anything. I don’t by any means miss being in the hospital, but I really do miss them. They are all truly a credit to Sherman.

Coping with a progressive disease, this was not my first stint in a hospital for such a procedure. As you can tell, I am in total admiration of your hospital and staff. All the amenities that have been incorporated into making a patient’s stay as pleasant and as comfortable as possible definitely set it apart from any other hospital that I have been in. I could go on and on and hope that I have portrayed to you what an outstanding hospital Sherman is. Whatever you have done to set it apart from any other hospital, you certainly have achieved your goal.

Praise for Sherman’s Team of Nurses

Dear Ms. Deering,

On behalf of Tom and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to commend your team of nurses in the same day surgery unit. Being a nurse myself, I can especially appreciate their above average knowledge and compassion in their care of the patient.

On November 6, Tom had surgery repair for 2 hernias. We both knew little of what was to be expected but we were kept completely informed and educated each step of the way. Things ran smoothly and exactly as explained in advance.

I would especially like to acknowledge Karen, Tina, Jean Miller and Susan – all recovery room nurses for their special skills and insight into their care of Tom. Their combined years of experience clearly showed and gave us both.

Again, I would recommend Sherman Hospital and its wonderful staff to anyone who is in need of a hospital who makes excellent patient care truly a priority.

At Sherman I’m Always a Top Priority

I continue to be amazed by the consistent “care excellence” culture that Sherman Hospital cultivates from every point. My primary care doctor, Mary George, has always stated that my care at Sherman would be outstanding. I have had several tests and procedures done at Sherman during the past 2 years and have always felt like I was a top priority. Thank you for the opportunity to share my comments and congratulations on inspiring your staff to always make a difference.