Patient Stories

I’m a ‘letter writer’ – it’s what I do when I have exceptional service experiences – both good and bad. My little contribution to making the world a better place, I suppose.

Today I pick up the pen to tell you how exceptionally wonderful a few of your staff are at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea. I had a heart attack Monday night, 1/11/10. It was nice to walk up to Emergency complaining of chest pain and not be doubted or hassled at the window. And it was probably life-saving to be seen by EMTs in a matter of seconds. I continued to get lucky when I drew Dr. Ramy Doss, who I’m told had me breathing again, stented and out of danger in a matter of 52 minutes from time of walk in. Through my mental haze, I remember him literally taking command of the Cath Lab and having no excuses for delay. From there I recovered in ICU and received care that could be called nothing short of First Class. A few staff stand out as tops in their field and I’d like to call your attention to them in hopes that you’ll find a way to let them know they do good work. Namely, Tony Gonzales, Christa Banks, Shera Lopez and Jessica Mellberg. Really, really special people.

In the Telemetry unit Nurses Ruth Horbaczewski, Yelana and Chris stand out in my mind. The entire Cath Lab is fantastic. Since I was strapped down and anesthetized all three visits, I failed to get anyone’s name, but ALL were unbelievable caregivers. My hospitalist/advocate/Internal Medicine man Dr. Richard Ernst couldn’t be better suited in the role he plays.

Doctors Doss, Mattioni and Riggio are my new best friends and I couldn’t be luckier than to have them in my renewed life.

All in all, my eight day, $200,000 stay resulted in 3 stents and an ICD was exceptional. As a 30 year Scottsdale resident, I’d like to tell you that we are lucky to have Scottsdale Healthcare, and its fine staff of caregivers in our community. Brilliant hiring and management and concepts such as the 4P’s usually come from the top and today I wanted you to know they impressed all the way down to the customer.

Best regards,

Bruce Woodward

Dear Scottsdale Healthcare:

I write to extend my compliments for the top notch Military Partnership Program at Scottsdale Healthcare. Fourteen members of the 440th Medical Group attended the program. They could not have been more pleased with the quality of the program and your staff professionalism. The program was of great value to each member.

While at Scottsdale Healthcare, the members enhanced their clinical and trauma care skills, enabling them to meet required medical military skills. The program promotes extremely positive impact on mission readiness.

We look forward to continuing our professional partnership and hope to send additional members in the future. Thank you very much for the outstanding services.

Best regards,

Air Force Commander

Dear Scottsdale Healthcare:

I was treated in the emergency room at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center. After a preliminary diagnosis, I was admitted to a room in Unit 4C.

I am writing to commend the care provided by the nurses, nurse aides and support staff for the several days that I was hospitalized. I want to single out Elizabeth, Gina, Diana and Tasha. They were professional, efficient, helpful and caring at all times.

I worked in hospitals and homecare for over 30 years and I know the rewards and stresses of care giving. I also recognize an excellent facility and Shea Medical Center certainly is in my opinion.

Sincerely,

A grateful patient

Dear Scottsdale Healthcare:

I’m embarrassed to say I had never heard of you when I became a surgical patient at your hospital. Now, I’ll say I will never forget you.

What a wonderful experience—such a lovely facility! Pre-op was simple with the map provided. Prep room for surgery was fantastic. Instead of nervously shivering while awaiting a serious back surgery, I was kept comfortably warm with a blower under the blanket which provided nice, warm air which relaxed me.

The operation was a success, thanks to my surgeon. The hospital and care I received was a bonus. Thanks to the doctor and to all of the staff there at the hospital.

Sincerely,

A grateful patient

Dear Scottsdale Healthcare:

I would like to thank you, as well as commend you, for your wonderful treatment of my mom. Mom is 91 years old. She fell and was brought to your ER. The doctor was just wonderful. The nursing staff was also excellent.

She was moved to a room. Her head nurse was Gail. You could not ask for a better caretaker for mom. She was skilled, compassionate, steady, caring—for our family, as well as my mom. When I had been there 24 hours straight, it was Gail who convinced me to go home and get some rest and she was right, I was exhausted.

Besides Gail, there were other nurses who were exceptional. Aubrey had my mother’s heart. She always greeted mom with a big smile and had good words to comfort mom. When mom returned from surgery, Monika took care of her and was exceptional in her caring about mom’s pain, but also her fear, not remembering where she was or why. Other nurses who were wonderful were Wendi, Nick, Kara, Karli, Karis and Whitney. Actually, there wasn’t one nurse who was mediocre. All of them were excellent. There is nothing better for a family than to know they can go home knowing their loved one is in the best hands possible.

The best of the whole experience was the head of the staff, Carmel. What an asset to your hospital! She is efficient, in command, experienced, hands on, obviously very well trained in management with empathy for the patient, the family and privacy. You and we are very blessed that we were there with her in charge. Kim was also excellent in charge.

Please let these employees know what they meant to us and honor them for the wonderful, busy, exhausting work they do for long hours, with professionalism, compassion and skill.

Thank you,

A grateful daughter and family

Dear Scottsdale Healthcare:

My sister and I want to thank all of the wonderful people on the 5th floor at Osborn from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful care you gave our mother. Words cannot express our gratitude for your loving care while she was there.

Sincerely,

A grateful family

Dear Scottsdale Healthcare:

Saturday morning, my husband took me to your emergency room as he was afraid that I had a stroke. My name was called in five minutes. The entire weekend I was given kind and wonderful treatment. I especially want to thank Stacy, Kristen and Hugo on the sixth floor. They went out of their way to care for me.

Sincerely,

A grateful patient

To 5 East:

My Dear Mary (both Marys), Craig, Candace, Jim, Barb, Tera, Dena and all of the Patient Care Assistants,

Thank you for taking such good care of me while I was in the hospital last week. I am so grateful for everything you did for me. You care, without question, the most professional, sweet, knowledgeable, caring people I’ve ever known in a hospital setting.

I thank you for your kindnesses and your patience, your understanding and for always being right there – making me feel safe, affirming that I was definitely in the right place to become well again.

God bless you always,

A grateful patient

Dear Scottsdale Healthcare:

Saturday morning, my husband took me to your emergency room as he was afraid that I had a stroke. My name was called in five minutes. The entire weekend I was given kind and wonderful treatment.

I especially want to thank Stacy, Kristen and Hugo on the sixth floor. They went out of their way to care for me.

Sincerely,

A grateful patient