Letters to the editor...A hometown hospital makes the difference

Dear editor, In this time of horror stories about our health care system, I'd like toshare our story. It began January 20th when our mom, Annemarie Graf, had just been diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, a fatal lung disease about which not much is known. She was visiting us for the weekend to cheer her up. Saturday morning she experienced severe respiratory distress and our 911 call resulted in help within two minutes. The three paramedics were efficient, kind and knowledgeable-- and they brought her to the Georgetown Hospital Emergency in next to no time. In the following three weeks her condition stabilized and she was moved to the Complex Continuing Care Wing of the hospital. During the next six months Mom's condition altered numerous times-- through Critical Care, Long Term Care, Complex Continuing Care and Palliative Care. During each step of mom's journey we were impressed again and again to see the devoted, sympathetic and encouraging care the wonderful nurses bestowed upon not only our mom but on all the other patients we met along the way. They cheerfully took each patient under their wing and made each feel special. Dr. Cherla was always on call and visited regularly. As well, we want to applaud the cheerful kitchen staff, the caring volunteers; the efficient cleaning maintenance staff -- all ready with a story and a smile for our mother. Then there was Carrie devoted to entertaining her patients and the physiotherapists-- ever positive, even when things were hopeless. The lovely garden was a continuing joy for my mom who was so grateful for all her "guardian angels" and for her beautiful "room with a view". Mom always said she could not imagine ending up in a better place. My sisters and I were able to stay around the clock for mom's last five weeks and she loved to have us there with her. Sadly mom passed away on August 3rd. My family and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to all these wonderful folk-- we will never forget you or our six months at the Georgetown Hospital. Linda Wheaton and family Georgetown