Trading places at UBC Hospital
This patient’s story began last summer when she tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation. The news meant she faced an increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
“It was a very emotional time for me because I have a daughter and two grand-daughters,” she says. “It was easy for me to make the decision to have surgery, but still anxiety-provoking. It’s a different process to now be on the receiving end, and also very humbling.”
As a health care professional in Surrey, this patient spends her days caring for others. Trading places wasn’t in her life plans — but, thanks to a UBC Hospital team, her patient experience was more than humbling. It was praise-worthy, too. Read her letter to learn why.
“My name is —- and I had surgery at your UBC Hospital site in January. I wanted to express my sincere appreciation to the wonderful care that I received by everyone there. My apologies that I have waited so long to write this, and I have forgotten the name of the very professional and compassionate nurse that did my admission, the I.V. and general preparation. Loved the warm blanket! Dr. Stuart, and the anaesthesiologist (whose name I have also forgotten), the O.R. staff – all made me feel very confident in their care and expertise. I was very touched that Dr. Stuart called my husband to let him know all was well – these courtesies mean much to waiting family members! John, in PACU, and Fatima in the “discharge area” all were very kind and gave me very excellent care. Fatima delayed her break to take me herself to my husband’s car. Thank-you all – it’s rather different to be on the receiving end, versus the giving end, but you all made it feel okay.”
Carol Duncan
I am not surprised that John and Fatima have made this lasting impression – both are genuine caring professionals – so nice to hear!