“We learned that each of us loves birds”

Quality care is about more than numbers — it’s also about taking the time to connect with patients as people, and perhaps share something of ourselves, too.

At least one patient thinks so. And here’s what he wrote:

“Last Friday morning at 5:30 am, I became a patient at UBC Hospital, checking in for a hip replacement which was performed by Dr. Bas Masri. From the time of admission to the time of my release, I wish to report that the care provided to me was simply excellent.

My admitting nurse prior to surgery was Bozena, who did her best to waylay any concerns of what I was about to experience. Dr. Masri and his team worked their magic in the surgery room and within a few hours I was through recovery and rolled into my room on S1.

I had learned to know Dr. Masri through both hip replacements that he performed on my wife in 2010 and 2013. In our opinion, he is just the best of physicians in his profession. He visited me later that afternoon in my room, reporting that my procedure went as planned.

My first care nurse was Laura, who seemed to do all the right things, even to the extent of offering to wash my back in the morning, which I gratefully accepted. We learned that each of us loves birds, particularly chickadees. Then there was Rosalina, the night nurse, gentle but efficient, continuously emptying my urinal container, and replacing the ice on my surgical site and ensuring I had ice water to drink throughout the night. Davie Ann [sic] was the next nurse, followed by Mary Anne up until my discharge.

So often today we hear of complaints concerning our medical system, but I simply have none. Yes there was pain, and I became so tired lying on my back with a rolled up sheet between my legs, but from the pain I had prior to surgery, that will quickly be forgotten.

I simply want to say a big THANK YOU to your hospital and the professional staff you employ. It was a job well done.”