Staff Kudos: “I wanted to hug them all!”

The emergency room can be a fearful place for many admitting patients. However, thanks to the warm, friendly and professional nature of VGH’s ER team, this particular patient felt energized by the experience and even left with a smile on his face. Read his story below:

“I visited VGH emergency on Thursday Oct. 8, around 8 pm. And I want to commend the staff of VGH as I have recently moved into the downtown area, I don’t have a doctor, and I hesitate to utilize emergency services. But, with a worsening knee situation, I needed to get attention as I could barely stand on it.

From Ann (admitting), to Nurse Carrie, to Dr. Dave, I was more than impressed.

Ann was funny, warm, charming, and absolutely professional, yet she treated me like a guest in her home. Such a big, easy, and truly genuine smile!

Carrie, what more can I add? All of the above plus so confident and knowledgeable. So warm and compassionate.

Dr. Dave, soooo smart. So, so competent. Friendly, funny, charming. Caring and compassionate.

I have NEVER been in any medical facility with better care. Not that I visit them that often as I have been luckily healthy all my life. But your facility has so much more to offer than just quality care.

Standing in the middle of the emergency room talking to Dr. Dave, I couldn’t help but notice the kibitzing among the staff … the overwhelming good-natured buzz all around me. Such obvious confidence from a clearly competent team.

Our medical system is, in many ways, poorly administrated. When you visit a doctor, they get paid by the visit, so they limit you to one ailment per visit. How ridiculous is that? Just another form of tax: if you have 2-3 items to discuss, you need to visit 3 separate times … and time is money. But visiting VGH restores my faith that you CAN get the very best care.

In a place that sees so much tragedy, what I experienced, above all, was a positive sense of life. These folks are so vibrant. I walked out not cured, but with a plan, and with energy I didn’t have before I entered emergency. And I left with a big smile on my face. Yes, the limp is still there, and will be until I can obtain surgery, but thanks for the smiles and fantastic care.

I cannot find the words to truly explain the feelings they gave me. But I can say this: I wanted to hug them all when I was leaving. That is the warmth and compassion they give.

I stand in awe of these people. Thank you.”