‘Their compassion and empathy was evident in everything they did’

Staff kudos: A patient who recently underwent brain surgery at Lions Gate Hospital singles out “exceptional” nursing staff on 7 East for their dedication and kindness they showed for her, her family and other patients on the unit.

I am writing this letter to tell you about the exceptional care I have received from the nurses in the NCCU ward and the nurses on floor seven, specifically nurses Ella, Lee, Karen, Debbie, Melvin, Heidi, Sandra, Rachel, Victor, Eve.

I am 31 years old and had brain surgery in May to remove a tumour in my right parietal lobe. I had more than 30 staples and was in significant pain after the surgery. I was supposed to be in the hospital for just a couple of days but I had significant post-surgical bleeding in the middle of one night and subsequently my head had to be shaved on one side and I lost function of my left hand. Due to the swelling, the pain, and the functioning of my hand, I ended up being in the NCCU for a total of five days and the hospital for an additional two.

But I knew it is true. Although I had just had brain surgery I like to think I was a pretty level headed patient who was minimally demanding, but I certainly did require care at all times of the day, mostly for medication. Whenever I had a question or my pain was greater than the medication the nurse was allowed to give me he/she would talk me through the options and at times would have to go to a doctor to advocate on my behalf for a change.

Given the circumstances, I was at times emotional and the nurses mentioned in this letter took that into consideration when talking to me and my family. Their compassion and empathy was evident in everything they did. I could also hear their conversations with other patients and their relationship and conversations with others was similar to how it was with me.

I also appreciated that they trusted what I told them.

In turn, I trusted them, and for me it created a connection that made my experience after surgery much more manageable. These nurses were very hard working, always smiling with me, and so wonderful with my husband and family who were there frequently asking questions and helping me.

I am so happy to have had the surgery at Lions Gate, with  surgeon Dr. Ryan Janicki, and with the nurses I had taking care of me.  It was very important for me to write this letter because working for the public sector myself I know people are sometimes quick to complain but they do not always take the same amount of time to write about the exceptional people, the people who make a difference in their lives. Ella, Lee, Karen, Debbie, Melvin, Heidi, Sandra, Rachel, Victor, and Eve are those people. Their compassion and care for me was always present.

In a card that I left for them recently in neuro-ICU I wrote: My husband and I are forever grateful to you for helping me and us survive that week both physically and emotionally and for giving us the occasional laugh. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.