“She performed her duties with great competence, kindness and humanity”

In a recently received thank you letter, the efforts of a Richmond Hospital Wound Care nurse are recognized by a grateful patient and his family…

On behalf of my entire family, I would like to express our thanks and acknowledge the exceptional care provided by the hospital staff in general and to one of the nurses at Richmond Hospital especially. In an environment of limited resources and underfunding, we appreciate the hard work and care of all those involved in our father’s recent stay. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the Wound Care nurse Maria, who services the entire hospital.

The patient at the centre of care

Our father was admitted to Richmond Hospital at the end of June after having a radical cystectomy.  When he was released into a general ward from the High Acuity Unit, we became aware of the specialized treatment he would require due to where his stoma had to be placed.  Maria began to work with our father after he was moved to the ward and provided an exceptional level of competence and care. She took the time to speak with the family in person and over the phone, and provided information and encouragement that gave us comfort that we would be able to manage after his discharge from the hospital.  Our father felt very comfortable and well looked after by Maria.

We appreciated how specialized and necessary her services were after our father experienced complications with rash and infection.  After these complications arose, Maria advocated on his behalf to ensure he was not sent home until these conditions were under control; we greatly appreciated that.  Maria truly went above and beyond what was required in her role when she took the time to come into the hospital while she was on vacation to perform the final appliance change and to ensure the complications were stabilized prior to his discharge. Again, we are extremely grateful for her efforts.

Thank you

We have realized that Maria’s skills and role are much needed and she performed her duties with great competence, kindness and humanity. We request that you pass along our gratitude to Maria and to her supervisors as appropriate.  We understand that nursing is a difficult vocation and are grateful there are people like Maria who carry out this role with professionalism, kindness and compassion.