Putting people first is what we do every day, and our efforts are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their families. The following letter was written by a grateful ED patient at VGH.
To the staff at VGH’s Emergency Room,
I visited your facility for a concerning (and somewhat embarrassing) albeit ultimately non-critical health issue Friday night (Sept 21) and just wanted to say that I was very impressed by the proficient, professional, and compassionate manner with which I was treated. From the moment I stepped to the window, I felt genuinely acknowledged, respected, and cared for by every single person with whom I interacted.
I’d like to make special mention of the person who admitted me as well as the physician who treated me – I wish very much that I had been in a better frame of mind to remember your names and thank you personally but, unfortunately, my attention was elsewhere. You are a credit to your respective professions and, despite all the pressures and challenges of being involved in front-line health care, have managed to maintain the perspective that you ultimately work in a human-centered field and that human care and dignity are of primary concern.
I suspect that it is easy to see the cracks and frustrations of the profession you have chosen – between the media scrutiny and the regular political machinations of the industry, I’m not sure how much positivity is encountered on a regular basis. Yet, the work you do matters deeply and is recognized and sincerely appreciated by many. Please know that this one letter represent thousands of other patients who have had similar positive experiences in your hands but who haven’t managed to pass along their gratitude, yet.
Thank you for all that you do, every day, that contributes to a healthier, happier, and more compassionate society.
P.S. I was admitted, treated, and out the door in under an hour – pretty darn impressive for a busy Emergency Room on a Friday night!