Listening made all the difference

While caring for one patient at the VGH & UBC Cardiovascular Clinic, nurse practitioner Leah Christoff listened intently. What she learned – and what she advised – has made all the difference for the family. Here’s how the son describes the turn of events:

“While helping my mother … on Tuesday this week, you heard me say that her husband was keeping her up at night due to his breathing problems.  You immediately diagnosed the symptoms as potentially indicative of heart failure and recommended a BNT and chest X-Ray.  I took my father to see his GP later that day and managed to get him a chest X-Ray the following morning.  He is now being treated for fluid in his lungs.  He is very grateful for your perceptive assessment and concern for his well-being.

Our whole family is indebted to you for the exceptional care you have shown … over the past few months.  You are a fantastic example of what our health care system can do!”