“I was at a loss for words”

When a son’s collapsed lung resulted in his admission to VGH, his mother travelled from Ontario to be at his side. What she found left her speechless.

And, so, she wrote us to express her true feelings and gratitude.

“Dear Sir/Madam,

My son was admitted to VGH, Jim Pattison pavilion – 12th Floor – on November 21st for a collapsed lung.  He is from Ontario and at law school at UBC.

I arrived from Ontario, mid-week, the day before his surgery. What first impressed me was the cleanliness, the quiet and the serenity of the hospital. Although, this should perhaps be a given, this has not been my experience of late with other facilities.

Upon meeting the first of my son’s nurses, (who was top-notch), I was initially concerned that a shift change would leave him with less than the stellar care he was presently receiving. There was no need to worry.  The care was consistently kind, compassionate and highly skilled. Rachel, Connie, Sandra are just a few of the names I recall (Also, M…?). All assigned to his case were first rate!! I’m sorry I don’t remember all their names.

The fact that the nursing staff could be readily identified by uniform was so helpful to a patient and family. Again, in some hospitals it is difficult to distinguish between cleaning staff, nurses or surgeons.

Also, I was witness to how elderly patients were treated – with respect – spoken to like the adults they are – on the 12th floor and in pre-op. (By the way, I was quite surprised to be invited to pre-op).

Traveling up and down the elevator I was struck by how friendly and respectful the staff were to each other. Even the café staff, although very busy at times, were always cheerful. That may seem insignificant, but as a concerned family member taking a break, it’s just a little thing that can make a difference in your day.

Thank you to a physician in a hallway, who took the time to point me in the right direction when I was lost, and to the friendly orderlies, who must do a great job at calming the nerves of patients.

Thank you especially to Dr. Yee for taking the time to speak with me after the surgery. It certainly put me at ease.

On one of those above mentioned elevator rides, I couldn’t help but ask the staff in the car with me, if they knew what they had here. I was quickly and enthusiastically asked what I liked best. At the time I was at a loss for words and said something about the view. Someone asked if I would send a letter to administration to give an account of my experience. I promised I would.

Great team effort. Thank you VGH.”