In late June, I sent the following note to Beebe Medical Foundation: “Beebe Staff: For my attending physician, other physicians, nurses, assistant nurses, technicians, transport personnel, radiology techs, food and food delivery – in short, everyone – my thanks. I have spent my share of time in world-class teaching hospitals and have no doubt the medicine practiced at Beebe is just as good. However, I have never encountered such kindness, humanity and compassion from my caregivers. Thank you so much. You are a rare gift.”
I meant every word of that note, because when I was admitted to Beebe Healthcare with acute pancreatitis, I was in bad shape. Initially, I thought I was having a heart attack and went to Beebe’s South Coastal Emergency Department in Frankford. The attending physician eased my heart attack fear and sent me by ambulance to Beebe’s main campus in Lewes.
Although I was in intense pain and miserable, without exception, everyone I came in contact with at Beebe was more than competent and extraordinarily kind. I received warmth and compassion from everyone.
And that compassion was not just directed toward me. At one point during my eight-day stay at Beebe, I shared a room with another patient suffering from several health issues. One night around 3 a.m., he became quite agitated. The nursing staff rushed to his side and were as kind and caring with him as they had been with me, soothing and reassuring him with calm patience.
I expected great clinical care from Beebe – as a competence of a healthcare system – and that is exactly what I received. But what sets Beebe apart is the sincere kindness and compassion of the staff.
I would like to thank my entire care team: Borislav Antonov, MD; Arpine Avagyan, MD; Kristie Zangari, DO; Jon B. Wiggins, MD; Madyson Beal, RN; Madeline Bierman, RN; Lauren Carter, RN; Lourie Cherundolo, RD; Lisa Collord, RN; Michael Dempsey, RN; Crystal Feindt, RN; Melissa Floyd, RN; Brittany Fry, RN; Jeremy Gardner, RN; Amy Graves, RN; Rachel Laird, pharmacy tech; Breanna Lindsay, RN; Raymie Miller, RN; Carmel Monfiletto, dietitian; Elena Nikitina, RN; James Perrine, RN; Irina Schnupp, RN; Grant Shaddix, Pharm D; Vera Shutkova, RN; Kendra Sipes, PCT; Lisa Smale, DO; Kimberly Travis, NP; Jay Wingate, RN; and Matthew Wood, RN.
A few special thank-yous are also in order: to Michael Dempsey, RN, who kindly addressed when I was receiving more potassium than my body could handle and called Mike Kent from ultrasound to find a deep vein for my IV without pain! To Lisa Collord, RN, who spoke plainly and comfortingly to me about my transition to “real life” after discharge and eased my anxiety. And to Warren Burke, who was engaging and fascinating as he transported me. Thank you all for your special care.
Unbelievable as it may seem, a friend of mine was also hospitalized with acute pancreatitis at a larger hospital in Maryland. When we compared notes, my experience far outshined his. I did not feel like “a number,” nor was my food “inedible” as he described his! In fact, my food was delicious, and the nutrition staff was beyond helpful. I’m only sorry that I was not in good enough shape to eat during the first five days of my stay.
So, thank you to Beebe for hiring such fantastic personnel, and for each and every person who cared for me during my stay. I am grateful for you all, and I truly am celebrating my excellent care there.
As a community-based, not-for-profit healthcare system, Beebe Healthcare depends on the generous support of the community it serves. To make a gift to celebrate the excellent care you or a loved one has received, visit Beebe Medical Foundation at beebemedicalfoundation.org or call 302-644-2900. Want to share your story? Contact Amanda Neal at aneal@beebehealthcare.org.
