Page 9 - wh 2018 pulse e-magazine

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Wayne Flaaten

Greenbank

Recently — after being admitted via the Emergency Room —
I spent three days in the new inpatient wing at WhidbeyHealth
John Deegan Medical Center.
I was impressed with the level and quality of care I received as a
Coupeville patient there. I believe that kudos are certainly deserved by each

It’s rather rare that we could find such a unique, department and individual involved.
caring group of selfless souls on this beautiful The care I received from the three teams of nurses who rotated
island. Yet, at the same time, somehow fitting that shifts during my stay was fantastic. Each of them provided me with
they would all be gathered together to work in professional nursing care that had a palpable personal touch. The
this exceptional hospital, WhidbeyHealth Medical head nurse of each team was a true leader, who set the tone.
Center.
It was interesting and enlightening to my wife and I that the nurse
These men and women get up in the morning and
go to work with one simple, yet profound purpose in charge of my wing stopped in to say hello. She shared with us
that she had been a nurse in a large hospital in Norfolk, VA and
in mind: ‘I will she told us that, based on her experience, the services
care for you.’ and care at WhidbeyHealth are on the same level as
If asked what those at any urban medical center.
the most
important Dr. Dean Wang, the hospitalist who oversaw my medical
tool in their care and progress during my stay, was impressive, as well.
workday is, I Dr. Wang was professional, caring and inspired a sense of
am absolutely confidence in me regarding his guidance.
sure that I will also mention the quality of services offered by
any one of the West Wind Café and the nutrition assistants. They
your nurses provided me with very good meals delivered with a
would always friendly and personable touch. Also, the environmental services
answer, ‘My heart.’
staff diligently cleaned my room each day with a kind word and
My experience with your RNs Mary, Ellen, a smile.
and Marlene, all of Intensive Care; and
Cynthia, RN and Jennifer, EMT of the As for the room, all
Emergency Department, was one that I can say is ‘Wow!’ The
I will never forget. I have never been more room and the entire new
efficiently, expertly and lovingly cared for wing are fabulous with
in any hospital during my lifetime. They all its lighting, décor and
seemed to anticipate my every need — even restroom facilities.
going to the point of Jennifer’s holding my My experience certainly
hand when I thought I was going to die. strengthened the solid

After being discharged, they each thanked me for commitment my wife
my giving them the opportunity to be of service. and I continue to have in support of WhidbeyHealth and the
Unreal! It was I who should have been thanking excellent medical services it provides to all of Whidbey Islanders.
them. We are blessed to have such a quality resource such as
I realize that this letter is rather effusive. I’m sorry, WhidbeyHealth, with its high caliber medical and support staff in
but I just can’t contain myself when I come across our rural setting.
people who make the extra effort to do their best
to make this world a little better.