Blog Part 2 – Recognition
While I typically post one blog per week, I want to share the following patient letter today because it is a direct reflection of each your hard work, commitment and dedication to our patients, that we receive kind words such as these so often. The small things truly are important, and we may not even be aware of the impact we are having.
Thank you for each of your leadership.
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Dear Mr. Shapiro-
It is with gratitude that I send this message to you. I wanted to let you know about my experience with Hospital for Special Surgery and its’ staff.
I first came to HSS to see Dr. B for a consult on June [X] 2019. I was met with such kindness, professionalism and more importantly hope, regarding my situation. On July [X] I was sent to see Dr. H, and again the staff, from the receptionist, to the nurse, right up to Dr. H, treated me with such care and dignity.
I was admitted to the hospital on August [X], for an immediate surgery on [August X]. I then had a second surgery on [August Y] and remained in the hospital for another week. The care I was given before, during and after my surgery was phenomenal. The staff on the 11th floor went above and beyond any expectations I had for patient care. Everyone who came into my room, from the nurses, to the PCAs, to the food deliverers, to the custodians, every person who passed me in the hallway or on the elevator, treated me with such kindness, dignity and respect. I don’t know if you realize what that says about the way you run this hospital. (Lou’s side note: Please know when patients compliment me for leadership, they are complimenting you for your leadership. I just happen to be receiving the letter. Leadership By All, everyone is a leader, regardless of your role. This is what happens when LBA comes to life, which it does at HSS. It is a honor and privilege to receive so many of these letters on your behalf). When a staff member genuinely enjoys his or her work and when he or she is happy to go to work, it makes for a healing environment for every patient that comes there.
I also want to mention that Dr. B is an extraordinary doctor, which I’m sure you already know. But for me it is not just his orthopedic expertise that I am grateful for, but also his humanity. Dr. B stopped in to see me every single day that I was in the hospital. You have no idea how much this meant to me. I have been dealing with my current situation for roughly a year now and my former surgeons, after surgery, would see me at a 2 week follow up. I figured that this was standard operating procedure (no pun intended) until I met Dr. B and realized that those who are true healers understand how important the personal human touch is to the overall health of a patient and how much it facilitates healing.
I hope that you will let these staff members know how much their care and their kindness is appreciated, and thank you for establishing a true mission of compassion coupled with expertise at Hospital for Special Surgery.
Kind regards,
(Name Withheld)
4 Responses to “Blog Part 2 – Recognition”
I was incredibly touched by this phenomenal letter. It is absolutely beautiful. What a wonderful tribute to our hospital and staff. Proud to be a part of the HSS family.
Thank you for sharing this. It’s a great reminder that care and compassion go a long way.
“…When a staff member genuinely enjoys his or her work and when he or she is happy to go to work, it makes for a healing environment for every patient that comes there…” This is so true! Thank you for highlighting it. Happiness is contagious, and a tonic for our wellbeing/lives.
Working as an OR nurse, we sometimes fail to realize the impact we have on our patients because of the limited nurse-patient interaction, as the patient is under anesthesia within the first few minutes upon entering the OR. However, this is a great reminder of why I do what I do and love it, despite the daily stress and chaos that takes place in the OR.