LETTER: Unfortunate circumstance prompts pleasant stay

To the Telegram:

Several months ago, I had the unfortunate circumstance to be hospitalized for several days. It started when I woke up one morning with a sore and swollen arm. I placed a call to my physician’s office at the Essentia Clinic in Superior, and was able to see Dr. Holiday that afternoon.

We both had a good idea of what the problem was, but he immediately scheduled an ultrasound. It was the end of the day, but the ultrasound technician took me in and was very pleasant and thorough, taking her time and assuring me that all would be fine.

The diagnosis was a blood clot, and with an oncoming blizzard and a fair distance from my home to the hospital should a trip be needed, Doctor Holiday and I agreed that perhaps a couple of nights in the hospital would be in order.

For years, my wife and I had heard how horrible the Superior Hospital was, and when I told her that I would be hospitalized for a couple of days, she wanted me to go straight to Duluth. I did not want to be that far from family if they were needed, so I decided to stay in Superior. I was checked-in immediately, and within minutes of arriving in my assigned room, was brought a tray with the best hospital food I had ever eaten. I have been in several hospitals, and usually the food lives down to the general reputation of hospital food, but this was a pleasant surprise, and the food continued to be very tasty and easy to eat, always served hot, and trust me, I like my food, so when I brag about it, it must be pretty good.

The nursing staff was wonderful. They attended to me as needed, and gave me my space when I wanted it. They took their time teaching me how to give myself shots, and often lingered for a moment to visit and keep me company. Each and every, nurse was pleasant and polite, not common in my several stays at other hospitals.

A young student nurse spent time with me on several occasions, once filling out a survey for her studies, and several other times just stopping by to keep me company for a while. My comfort was always at the top of their priority list.

The physicians on rounds were just as pleasant and thorough, always taking their time to be sure that all of my needs were being met. A visit from the chaplain was welcome and delightful.

Other than my temporary condition, I cannot think of one negative thing to say about my stay. Every effort was made by the entire staff to make sure that my unfortunate stay was as pleasant and comfortable as it could be.

My heartfelt thanks to all of the staff. While the old reputation of this hospital may have been warranted, my experience has led me to believe that a new era has dawned at Essentia, and that our local hospital is truly superior.

Dave Allen,

South Range

Tags: opinion, letters