There's a lot right about our health care!

After spending the past three months in our health care facilities, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who cared for me. you will read below the wide range of specialists that are involved in making a patient well again.

Thank you to the physicians, surgeons, anaestheseologists, nurses, therapists and social workers in the ER, 6N and 5N of Royal Inland Hospital, and particularly Drs. Chevalier and Outerbridge for putting me back together again! Although I was well medicated for pain in RIH, and not to diminish the serious care I was given, I remember the most comfy tuck-ins with pillows by RN Clint on 6N, and the conscientious (i.e. waking me up) checking of my vitals by trainee LPN Brad.

After my condition was stabilized at RIH, I was transferred to the convalescent care unit at Ponderosa Lodge, which I feel represents all that is right with our health care system. CCU prepares 'clients' to return home after surgery or other serious conditions. I was unaware of CCU services until I needed them, and feel enlightened to have witnessed first-hand how many people of a variety of ages and conditions benefit from this very important public service.

The teams at CCU led by manager Sue Rolph, demonstrate a devotion to their clients who are in need of holistic care so that they can become independent again. Hats off to the nursing team led by Cindy Sczebel, the physio team led by Ken Mcdonald, occupational therapist Tanya Morgan, and activity worker Brenda. Also, I would like to make special mention of the care aides and housekeeping staff who hit the ground running with every shift change. These are the staff who make clients feel human again – they greet clients with warm cloths and make beds in the morning. They ensure washrooms are clean and personal hygiene is taken care of, they transfer clients from their beds into wheelchairs, serve meals, and respond to a variety of other personal needs.

Thanks also to my GP, Dr. Alice Huang, who visited me regularly to monitor my progress, and, of course, everyone who visited and wished me well.

I feel fortunate to live in a community and province that provides the excellent health care that I and others receive.

Collen McClean
Kamloops