Patient Letters

We regularly receive letters from former patients, their families, and friends describing their experience and the care received at Griffin Hospital. We look forward to these letters and the stories they tell about our how our employees, physicians and volunteers made their experience at Griffin unique and more humanistic. Where possible we share these letters with all of our staff and above all, with those mentioned.

The letters capture the essence and compassion of the personalized patient-centered care we provide and further reinforce and remind us that we are an organization whose main goal is to heal people and to provide comfort to family members and friends.

The following are some of the letters received over that past several years. The names of the senders have been removed for privacy reasons.

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May 7, 2009

Dear President Charmel:

I recently finished a course of treatment at the Hyperbaric Wound Center at Griffin Hospital. I can’t begin to tell you what a pleasant experience it was.

In the past 2-1/2 years, I have had occasion to be treated at St. Raphael’s Hospital, Hartford Hospital, and Middlesex Hospital. My oncologist, Dr. Joyce Chung, recently joined the staff at Griffin Cancer Center and highly recommended Dr. Dobuler and the facility available at Griffin. After investigating both Hartford Hospital and Griffin, my husband and I weighed the advantages and disadvantages of each. The minute that we entered Griffin, we knew we were dealing with a very different type of hospital. Dr. Dobuler was very knowledgeable and took time to discuss the procedure with us. After meeting with Dr. Dobuler and being shown the treatment room and the equipment used, we decided that the commitment of 1-1/2 hours each way from our home as well as the 2 hours in the chamber was worth it.

The staff in the Wound Center were wonderful. All of the ladies, Carrie, Tammy, LeeAnn, Barbara and Linda, gave me better care than I have received in any other hospital. They were all very professional and caring, but at the same time they were a lot of fun. By the time that I left there after 30 treatments, they felt like old friends. I don’t by any means miss the daily trek back and forth, but I really do miss them. They are all truly a credit to the hospital.

In addition to the excellent care I received, I have to make mention of the excellent service provided by the valets. When we pulled up at the entrance, Justin and Brian were there waiting with a wheelchair and a friendly smile. When my husband went down to get the wheelchair for me after treatments, they had the car parked at the entrance. Day after day they were polite and friendly. Previous experience at other hospitals has not proven so pleasant.

I also have to mention Marie at the reception desk who always had a pleasant smile and a cheery greeting, and all of the volunteers who were always ready to lend a hand and to say hello.

As you can tell, my husband and I are in total admiration of your hospital. When we walked in, it did not have the usual sterile, impersonal atmosphere. We read about your adopting the Planetree principles which stress care and comfort for the patient. All of the amenities that have been incorporated into making a patient’s stay as pleasant and as comfortable as possible definitely set it apart from any other hospital that I have been in.

My husband, while he was waiting the 2 hours for me to go through my treatment, very much enjoyed going down and listening to the piano players, another innovation not found anywhere else. It gave him something to enjoy while he was waiting. While roaming through the hospital, he happened on the Pain Management Center, went in, got some brochures, made an appointment, and as a result I am now undergoing treatment with Dr. Thimineur.

While visiting Dr. Chung, we had the opportunity to see the beautiful new Cancer Center with its innovative architecture and amenities, and which had the feeling of a plush resort rather than the usual perception of a place that deals with cancer. While there, we visited the computer room, and were helped by Carrie O’Malley, who gave us much useful information and as is everyone else, very caring and interested.

I could go on and on and hope that I have portrayed to you what an outstanding hospital Griffin is and why it is so sought after. Whatever you have done to set it apart from any other hospital, you certainly have achieved your goal.

Very truly yours,
C.R.O.

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To Patrick Charmel,

I was in the ER for over five hours on December 21, 2008, and my treatment was outstanding. My nurse, Brian, who came on at 7 or 8 a.m., was above average in his caretaking of me and he made my stay here very enjoyable (I know that sounds strange!). I arrived at 5 a.m. and left at 10 a.m., and Brian made my morning great.

Thanks,

K.S.

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To Whom It May Concern,

I just wanted to write and tell you what an outstanding therapist you have in Michelle Smith, LCSW.

Last year I had a serious nervous breakdown and since then until now she has been working with me to try and bring me back to sanity. She has me see her once a week, attend group therapy once a week, attend dual recovery once a week, and I see Dr. Boran once a month.

Michelle works so many hours and does such good work. She deserves a raise and recognition for all the hard work she does to help all of us. I could say she certainly saved my life and probably countless others.

Thank you for your time,

R.T.

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Dear Mr. Charmel,

I have been a patient at Griffin Hospital for many years. The care I have received by the Special Procedures Unity has always been excellent. I seem to take for gratned how well I am treated, and the care I have received by Patricia’s staff of nurses – Katie, Tammy, Linda, Cheryl, Connie, Maribeth and Helen. They have provided superb, professional and outstanding care. The efficiency, knowledge and confidence that is exhibited on the Special Procedures Unit is a shining star to your hospital.

Yours Sincerely,

L.B.

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Dear Mr. Charmel,

Last October and last week I was being tested and treated for thyroid cancer in your Department of Nuclear Medicine. I would like to commend the staff in that department, especially Suzanne, for her professionalism, compassionate care, and knowledge about her field. I was treated kindly and efficiently every step of the way. Too often, the good is overlooked and goes unrecognized, so I felt compelled to let you know.

Sincerely,

A.M.

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Dear Mr. Charmel,

Since April 2007 up until March 2008, I have had the pleasure of being a patient at your hospital many times. I must say you run the best hospital in Connecticut.

Starting with the E.R., the doctors are great. Dr. Hendricks and Dr. Bell have a way with patients. They have helped me more than once and provided the proper doctors to help me – that being Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Dreznick who saved my life more than once.

Next, the nurses in the E.R. are quick, attentive, and caring. Dave always makes sure you’re in a room ASAP.

One of the doctors on Dr. Dreznick’s team has a great future – Dr. Thomas, I believe. She brought me from hysteria back to rational thinking just with her manner.

As for the nurses and assistants on the floor, they take good care of you and make a scary and unsure time easier.

In a class by themselves is the pharmacy. They go out of their way to help you and treat you with the upmost respect. They are knowledgeable and caring.

Last of all, there are two women who I will forever be grateful to. They got me back on my feet and helped me with every aspect of living. They are an asset to your hospital and deserve a corner office – Christine G. and Rita Crana. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

You have a great team, Mr. Charmel. Keep up the excellent work!

Sincerely,

J.P., Ansonia, CT

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Dear Mr. Charmel,

Recently I was a patient in the GI Department. I want to say the staff there was the most efficient, helpful and friendly. I was apprehensive going in but they worked together and did everything to make my stay very comfortable. I can see why Griffin Hospital is one of the best hospitals in the country.

Sincerely,

A.B.

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Dear Sir,

We wanted to advise you of the outstanding care which my wife received recently at the Short Term Surgery Unit at Griffin Hospital. The staff there is truly a credit to Griffin Hospital, Planetree, and the nursing profession! They are: Michelle, Nancy, Janet, Denise, Elaine, Mary Ellen, Carol, and Gina.

Sincerely,

A.P. and C.P.

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Dear Folks,

I'm writing this from room 182 in your hospital. This is my second stay here which is quite unusual because I'm traveling and live in the Plattsburgh, NY area which is just South of Montreal, Que.

I have to tell you that this facility is the very best I've ever been in. The staff, from the cleaners to the Supervisors are wonderfully dedicated, talented people and their attitude towards their patients is an example that can be learned by other facilities claiming to be "homey and friendly." They can't hold a candle to your staff.

The ER staff were pros, the transportation guy up to the room watched for all the bumps, and it just goes on and on. The meals are carefully prepared, the veggies are still crisp, the cold foods are cold and the hot foods are hot and NOT overcooked to a dry mass of who knows what.

I hope you never see me again - hahahaha, but if I do have to return, I know in my heart that I'll receive the best care and treatment. I have to tell you that I'm quite hard to impress, but you guys make it so easy to just relax and know you're on the minds and hearts of the staff.

Warm regards,
B. W.
Dannemora, NY

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1/19/2008

Dear Mr. Charmel,

I am a Physician Assistant employed by Griffin Hospital to provide neonatal coverage for high risk deliveries in the childbirth center. I was called into the hospital on January 13, 2007 to attend an unscheduled Caesarian section for an infant with fetal distress. This infant required resuscitation in the delivery room including ventilation and chest compressions. While ventilatory support is a common occurrence, chest compressions are not. I had the pleasure of working with a skilled team of professionals who recognized the immediate need for the institution of chest compressions in this infant whild I was attending to the airway and ventilation. The competence of the nursing staff was excellent, specifically Susan McCullough, who was the nurse assisting with the resuscitation of this infant. I would also like to commend Dr. Rock, from anesthesiology, who assisted with the care of this infant.

I have been employed with Griffin in the above capacity for a few years, and have been calledin to help at deliveries on a number of instances. All of my experiences at Griffin Hospital have been very positive, with nursing and physician staff that is very dedicated and competent. It is a pleasure to work in such an environment.

Sincerely yours,

Sharon Smith, PA-C

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1/18/2008

Dear Mr. Charmel:

My mother and I moved to Oxford about two years ago. In making that move, we obviously were concerned about the services that the Valley would provide. We knew of Griffin Hospital because my father had been raised in Ansonia and his business was in Derby. For many years when his family needed medical care, Griffin Hospital was available. It was a small hospital with limited facilities. Oh, how it has changed - for the better! My mother has unfortunately had some serious medical issues in the last year and a half and her doctor of course uses the hospital. She is presently in critical condition, but we wanted to let you know that we are so pleased with the care and services Griffin provides.

One of the services that brings this letter to you is to commend Mr. Kerry Gold, Assistant Dining Services Director, and Mr. Rory Proctor on the individualized care and service they have provided for her. We keep kosher and it isn't always easy to stay within those boundaries in this kind of situation. They have hand designed her meals according to her wishes and needs. Their time and efforts are deeply appreciated. The food has been outstanding! It is so important to have meals that are appealing when one is ill. These gentlemen are certainly a great asset to Griffin Hospital. We can really understand why Griffin now enjoys such an excellent repuation.

Sincerely,

E. & C. J.
Oxford

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