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 in the past six months. The names of the senders have been removed for privacy reasons.
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
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
12/18/07
I just wanted to write you an email and tell you about my experience at Griffin Hospital. On sunday December 16 I was injured cleaning the snow of my driveway with my snowblower. I received a pretty good laceration to the back of my left hand and coupled with the fact that i tale Plavix I needed medical attention. Living in Trumbull I decided to try one of the walk-in clinics located on Bridgeport avenue. They were both closed so I decided to drive to the emergency room at your hospital. I am so glad I did. I arrived at Griffin about 5:10 pm, and was back in my car at 6 o'clock after having a few stitches put in. If this was B---- Hospital or S---- Hospital, I think I would still be there. While I was there I was treated great especially by one of your P.A.'s Melissa Miezczanski. She was not only professional but also human too. If what I saw at your hospital in the brief time I was there is any indication on how things are run up there you have an excellent, first rate facility. I would not hesitate for one second recomending Griffin Hospital. My wife, who is a quality control manager for A---- in Bridgeport was amazed about how much I talked up your hospital. Thank you again and keep up the excellent work you do.
R.F.
Trumbull, CT
10/15/07
Hi Pat,
I'm writing this letter to tell you about a very caring, understanding and compassionate employee, Matt Milardo.
Our mother is very sick and just completed her second round of chemotherapy. She is 89 years old. Two months ago, she was a very active, healthy, and always-on-the-go mom, grandmother and great-grandmother.
After her diagnosis, she became a patient on 2-North B. The care and concern [shown] by the 2-North B staff was exceptional.
Her financial situation became a great worry to her along with her cancer.
She submitted forms to Matt Milardo, a very caring, understanding professional. Two days later, she received a letter from the financial advising staff regarding the Griffin Hospital Free Care Policy.
Matt showed his true spirit of caring following Griffin Hospital's model of care, helping those in need in our Valley community.
He is a wonderful asset to Griffin Hospital.
Thank you,
B.M.
Oxford
10/9/2007
Dear. Mr. Charmel,
On September 18, 2007, I had a colonoscopy performed in your gastroenterology department.
I would like to recognize and commend the staff that was on duty that day and assisted in my procedure.
They treated me with the utmost dignity and professionalism that could be asked for.
I would highly recommend Griffin Hospital and the gastroenterology department to all.
Sincerely,
C.P.
Shelton
9/14/07
Dear Mr. Charmel,
On September 6, 2007, my wife and I gave birth to our second child, E.K.H., at the Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital. We cannot thank the staff at the Childbirth Center enough for the excellent care our family received.
Because this is our second child, I could not stay at the hospital with my wife and newborn daughter because we thought it to be more important for our son to have the consistency he needed in me being home with him at night during this transition in his life. That said, the nurses in the Childbirth Center went above and beyond in providing my wife and daughter with the care and attention they needed. I was able to go home at the end of the day with a peace of mind that they were comfortable and well cared for.
Specifically, we'd like to thank Dr. Michael O'Reilly and Dr. Katherine Reese, both of whom delivered both of our children. After the excellent care we received during the difficult birth of our son, we personally chose Dr. O'Reilly and Dr. Reese to perform this scheduled c-section again, for obvious reasons. Also, Dr. LiVigni, assisted by "Pete" (I apologize, but I do not know Pete's last name), were extraordinary in creating a calm and relaxed environment in what could be a quite intimidating and frightening moment.
Finally, we'd like to thank the nurses in the Childbirth Center. Each nurse we encountered was nothing short of phenomenal, spcifically Claire, Michelle, Jen, Becky, Kate, Susan, Lisa, and Michaelyn. From the moment we arrived at the hospital on Thursday morning until the moment we left Monday afternoon, these professionals tended to our every need with a smile. We appreciated their kindness more than we can express through this letter. Please extend our sincerest gratitude to the Childbirth Center and the doctors and nurses mentioned above.
Kindest regards,
The H Family
Derby
9/11/07
For the ICU Staff,
We wanted to thank you for making our mother and close friend, V.J.'s, last days alive the most comfortable they could possibly be for her and us as well. We all appreciate everything the nurses and doctors have done from the medical help to all of the time the staff has taken to comfort us. It was more than we could ever ask for. The entire family would like to give everyone a heart felt thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
The J & C Families
9/4/07
Dear Mr. Charmel,
The following letter expresses my gratitude and heart felt appreciation to Griffin Hospital.
My journey began late last Spring, when I needed a CT scan. The courtesy extended to me by the Outpatient Registration staff was wonderful and the staff administering the CT scan were pleasant and efficient.
In June, a mammogram revealed a problem area resulting in the necessity for ultrasound evaluation. It was at this time when I met the most compassionate people I have ever seen. The warmth extended to me will always be remembered. Very special thanks goes to Irene, the ultrasound tech, who gently guided me through the procedure. I sensed her deep support and concern - a beautiful person!! Dr. Colton immediately explained the next needed step, a biopsy. As you might expect, I was uncertain as to what the future held for me.
On the morning of the scheduled procedure, I was tenderly cared for by the staff in Special Procedures. As I waited to be taken in for my biopsy, I met Dr. Lucille Soldano, who was to perform the biopsy. Dr. Soldano not only gently explained what would be happening, but was sweet and compassionate in guiding me through with comfort. I don't recall the [name of the] assistant to Dr. Soldano that day, but she was also very supportive.
It was around this time when I met Midge and Val, the Breast Care Coordinators. Midge immediately invited me to her support group meeting. Midge and Val are very special to me - they have been there for me when I needed clarification and direction. They are the best!!
On August 17th, I was scheduled for surgery in the Day Surgery Center - once again, the staff was efficient and comforting. Thanks for letting me share my journey.
Sincerely,
I.S.
Ansonia
6/27/07
Dear Mr. Charmel,
This note is designed to commend your Same Day Surgery team! My husband had an appointment for a vascular surgery procedure on Tuesday. Your nursing staff could not have been more pleasant, helpful, professional and efficient! I would like to signal these nurses for special recognition: Mary Ellen, Mickey McCarthy, Gina, Denise, and Elaine (sorry that I don't have all the last names).
Perhaps you could invite the director of Sicko (Michael Moore) to visit your hospital to film the opposite point of view.
Sincerely,
March 13, 2007
Jan,
I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to you and the entire staff on 1 North. Over the last 10 days my great aunt was a patient on your floor. She lost her long battle yesterday, surrounded by those who loved her.
To say that her care was exceptional would be an understatement. From the moment that she arrived on 1 North, the staff was attentive, caring and professional. We knew if we couldn't be there, she was always in good hands. The staff not only attended to her needs, but to the needs of our family. When a decision needed to be made to place her on hospice care, everyone was with us to answer questions, and lend support. Even to the point of making sure she could stay in that room and not be moved to another floor. We were so grateful for that. It was what was best for her, and that was always everyone's primary concern.
There are so many staff members to name; I wouldn't want to leave anyone outa. Aside from the nurses, aides and physicians, was the housekeeping, dietary, pastoral care sataff and anyone else we encountered, there was always a smile, a hug or a gentle touch to comfort her and all of us.
I would also like to commend the care given while she was under the hospice care component, Dr. Labadia and all the hospice support staff, words cannot express our gratitude. What a wonderful adjunct to the outstanding care we offer.
In the hustle and bustle of what we get caught up in each day, it is easy to feel unappreciated and over worked. Please let your staff know that they should be very proud of the care they give and what they provide for their patients. The kindness and generosity given to all of us during this difficult time will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
The family of E.R.
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
-Leo Buscaglia
3/11/2007
Dear to Whom it May Concern,
I would like to tell you of the extraordinary caring concern I received during my colonoscopy on March 8, 2007.
I went to school with Kathy Smart, who greeted me with open arms. Karen, lovely, kind, gentile. My nurse was Kim, funny, open, kind, caring. The nurse with the long ponytail, the other nurse short brown hair, petite, kind and caring. The nurse who took my blood (my veins are non-existant) excellent, gentle. Very, very, calming environment. Gret, great team - truly.
Kissed and hugged by Kathy when I left. Nurses making a point of saying good-bye.
It is an invasive procedure and I hardly remember it, it was such a comvortable homelike environment.
Please commend these ladies they are awesome!!!
Sincerely,
D.A.V.
Naugatuck
To Dr. Doolittle and the staff of Griffin Hospital E.R. I am forever grateful for what I consider the life saving efforts performed upon myself the morning of March 6th, 2007.
Sincerely,
B.V.
2/16/07
Dear Mr. Charmel,
Two weeks ago, P came to your emergency room with what we believed to be the flu. On February 3rd, his doctor had diagnosed his 104.7 fever, chest pains, and coughing as "influenza" and sent us home with Tamiflu and Advil. For 36 hours, I treated P at home for these symptoms but there was no improvement. On Sunday evening, I finally decided on my own to bring my husband to your facility. This was contrary to the doctor's advice, but my gut told me something else was wrong. It took your qualified and outstanding ER staff less than an hour to determine that P had pneumococcal bacterial pneumonia in his entire left lung. His condition was precarious; it was a good thing he went to a hospital. Truthefully, it was a VERY GOOD thing that we came to your hospital!
Your entire staff - from ER doctors and nurses, to the staff who helped P for the next three days in his room at 214 North, were incredible. We were too exhausted and dazed to remember everyone's names but believe us when we say; every employee who we encountered was caring, professional, and helpful. While we would not ever want to be in a hospital, we would gladly utilize the services at Griffin Hospital without a second's hesitation. Your staff truly saved Paul's life and for that, we are eternally grateful.
One of your friendliest nurses, Wanda, welcomed us to the Griffin Inn at 4 AM on February 5th. While we know she was only joking, we felt very comfortable the entire time. The aquariums, pianos, beautifully decorated interior, baked goods from the volunteers, and overall casual atmosphere helped in P's recovery for sure.
Please exgend our sincerest thanks to your personnel for a job well done. You should be very proud of your staff. Please pass on our thanks to the Emergency Room employees and 2nd floor North team. We will continue to sing your hospital's praises to everyone we meet. Thank you again!
Sincerely,
P and P.Z.
Shelton, CT
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