Letters of Thanks
The following excerpts are from letters sent by patients and their families following their stays at BWH:
To Diane Bryant:
I have been a patient at Brigham and Women’s Hospital since 2003. I met Diane Bryant during my pre-op testing in June 2003. When I walked into the room where she was, I was crying so hard I could not speak. She was so caring and helpful during that visit. Well, almost three years and three surgeries later, she is still a very caring nurse. Diane has offered me emotional support as well during my many visits to her. This is the first time I have ever written a letter like this, but I just want to let you know what a valued nurse Diane is.
To the staff in the Day Surgery Unit:
I would like to thank you all for taking care of me during my stay for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Every staff member I came in contact with was very professional and expressed concern about my well being. I was very apprehensive, and you helped ease my fears. You informed me on what to expect before, during and after the surgery, and more importantly, I was not rushed to leave after my surgery. I tell my friends of my experience and how the Day Surgery Unit staff at Brigham and Women’s is the best!
To the nurses of 8D:
I wanted to send “praises” for the wonderful nursing care given to my husband during the last 40 days in the ICU—what a compassionate, intelligent and caring staff of nurses! Not only have they been there to comfort and advocate for my husband and his needs, but they have been willing to help me cope with and understand the situation. The nurses helped me hold myself together and not lose hope, answering endless questions and late night or early morning phone calls. Thank you to all of them!
To the PACU nurses:
Thank you so much for all of your care. You made a scary time so much better and are such a credit to your profession. We feel blessed to have had your excellent care. Many thanks for all you do to make the lives of your patients and their families better.
To Renee Rotman, Labor and Delivery:
Words fail to describe our gratitude to Renee Rotman for her professional yet very personal handling of the recent labor and delivery of our stillborn infant son. We imagine that labor nurses confront unpleasant cases like ours on a regular basis and are trained to maintain their objectivity to shield themselves from patients’ pain and sorrow in order to focus on their work, yet Renee made the experience extremely special for us and made it seem as if we were the only grieving parents in the world.
To the Nurses in the Endoscopy Center:
I am a doctor at Children’s Hospital, and I wanted to write a quick letter to express my appreciation for the excellent care I received in the Endoscopy Center today. Every nurse I encountered, including Traci, Sherri, Kristen and Yvon, could not have been nicer and provided care with such finesse. I also respect your skill and kindness during the procedure itself. While I can’t say I will look forward to my next colonoscopy, I do know where to refer my friends and family!
To Janice Andersen and Deb Ostrer, Tower 16:
I was a patient at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for three weeks, before and after my stomach cancer surgery. Half way through my stay I had eight tubes in various parts of my body and was extremely uncomfortable. I was getting very depressed with all the set backs and felt I would never recover. Along came two nurses that pulled me through. They both showed strong compassion for my situation and had the knowledge and skill to get me through the very rough times. I don’t think I would have made it through without their determination and encouragement.