Patient Stories

Patients and family members often send letters telling us about the exceptional care they received here with us at Providence Regional. We appreciate these comments as they remind us exactly why we're here - to provide healing and comfort in a critical time of need. Here you can read some recent letters from patients and families and even take a moment to share your story. Writer is thankful for excellent care from Mukilteo EMTs and Providence Regional (The Everett Herald, June 22, 2010)

"More Than Satisfied"
Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

When you're pregnant, you have the perfect plan for how you want your birthing experience to go. I even had a back-up plan. But, as I had to learn, babies have their own plans on how they want to enter the world. My daughter was born six weeks early so I had to be transported over an hour away from home to the Pavilion for Women and Children at Providence Regional.

I was scared, alone and nervous. I had not completed my birthing classes, but I knew that delivering at almost 34 weeks was not good. From the very beginning, the care I received at your facility was wonderful! Everywhere I went, I was surrounded by wonderful staff members who were informative, caring and empathetic.

After my daughter was born, she was taken to the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). The entire NICU staff—from the neonatologist to the nurses—is such an asset and blessing to your facility. They were there to lend a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on—and empowered us with the knowledge to successfully care for our daughter.

While this was not the plan I had in mind for my daughter's birth, I can honestly say that I am more than satisfied with the care we received at Providence Regional. Everyone we came in contact with will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

Sincerely,
Nicole
Oak Harbor

"I Almost Didn’t Want to Come Home"
Cardiac Surgery Single Stay Unit

My wife and I recently had a most positive experience at your fine facility. I was transported by ambulance from Whidbey General Hospital to Providence Regional. My wife is a patient of Dr. Christopher Price and had confidence in him as a cardiologist. We now have ultimate confidence in the entire staff and the Cardiac Surgery Single Stay Unit at Providence Regional. I am alive today because of their expertise and care. Dr. Ryan, who performed my triple bypass, informed me of all the risks, but said he was confident in the outcome. He and Dr. Price answered all questions and Dr. Ryan visited often after surgery.

The nursing staff was simply exceptional. They kept my spirits up before and after surgery. They showed warmth and humor and cannot be praised enough. I almost didn’t want to come home! Gosh, even the food was good. I was discharged a day and a half after surgery and have improved each day.

My wife was so very grateful of the care and continuing information she received during my surgery. It made the ordeal much easier to go through. Being permitted to sit with me before the operation and later to be with me in my room was simply the best thing for both of us. The nursing staff educated her fully on the care I would need at home, and the therapists and nutritionists have been so helpful.

You are to be commended on your Cardiac Surgery Single Stay Unit and its family of caregivers. What could have been a horror was a very positive thing.

Sincerely,
Kent
Oak Harbor

"Singing Praises for Camp PROV"
Providence Children's Center

I am writing to sing the praises for Camp PROV! It has provided my children and me one of the most beautiful weeks we've had in almost three years.

My youngest son isn’t typical. He was born one week early, but healthy on all accounts. We first noticed a change when we introduced him to solid foods. He refused to eat and fell off the growth percentage scales almost immediately. His hair was brittle, his skin was dry and he was not even close to hitting any of his milestones. Because he was also not speaking, we eventually put him in private speech therapy, but saw no improvement. We have slowly seen improvements with his eating, but the speech has come along even more slowly.

I learned about Camp PROV through our speech therapist and decided to send both of my sons to camp. On the first day, my older son was off and running, but my younger son had a harder time letting go. But with the help of his Camp PROV “buddy” he eventually let me go. That day, I went shopping just for ME, for the first time in over a year. I walked around the store in a bit of a daze, it was so wonderful!

On the second day, my younger son let me go a little sooner. I went home and did some cleaning. I was happy when I picked up my boys, and they were happy too. On the third day, I enjoyed reading a book and filling up my car with gas, of all things. Doing the “everyday” things with my youngest son can wear me down. When I picked up my boys, my youngest had a smile on his face that I haven’t seen in I don’t know how long. It was a smile coming from the depth of his heart. It was a smile of loving life. The rest of the day was beautiful. He was so happy and content with life.

Camp PROV helped my youngest try new things, interact with others his age, and improve his speech and eating (the snacks are so creative). And last, but not least, it has helped his brother and mother too! My older son had a wonderful time being with kids his age, doing the things he enjoys. He had fun while being independent from his brother, which is a nice change for him.

I am eternally grateful for the staff and volunteers who make this program what it is. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful for Camp PROV.

Sincerely,
Andrea
Mill Creek

"Working together as a team"
Multi-Departmental

My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer and came to Providence Regional Medical Center to have his colon removed. All was successful thanks to Dr. Marandi and Dr. Coughenour.

But the reason I am so compelled to write you is because of the outstanding care we had and are still getting from the Ostomy/Wound clinic. All of the nurses there have worked together as a team in helping my husband and I learn how to use our new “stuff”. Correne, Heather, Sarah and Shari were all there to help assist us. We had problems - he had lost too much weight- but they were patient. Their persistence and expert knowledge had just been wonderful. Shari even came to our home on Easter Sunday when we encountered complications. She found the right solution. What a wonderful team they are.

You have a great facility!

Thank you from two grateful recipients.

Glenn and Jan
Everett

“Exemplifying what it takes”
Emergency Department

I am writing in regards to my recent inpatient experience at Providence Regional Colby Campus. Everyone from Jean and Mary in the Emergency Room to the CEU staff (Seth, Ellen, Laurie and Margie) treated me like a queen. I was very impressed with the service I received from each of these employees the entire time I was there.

I cannot explain what a difference this made in the rest of my stay. Even Catherine, the doctor who took on my case, was wonderful.

Please reward each of these people with whatever system you have as they totally exemplify what it takes to work in such a highly stressful, critical place.

Best,
Page
Mukilteo

“Making a Positive Impact”
Wound and Ostomy Clinic

For the past eight months I have been bringing my mother to the Wound and Ostomy Clinic at Providence Regional.

My mother developed a wound in her leg that would not heal, and while doctors treated her with antibiotics, she developed MRSA and required hospitalization. After her release from Providence Regional, we began going to the Wound Clinic for further care on a weekly basis.

Coreen Chriest has been my mother’s nurse at the Wound and Ostomy Clinic. Coreen has truly been a blessing to me and my mom. She is not only extremely knowledgeable and proficient in her field, but makes every effort to connect to her patients and their families.

As an only child, I am often left to make the hard health decisions regarding my mom’s care. It was reassuring to know that I could count on Coreen to be my mother’s advocate and help me with some of those tough decisions. When my mom developed yet another staff infection in her leg it was Coreen who suggested we consult with Dr. Diez.

Although these past months have been extraordinarily difficult for my mom, the care she has received at the Wound and Ostomy Clinic at Providence Regional has helped us both make it through each ordeal and not give up hope. Coreen Chriest is one of many healthcare professionals at Providence Regional who make a positive impact on the lives of their patients on a daily basis.

Sincerely,
Pam
Mukilteo

“Well Beyond Routine Medical Care”
Emergency Department

When my mom was given leave from Shick-Shadel Alcohol Rehab due to concerns of internal bleeding, I took her to Providence Regional’s Emergency Room on Colby.

When we got there, it was very busy. But once they did get her in, let me tell you—it was only UPHILL from there. My mom’s doctor, Sara-Jo Gahm, was outstanding! She was very compassionate and went above and beyond routine Emergency Room care!

Sara-Jo admitted my mom to the hospital—and thank God she is still there! Her nurse on 4B, Skye, is an incredible asset to your facility, as is her doctor, George Lau. These people you have working are incredible. They aren’t just “hospital staff” but they are genuinely concerned about my mom and what happens to her when she leaves the hospital. It goes well beyond routine medical care.

Thank you very much!

Gayle
Mountlake Terrace

“A Warm and Sincere Thank You”
Critical Care Unit

Recently my grandfather was a patient in the CCU/ICU. He passed away, but I wanted to send a warm and sincere thank you to the wonderful nurses and physicians who took care of him during this very difficult time for our family. 

His day shift nurse, Jenny, was wonderful at explaining procedures and allowing our family to spend time with our beloved grandfather, father, brother, uncle, husband, etc. It was a pleasure to have such a wonderful nurse caring for him during his short stay at Providence Regional. 

Also, a very sincere thank you to Debbie who was the nurse caring for my grandfather during his passing. She was very professional and compassionate, and she explained the entire process to our family. She allowed each of us to have individual time with him, so that we could say our final goodbyes. During his passing, she kept us informed as to what was happening. This was and is a difficult time for our family, and she helped alleviate our fears and calmed our spirits. 

Dr. Price and Dr. Galicia were amazing at keeping our family informed of his condition and his prognosis.

Please help me pass my gratitude on to the entire CCU/ICU staff and especially to Jenny, Debbie, Dr. Price and Dr. Galicia.

Thank you!
Kelly, RN and the entire family
Everett

As a patient (post disc laminectomy), no one prepared me for the wonderful staff that I got to meet and experience. Your staff was not only gentle, caring and concerned—it was nice to see that they recognized someone who is not at their best. From Mariko, Kate, Jackie and the rest, I was able to make it out in less than 24 hours. A big thanks to Gretchen, the physical therapist, and my doctor (a miracle worker in my book...Dr. Sanford Wright).

To know that they work so hard everyday to make patients as comfortable as possible is a boost that nothing in the world can replace, except maybe chocolate. Please pass along “thank you's” to everyone from pre-op on up to the ward. I could not have made it without them. They are each worth their weight in gold and I am so privileged to have such a wonderful team on my side. God bless each and every one.
 
Sincerely,
Barb
Everett

One of the first things I noticed, besides the constant personal ID verification—including the use of bar codes, was that at the end of each visit to my room, virtually every hospital employee from the ala-carte food delivery attendant to the CNAs, RNs and providers asked, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” It made it hard not to have a positive experience because they addressed any concern I had as soon as it was brought up. They were committed to making my stay a positive experience!

I was also quite impressed with the RN care I received. My nurses were totally committed to making me as comfortable as possible. They were very proactive with pain control, especially since I was in significant discomfort. I felt like I was allowed to participate in choosing the best plan of care based on how I was feeling. They also worked closely with me at times even acting like "cheerleaders" in my progress. 

Reflecting on my experience, I hope to use some of these positive tactics when I return to work. I've seen firsthand how the little things you do can be so powerful.

Sincerely,
Thomas
Everett, WA

The surgical team was amazingly good at their job. I was only in the hospital four and a half days and my scarring is mostly not visible. I still have most of my hair and have had little to no pain. I would recommend this surgical team.

My husband, friends and family have been amazed at the speed of my recovery which I owe in part to this great surgical team! The total experience for myself, friends and family was above and beyond all expectations.

Sincerely,
Stephanie
Arlington, WA

"Professional, yet caring and real people"
Multi-departmental

I had an awesome experience: from emergency, to admitting, to surgery. I felt comfortable and safe, at least as much as one can when facing surgery. 

Your best asset is your people. They were professional, yet caring and real people. I didn’t feel the “better than you” attitude I have felt at other hospitals. 

Thank you,
Mary
Arlington, WA

"Entire experience was outstanding"
Emergency Department/Surgery

I thought I should let the hospital know about the outstanding care that I received as a patient. One Saturday evening I was not feeling well and asked my wife to take me to the emergency room. Upon my arrival, I was welcomed and was in a bed within 30 minutes. After some tests were taken, they informed me I needed to have my appendix removed. Dr. Tom Smith removed my appendix and I was released from the hospital on Monday.

My entire stay and experience at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett was outstanding and should be recognized. Thank you for having such a great place with such caring and competent staff. My wife and I both volunteer at Providence, and this experience renewed our commitment to help where we can.

Gary
Everett, WA

"You can be proud"
Surgery

I would like to take this opportunity to let you know how professional and caring your hospital staff is. 

I came to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett in June. I was greeted by a delightful, caring lady and then a nice young man took me to surgery. When I was taken into surgery, a group of professional, proficient associates with Dr. Papenhausen was waiting.

From the time I came in until discharged, I want you to know it was one of the best experiences I have encountered…what a wonderful hospital you can be proud of with so many caring professionals.

Sincerely,
Brenda
Lynnwood, WA

"More than I could ask for"
Surgery

I came to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett for surgery and wound rehabilitation. Everyone on the staff was wonderful! From housekeeping, to the terrific food and service from the kitchen, to all the lovely people in the therapy world, to all the friendly, helpful aides – everything was just great! 

Best of all are the nurses. They are all very professional, competent and caring and they all made me feel better in so many ways. From wound changes, to moral support, to the occasional dish of ice cream, they were always doing more than I could ask for.

Thanks to everyone at Providence for making a very tough time so very much better! 

Thanks again,
Kathy
Lake Stevens, WA

"Competence and compassion"
Surgery

I was a patient at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett in December. I got a radical prostatectomy by means of the daVinci surgical robot operated by the able hands of Dr. Tony Chen.

I would like to comment on the competence and compassion demonstrated by all the staff persons with whom I had contact. I was cared for at both Pacific and Colby campuses and was treated with high levels of professionalism and sensitivity at both locations. 

I cannot say enough about Dr. Chen and his kind and understanding treatment of a rather nervous patient. My phone calls were answered in a very timely fashion and several calls were initiated by Dr. Chen to check on me and answer any further questions.

His staff is also excellent and contributed to my feelings of confidence and well-being. 

Sincerely,
H.B.

"Professional, cheerful and full of kindness"
Emergency Department

Working for the Sheriff’s Office, I have worked with your ER staff on occasion, but being familiar with your ER personnel did not prepare me for becoming a patient. Upon my arrival, I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. My wife and I want to extend our most heartfelt thanks to every staff member who worked with us during my stay.

The care I received in the Emergency Room was spectacular. Everyone introduced themselves to me first and told me specifically what they were there to do. The staff was professional and attentive to all my concerns. They even spent time just chatting with me to help me relax – simply amazing.

When I was admitted from the Emergency Room to the hospital I was treated just as well, if not better. Everyone I came in contact with was thoroughly professional, cheerful and full of kindness. I felt comfortable and very well cared for. 

In my job I don’t have the luxury of worrying too much about death or injury; I just have to accept the fact that if I get hurt I will need help. I feel very reassured knowing that if I need help again, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett will be there.

Thank you again,
Marty
Marysville, WA

"You have a group to be proud of"
Emergency Department

In September I took my wife to your facility because she was having difficulty breathing. Upon arrival at the hospital, we were whisked directly to the Emergency Room and within three minutes of arrival there were five professionals working on my wife. From our initial arrival until she was stabilized, I was kept “in the loop” and informed of her status.

Both her night and day nurse turned out to be two of the most caring, hardworking and dedicated medical professionals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Their sole task was to make sure my wife had the best possible care they could provide. 

Despite their best efforts, my wife passed away two days later. On behalf of my family, I wish to convey to you in the strongest possible terms our appreciation to their efforts and for the care, dignity and respect shown both to my wife and my family as a whole. If these two ladies' demeanor is any indication of the level of competency, professionalism and courtesy your staff exhibits as a whole, then you have a group to be proud of. 

I thank you and the staff from the bottom of my heart for the way my wife was treated in your facility – no one could have done more. May God continue to bless your efforts with others.

Sincerely,
Gerry
Arlington, WA

"Professional and sensitive care"

As a family we would like to acknowledge the professional and sensitive care our father received in your hospital. 

Each staff member always introduced themselves, sought to make our father more comfortable, answered our questions and offered services to make us more at ease. They came by to let us know when their shift ended and they would ask again if we had any other needs before they left. The chaplain also came by to see how my father was doing. 

The quality care that my father received through your staff is a direct reflection on the quality of teamwork and administration that exists at Providence. 

We want to express our gratitude and appreciation for receiving such professional medical services in taking care of our dad and providing our family a caring environment during this time.

Sincerely,
Anonymous
(Family name withheld)

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