Great care at and praise for DRMC

To the editor:

On Nov. 14, my husband had the misfortune of striking a deer while on his motorcycle. He was transported to Danville Regional Medical Center by ambulance, admitted and treated. He was discharged on Nov. 18.

As devastating as the situation could have been, we were graced with help, kindness and compassion from almost the moment the accident occurred, thus softening the harsh realities of what was and what could have been. At this time of Thanksgiving, I am most thankful for the kindness and skill of others.

So many wonderful people came to our aid that I’d like to personally thank a few.

The Ziglars, who got to my husband first, offering their assistance in any way; Leonard Johnson, the most kind and generous man who took care of our bike, all the first responders, the ambulance, fire and rescue folks that are too numerous to mention. Thank you seems so inadequate.

To the staff of Danville Regional: My family will always be so grateful to you for all your kindness, care, understanding and skill in getting us through the worst of this. Dr. Stephen Kramer, Dr. Mark Bird, Annette Roach and the night staff, Rachel, Jane Lewis, RN, Ms. Draper as well as all the staff of 2A, Jane Kiser, Karen Perry in the Emergency Department, my dear friend, Kimberly Parker, RN, the cafeteria staff … the list goes on.

As a medical professional myself, I know only too well how difficult and thankless your jobs are. People always remember when something goes wrong. The negative publicity is always juicier than the positive things you all do every day. Sadly, that seems to be what people mostly hear about, talk about and spout off about.

As the author Ken Blanchard once said, “It is important to catch people doing something ‘right.’”

Well, Danville Regional, you’ve been caught doing just that — “something right.” And my family and I cannot thank you enough.

As I sat in my husband’s hospital room reading the Danville Register & Bee last month, there was a somewhat disparaging and negative article in it about Danville Regional. I found it rather ironic that the newspaper was casting a negative light on the very facility where my husband was receiving such top-notch and thorough care. About that time, the housekeeping staff knocked on the door, asking if she might come in and tend to the tidiness of the room. (By the way, the entire staff was most respectful and polite.)

At that point I realized how important it is to let these exceptional caregivers know how truly terrific they all are, and how well they perform their duties.

And so, to the staff of Danville Regional, I offer my most humble thanks for all you do. Please know that you are appreciated greatly.

No facility is without some disparaging issues, and I’m sure Danville Regional is not perfect. All things considered, I’d have to say that the Danville community is mighty lucky to have the caliber of medical facility it does. I encourage others to “catch” the hospital doing something right, and thank them for caring.

At this time of year, may we all take time to reflect on the many good things and people around us and give thanks.

VIVIAN McDORMAN, RN

Martinsville