5 /5 Lisa K: Earlier this week I had my 3rd joint replacement at St Joes Hospital on Harlem Road. Each experience was very good considering that I was having surgery. Everyone, yes every single staff member was kind and considerate. At this point, you are lucky to get someone nice to buy coffee from anymore, so its a wonderful surprise to find that kind of treatment. They have been attentive, courteous and took all the time I needed to answer any question.
Ive had surgery at too many of our local hospitals so I feel like I have enough experience to compare. I was concerned at first because I have heard the St Joes horror stories but to be fair, all the hospitals have their share of those. What was abundantly clear to me each time Ive been there was that St Joes is working hard to be an exceptional place for surgical care.
I have chronic health issues and, unfortunately, medical treatment is a necessary evil for me. One thing at my age, (60), that I insist on for myself, is to be treated kindly. I try to be nice and respectful to all of them and I want the same. If you are going to hurt me at least be nice about it! Not only are they nice, there were some notable acts of kindness showed to me that were above and beyond. They were actions that were clearly not taught, but were the nature of a nurse that was doing the job she was meant to have. If you have ever been the recipient of one of these acts of kindness, you know how much they mean. Whether its the maintenance crew that is friendly, brightening your day, the anesthesiologist that uses humor to lighten the situation, putting you more at ease. Or the aide that not only covers you with a warm blanket when you are cold, but takes the time to tuck it in around you, these acts of kindness matter. They take an unpleasant, painful, and sometimes scary situation and make it so much better. Its isolating going in for surgery but St Joes makes me feel like Im not there alone. I hope the entire staff knows that I appreciated you all. If I thanked everyone this review would be 10 pages! I wish i knew all your names and could mention everyone. To the administrators, you have some exceptional staff, take care of them. I will just end with a special thank you to Tami, the nurse that gently reached out and took my hand during a painful procedure. It was unexpected and very comforting. In that moment I felt better and knew I was in good hands. Thank you all so much!
