Entering the hospital world is a scary adventure, especially for someone who is a big chicken when it comes to all things medical.

You always read stories about how our health-care system doesn’t work, is under funded, how people face incredible waiting times.

But from my experience, our system here in the West Island is a well-oiled machine. From the moment I discovered I had a medical “situation,” I also discovered a whole new appreciation for the people who make the Lakeshore General tick. When you get up close and personal, it’s impressive.

The system works. The professionals who make it run care. And they treat people really well.

Perhaps I shouldn’t be so surprised. But at every turn – from undergoing tests, to diagnosis, to meeting my surgeon, to scheduling the pre-op screening – every part of the procedure happened without a hitch.

This does not happen because no one cares.

First, I would like to thank my physician, Dr. Elizabeth Cosulich. When my first test results landed on her desk at her office in the SouthWest One complex, she called me. I didn’t have to wait. There was no delay. She got the ball rolling. Her professionalism and compassion is very much appreciated.

The next stop was the Brunswick Medical Clinic, where I met with my surgeon, Dr. Yvonne Vasilie. Options were spelled out and decisions had to be made. It was all a little more than I was ready to hear. It was happening very quickly. But that was not a problem. Dr. Vasilie, who had just fit me into her schedule, offered another appointment the very next day.

I was given time to catch my breath and think about the next step.

The next day, Dr. Vasilie sat with me so we could decide on the next step. You never read about that in a news story.

And everyone along the way – the people who take the blood tests, the technicians who hook you up to those machines that measure your heart’s electrical impulses – they all had a smile on their face and patiently answered all the questions thrown their way.

By the time I walked into the hospital yesterday, I felt I was being taken care of. It’s a comforting feeling at a time when you are vulnerable. It might not be that way at all hospitals. But it is at the Lakeshore.

 

My first encounter was at the Hospital's emergency ward about 21 months ago, where I had accidentally used my forefinger to remove derbies from a running lawnmower machine. My finger was nearly severed and upon entering the emergency ward, the staff immediately followed the necessary procedure for the doctor to operate on the smashed finger. The doctor was a young female residence who after examining the injury, took her time and operated on the finger. I was in the hospital for total of four hours. The week after a plastic surgeon at the hospital examined me and she was satisfied with the progress. I had to leave the country afterwards and after returning I took an appointment with a hand specialist at the Montreal General Hospital. The specialist's assessment was that the operation by the resident doctor at the Lakeshore Hospital's Emergency Room was excellent and it was as if a hand specialist surgeon had attended the injury, and therefore I did not need any further corrective surgery on my hand. I really appreciate the care and professionalism of the staff and the doctor at the emergency ward who took care of my injury in a manner that I did not need any further operations on my finger.

 

My second experience took place about 16 months ago when, my daughter gave birth to her fist baby. She had to have cesarian section. Besides the staff's great demeanour and kindness towards my daughter and her anxieties, they allowed me go to the operating room with her. The doctors and nurses in the operating room were extremely careful and patient with my daughter, and during the entire procedure, I observed that they were at their utmost attention and care for the patient. Their coordination, alertness, agility, cooperation and team work was unprecedented, in my life long experience working in the industry. The care given after the birth of the baby to my daughter and the baby was excellent, almost every hour a nurse was there to answer questions and help my daughter. My daughter received personal calls from the nurses and her doctor for two weeks afterwards, providing support and giving confidence to a young mother and her entire family. We appreciate and thank all the staff at the hospital for their care and kindness to our family. lakeshore Hospital, in our experience, ranks on top ten hospitals we have seen and used during our 30 years stay in the US and Canada.

 

I thank you for the opportunity to express my experience and please feel free to share this letter with others.

Kind regards

 

On Dec. 10th, I suffered a heart attack at Fairview & to make a long story short, the [Lakeshore] made sure that I would be around this Christmas to enjoy my children & grandchildren.

We may & do complain about our Health system, but let me tell you that once you are in it,

the professionalism of all concerned comes through loud & clear.

 

My incident happened approx. 1.30pm & by 5.00pm, I had had an angioplasty intervention &

in bed at the CCU at the Jewish General.

At 75, it does not get any better than this.

Many thanks to all

 

 

We would like to call to your attention the professionalism and caring of the staff at the Lakeshore General Birthing Center from the moment we arrived on the second floor. The caring and compassion of the nurses was unsurpassed and helped us immensely through [our] difficult time. 

Each and every nurse we encountered is an asset to the Lakeshore General Hospital and we are lucky to have such caring and compassionate people in our community. 

M.H. and S.R. 

 

R.B., Pointe-Claire, QC:

I recently received emergency care at the hospital and it was my intention to write a letter to thank the personnel for the excellent care and service that I received. 

In fact, on more than one occasion, my husband and I have had access to the services of the Lakeshore General Hospital, and our experience has been nothing but positive. We are seniors who are fortunate to enjoy excellent health care. It is very reassuring to us to know that the staff at the Lakeshore General Hospital is there for us should and when we need it. 

We so often hear negative comments about the hospital and are always dismayed by these. We promptly express our complete satisfaction and faith in our hospital. So please extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to all of your staff.