Editor's note: The following letter is to Health Sciences North and Dr. Eric Robinson.
I was informed in early August this year that a bi-lateral knee replacement (2) would take place on Nov. 8.
I voiced my concern to Britney (Dr. Robinson's assistant), that I was having great difficulty and that this was late. She informed me at that time that the doctor would be in the next day and she would speak to him.
I was questioned if would I fill a cancellation even with short notice, and I said yes. Leaving the office, I felt so much for that.
To my surprise, a few days later I received a message that a cancellation had taken place on Aug. 23. I went to the office and met Britney, who confirmed the date and called pre-op, and handed me the phone as I was set up for Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Pre-op was efficient, informative, from questions, to blood work, to X-rays to instruction and so forth. On Aug. 23, at 6 a.m., I showed up for my surgery, questions, blood pressure, a couple extra strength Tylenol and off to the OR.
Around 8 a.m., I was met by the anesthetist, and then Dr. Robinson, and after more questions, I walked to the operating table. Some two and a half hours later, I woke up in the recovery room with two re-built knees. I was brought to my room on the fourth floor, south tower, by 1:30 p.m.
I was made comfortable, medications were administered and explained what, why, how many and what their effects would be. I was continually asked if I was comfortable, if I needed water, how was the pain, did I need a blanket. My dressings were changed with great care as soon as needed, and all with a smile and a very calming demeanor.
The nursing staff, the lab workers, the cleaners and the meal service people were not only accommodating, but friendly and quite humorous at times.
I had a nurse assigned to my room for the three day shifts I was there. Megan was exceptional, and not taking anything away form the others who I saw for shorter periods of time and some who just popped in to help, they were all pleasant, professional, knowledgeable, and most of all, kind and reassuring.
On Day 2, I saw Natalie from physio, who tested the bend in my legs, showed me the exercises I needed to do while I was there, and where I had to be to go home.
She set up my external physio after discharge. Quite the system.
Many complain about our hospital, and health care in general. My experience was quite different. My physician, his assistant, the nursing, the staff, were so professional, so knowledgeable, mixed with kindness and humour.
This made my traumatic experience at Health Sciences North the best it could have been.
By the way, I went into the hospital Aug. 23 at 6 a.m., I was home in Copper Cliff before 6 p.m. on Aug. 25. I climbed the stairs to the second-floor bedroom with the help of my wife and a cane.
Slept like a baby.
David R. Campbell
Copper Cliff