The Queen’s Legacy Of Caring
Wednesday - June 20, 2007
| Share
Del.icio.usAloha Pamela,
I enjoy reviewing the appreciations that are expressed for the kindness of individuals. Your column is much needed in our hectic, often times individualistic and competitive society.
Recently, I experienced the loss of my partner of 17 years. In all of the difficulty dealing with the grief knowing that Kalei would be leaving soon, the staff at The Queen’s Medical Center’s ICU was outstanding in not only medical care, but in the heartfelt kindness, sensitivity and support which contributed to making the final days with our loved one easier for me and my 9-year-old daughter.
Dr. Mihae Yu and her doctor interns were always so willing to keep me informed of my partner’s status, so that I knew what to expect. Dr. David showed me that physicians are willing to display their empathy to grieving families.
ICU nurses Dana, Peter, Arlene and others who tended to Kalei, and especially the wonderful nurse who assisted with her last hours, were truly “angels.” In her dying moments they treated her with dignity, calling her by name, and even in her semi-comatose state explaining procedures to her. This outstanding team included the person at the nurses station, who was careful to assure Kalei’s privacy, just as she would have wanted it.
Finally, Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell, though not on staff at Queen’s, took the time in his busy schedule to visit with me and assist in interpreting vital signs into language that I could understand.
Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV, the founders of The Queen’s Medical Center, would be very proud to know that this medical team in the Intensive Care Unit is perpetuating their legacy to “provide quality health care to Hawaii’s people, and especially to Native Hawaiians.”
Ku’umeaaloha Gomes
Punahou
Dear Pamela,
My wife was admitted to the Queen’s Medical Center Cardiac Cath Lab because of a negative report after completing a tread-mill test. She was admitted under the charge of Nurse Leslie. The attention and care that was given throughout the procedure and recovery was truly excellent, and it took away any apprehension my wife had. I was amazed at the personal attention extended by Nurse Leslie, who constantly talked to my wife, making her more relaxed and confident. The next day after her discharge Nurse Leslie called to see if all was well.
We are senior citizens, my wife in her 70s and I, 82. We have been in and out of the medical center a number of times. We always find this caring attitude and attention throughout the hospital.
Queen Emma would be proud to know that her legacy is in good hands. Keep up the good work, and we thank each and every one of you for a job well done.
Sanh and Herman Choy
Dear Sahn, Herman and Ku’umeaaloha,
“At The Queen’s Medical Center, we are proud to continue the legacy of our founders, Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV, to provide quality health care services to all the people of Hawaii,” says Art Ushijima, president of The Queen’s Medical Center. “Our doctors, nurses and the entire staff at Queen’s work hard every day to ensure our patients have the best possible care when they come to our hospital. We applaud the members of our Queen’s ohana for their commitment to the mission, vision, and values of our founders.”
(If you know someone who deserves some Applause, send your letters to Pamela Young, MidWeek Applause, KITV, 801 S. King St., Honolulu, HI, 96813 or e-mail pyoung@kitv.com. Include your name, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of your “applaudee” so we can contact him or her.)
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS Comments (0) |
Most Recent Comment(s):
