A patient came into the ER very sick and was diagnosed with a condition requiring surgery. After evaluation, the surgeon determined the patient would most likely not make it through surgery or even make it to surgery, so the decision was made to place the patient in comfort care. The patient who was talking and joking now only had a few hours to live so there were many emotions.

Anna kept the family updated every step of the way. She made sure the patient was comfortable and maintained the patient’s dignity despite the rapidly declining condition. She made sure the family was supported the entire time. The family was very thankful for the extra care and comfort the patient was given in these last moments.

We do not see many patients on comfort care in the ER, so this was out of the ordinary, and Anna did an incredible job managing the stressful situation.