We had a patient present to the front window and ask if she could have some help getting out to her car. She was elderly and had been here for some outpatient testing. Ashley immediately went out to assist. She took the time to introduce herself and engage in small talk with the woman, discovering that the woman was feeling weak and dizzy. Ashley asked her if she would like to be seen and encouraged her that we would be more than happy to check her into the ER and see her. The woman kindly refused, stating she would be okay. As Ashley was speaking with her, she heard the woman whisper that she did not have any money to pay her copay to be seen.
Ashley immediately dropped to her knees on the floor to be at the woman's eye level. She showed the utmost compassion in telling her that we were absolutely not worried about her copay; that our concern was her health and we would be more than happy to see her. The woman felt reassured and did indeed agree to be seen.
Due to Ashley's compassionate care and willingness to take her time with this patient, she probably saved her life. The patient's blood pressure was horribly low and she was very ill. She was admitted for a few days. Later we found out she lived alone a couple of counties over.
Ashley demonstrates the true meaning of our Franciscan Values.