In early September, I was a patient at Westmoreland Hospital due to kidney problems. I was taking prednisone and as a result, was retaining fluid and the weight gain caused me to be miserable. The doctor attempted to remove some fluid and sent me home after a couple of days.

Two weeks later, my wife and I went out for a nice Sunday breakfast when I started to experience some chest pain. At first, I disregarded it and continued to have breakfast. On my way back to the car, I had another pain attack and this time it was worse than the first. My wife and I went to your emergency room where I experienced another attack. The personnel at the desk contacted the appropriate staff and they attended to me. I was then admitted to the first floor where I met Claire. She was a very friendly, caring nurse and did everything to make me comfortable.

The doctors were contacted and I spoke to the kidney doctor on call and the Hospital's staff doctor. They both stated that they felt it was just the fluid gain due to my renal problems and I did not have any heart issues. Claire found this to be unusual and suggested a cardiologist be contacted which they declined. Claire suggested I go to the bathroom, and when I did my heart monitor went off again. At that point, the Rapid Response Team was contacted and attended to me. The cardiologist stated that a catheterization was in order and the next day I was off to be checked. Two blockages were discovered, one 95% and the other 85%. Stents were inserted into the areas to clear the problems.

I would like Claire to be recognized for the professional and caring nurse that she is. You know as much as I do, that I was on borrowed time with the amount of blockages I had. If I had been sent home I may not be writing this thank you.

I feel I owe my life to Claire and thankful she was there. I also would like to thank all of the first and third floor nurses for my pleasant stay. Everyone was very professional and did everything to make my stay comfortable.