My dear 72-year-old husband has been very ill in recent weeks following very unusual complications of elective total hip arthroplasty, necessitating several admissions to UH Hospitals, which began in the Emergency Department. The most recent was to UH Geauga Medical Center. This has been a very, very stressful time for him and his family, and the value of simple kindness and true caring cannot be expressed. 

When Debbie Thomas, RN entered my husband’s room at Geauga ED after morning shift change, we were instantly put at ease. She exuded delightful cheerfulness and true compassion. Although we had been in the ED several hours through the early hours of the night, Debbie immediately got to work making my husband feel comfortable – she freshened him up, changed his clothing, brought him warm blankets, and tucked him in, all without us even having to ask. After this, sensing the weight of this situation on me, she offered her support, brought me warm blankets and tissues, and “tucked me in” as well. Her genuine commitment to meeting both of our immediate needs was so comforting and reassuring, and it was just exactly what we needed at that time! 

Debbie then proceeded to explain the current plan of care, answered all our questions, and reassured us that she would be there for us at any time during my husband ED stay.

The gift of having Debbie on our team that morning was immense – in her care, we knew we had it made! She is absolutely amazing – her quiet confidence, dedication, and commitment are exemplary, and for these reasons, we feel she is very deserving of the honor of receiving the DAISY Award.