All of the staff who worked with the patient were kind, caring and provided excellent care. One staff member, however, literally saved her life. The patient came to Cardinal Hill after 13 days in the hospital ICU following a severe stroke. She began her therapy sessions at Cardinal Hill and was making good progress. About a week after arriving at Cardinal Hill, the patient became concerned about the new swelling in her leg. Deborah Goodlett checked her leg repeatedly throughout the day and took the time to listen to our concerns and continually encouraged her patient. Based on the patient's past medical history, we knew the increased swelling indicated a potentially life-threatening condition. We expressed our concerns and that we did not feel this should be left untreated overnight. Deb further assessed the patient's condition and then tirelessly pursued the next steps which ultimately meant transfer back to the Emergency Room where a blood clot from her foot into her abdomen was found.

Deb assured the patient that she would not leave her (this was just before the shift change) until a resolution was found. Deb repeatedly checked the patient and gave all of us ongoing updates and repeated encouragement. The patient spent another nine days in ICU and then returned to Cardinal Hill where her therapy continued. However, without Deborah Goodlett’s insight, care, and persistence in pursuit of a resolution to this problem, the patient might not have survived or had the opportunity to return to Cardinal Hill for further rehabilitation.
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Deborah Goodlett was the first nurse I met upon my arrival at Cardinal Hill. I was in extreme pain, and she immediately calmed my high anxiety on having to come to Cardinal Hill instead of going home after my surgery. She exemplified professionalism and empathy, care and compassion when I needed it the most. It takes a special person to care for rehabilitation patients who are overwhelmed after surgery. She was there to meet every need, calmed me in every situation for which I am very grateful and very impressed. Because of her, if I need to someday, I will recommend Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital and pray that Deb is my nurse again. Many many thanks from a grateful patient.