Let me start my story by saying I live an hour and a half away from MRMC. I had a nephrostomy tube placed by the IR department in November. It was then I discovered that Linda Self, who lives in my community, worked in this department. Over the course of the next several weeks, I had to make unplanned trips to the hospital to address issues related to the tube. During this time Linda periodically reached out to me to see how things were going and if I had any questions or concerns. I thought that was so kind and above and beyond what I expected anyone to do.

My last unplanned trip to the IR department was the day after Thanksgiving when it appeared the stitches had become detached from my skin. The tube was scheduled to be removed a few weeks later anyway so the decision was made to just remove it that day instead. A few days later as a family member was changing the bandage on the wound we discovered that a stitch had been left in by mistake. The day I notified the IR department Linda happened to be working. She explained to the doctor that the trip was an hour and a half one way and she hated for me to travel that long distance just to have one stitch removed. Since she lives approximately 20 minutes from me she offered to come to my house and remove it instead. The doctor gave the OK and provided her with supplies to perform the minor procedure.

Linda exemplifies the Bon Secours values of Compassion and Innovation. She exhibited empathy for my situation and was so kind and concerned about my care. She definitely expressed an innovative spirit by finding a new and more convenient way to meet a patient’s needs by offering to come to my house in lieu of long travel while I was not feeling at my best.