This end-of-life case was a profound example of compassionate, patient-and family-centered care. The Neurotrauma Critical Care team demonstrated unwavering dedication to both the patient and their loved ones during an incredibly difficult time.

The patient's wife was so deeply touched by the care her husband received that she took the time to write a heartfelt letter to our CEO, expressing her immense gratitude. She specifically highlighted the compassion, empathy, and support shown to her throughout the experience. It was evident that every member of the Neurotrauma team went above and beyond, providing not only expert medical care but also emotional and spiritual support to the family.

This team embodies the very essence of what the DAISY Team Award represents: clinical excellence, compassionate care, and a commitment to supporting patients and families in their most critical and vulnerable moments.

I wholeheartedly nominate the Neurotrauma Critical Care team for this recognition and thank them for the exceptional care they continue to provide every day.

Aforementioned Letter:

Dear Dr. Bert W O'Malley Jr.,

I am writing to you today out of my sincere thanks and appreciation for all the members of staff at Trauma Unit 4.

My husband was taken to UMMC Shock Trauma after I found him face down on our garage floor. My first ever visit to UMMC, although he was there twice per year to visit Dr. Wallace Johnson.

I want to thank each and every staff member for their compassion, expertise, understandable explanations, full attention, and dedication to trying to save his life, as well as the comfort and aftercare up until his departure.

The situation was prolonged due to his being an organ donor, and I spent a few nights there with him. Outstanding staff in the unit, valet parking members, security, waiting areas, just everyone was so kind, thoughtful, and considerate.

In this day and age of so many lawsuits and complaints, it was absolutely refreshing and uplifting to feel so "at home" and comfortable within a hospital surrounded by strangers who treated us with such dignity and respect. Just wonderful.

 These folks were in constant contact with me, my family, and my friends. Everyone was so impressed with their consistent care of moving my husband from side to back, etc., moisturizing his mouth and lips, sponging his head area to remove medical applications resulting from surgery, a small fan for cooling, sheets, blankets, administering medications, and anything they could to make him and us comfortable during a horrific time.

The Infinite Legacy Organization was also absolutely on its game. They couldn't do enough to ensure my husband's wishes were fulfilled, with great communication and the arrangement of the donation and the Honor Walk.

We are grateful and thankful.


***

My grandmother was recently hospitalized, and as a family member living far away, I felt helpless and anxious about not being there. My Grandmother is a sweet woman, but can be difficult, and I worried that she might clash with her caregivers, given that she was in pain and uncomfortable.

I was so happy when she told me about the team caring for her. She mentioned how kind the nurses were and how they took their time with her. They chatted with her about hair, and were friendly and made jokes. Several times she told me about how charming the pink scrubs are.

She was brought in on Tuesday, didn't eat all day Wednesday or Thursday, waiting for surgery, and Friday morning, she really wanted a cup of coffee, but breakfast isn't delivered until 9. A nurse went to the cafeteria to get her a coffee, and it meant so much to her! It was comfort, normalcy, and a small act of kindness that changed the tone of her day.

She also mentioned how sweet the nurses were when she woke up from surgery. She had a tough time waking up and was ill and disoriented, but said they kept rubbing her back and assuring her she would be okay.

I wish I could have been there during that scary time for her, but I am so grateful that your nurses were there for her.

Thank you for taking such good care of someone who means so much to me!