In-Patient Behavioral Health Unit at UPMC Western Maryland
December 2022
In-Patient Behavioral Health Unit
at UPMC Western Maryland
UPMC Western Maryland
Cumberland
,
MD
United States
Front L-R: Brian Shea, Peer Navigator; Malea Robinette, Care Management Assistant; Sarah Coates, RN; Stephanie Turano, RN; Diane Clark, Health Unit Coordinator; Jessica Crum, RN; Jamie Karstetter, CNA
Back L-R: Michelle Martz, President; Kathy Whitacre, Director Medical Social Work and Behavioral Health; Dr. Alee, Amethyst Marsh, Clinician; Greg Gaumer, Unit Director; Lindsey Lancaster, Behavioral Health Counselor; Beth Johnson, PCT
Back L-R: Michelle Martz, President; Kathy Whitacre, Director Medical Social Work and Behavioral Health; Dr. Alee, Amethyst Marsh, Clinician; Greg Gaumer, Unit Director; Lindsey Lancaster, Behavioral Health Counselor; Beth Johnson, PCT
I was sitting in the TV room in the row of seats in front of the TV talking with another patient in the behavioral health unit. Suddenly I was attacked and put in a chokehold unexpectedly from behind by another patient. At first, I thought it was just a joke and very quickly realized it was not when the person stated they were going to kill me. Gay Twigg and Tammie Yoder were the nurses on duty at the time and without hesitation, they flew out of the nurses' station and got the patient off of me, and had the patient on the ground within seconds. I stood up and was in awe. I didn't have a clue what was going on. I was really taken by surprise. I am very grateful for the quick action of Gay and Tammie for reacting to the situation so quickly. I was there to be safe from harming myself because I attempted to commit suicide. I didn't think I would have ever experienced something like that in my life.
Evan Williams was also a great nurse for me. He was and is very caring of me as a patient. He explained my medications that I was taking very well and made me feel really comfortable. Evan is a nurse that is very caring of his patients and you can tell he is very passionate about his job. Evan was also attacked earlier in the day while giving me my medicine by the same patient who attacked me later in the evening. I hope all three of these very caring and compassionate nurses can be recognized. They made a big difference in how I feel about getting help for my mental health when I need it. They made me feel cared for and safe after the incident. I just want to say thank you for making my experience in the behavioral health unit a positive one since these 3 nurses were involved in taking care of me. They have genuine care for the patients and it definitely shows.
***
I have been here for four days and I must admit that these workers have done an outstanding job not only for me but the other patients who are with me. They go far beyond their duty to make sure while you are here that you receive the proper care and attention. The staff I have listed pretty much stopped me from leaving and making a bad decision because, at that moment, I couldn’t find treatment. These nurses and techs work their tails off while keeping a smile on their faces. And when you’re in a unit like I was in, it is very comforting to see that and it makes you feel like they care. I truly believe that I’ve gotten through the last few days because of them. I’ve been to many hospitals and never came across an amazing group as the staff here. Evan has been my nurse since day one and he has been the kindest and most understanding person I have ever met in a unit such as this one. Evan goes far beyond his job title to make sure you feel safe and comfortable. You have a great staff working on this unit, which is very important when it comes to mental health. So I want to say thank you to all the staff that has helped me get through this rough patch. You all are truly blessed and I wish the world could have more people like you.
Evan Williams was also a great nurse for me. He was and is very caring of me as a patient. He explained my medications that I was taking very well and made me feel really comfortable. Evan is a nurse that is very caring of his patients and you can tell he is very passionate about his job. Evan was also attacked earlier in the day while giving me my medicine by the same patient who attacked me later in the evening. I hope all three of these very caring and compassionate nurses can be recognized. They made a big difference in how I feel about getting help for my mental health when I need it. They made me feel cared for and safe after the incident. I just want to say thank you for making my experience in the behavioral health unit a positive one since these 3 nurses were involved in taking care of me. They have genuine care for the patients and it definitely shows.
***
I have been here for four days and I must admit that these workers have done an outstanding job not only for me but the other patients who are with me. They go far beyond their duty to make sure while you are here that you receive the proper care and attention. The staff I have listed pretty much stopped me from leaving and making a bad decision because, at that moment, I couldn’t find treatment. These nurses and techs work their tails off while keeping a smile on their faces. And when you’re in a unit like I was in, it is very comforting to see that and it makes you feel like they care. I truly believe that I’ve gotten through the last few days because of them. I’ve been to many hospitals and never came across an amazing group as the staff here. Evan has been my nurse since day one and he has been the kindest and most understanding person I have ever met in a unit such as this one. Evan goes far beyond his job title to make sure you feel safe and comfortable. You have a great staff working on this unit, which is very important when it comes to mental health. So I want to say thank you to all the staff that has helped me get through this rough patch. You all are truly blessed and I wish the world could have more people like you.