My brother fell down 8 stairs & was brought to MetroHealth trauma center by ambulance. I came to Cleveland that afternoon to be with my brother for the weekend. My husband & I followed the ambulance to the hospital & were able to be with my brother after waiting in the ER for about 20 minutes. I remained at his side for the next 5 hours. What I experienced during these hours was the essential need for a patient advocate. Someone other than the nurses MUST BE with the patient during this time until being admitted or discharged home. Six doctors came to see my brother during this 5-hour period, each working professionally and well. All were focused on the immediate traumatic needs of the patient. I stood at the head of the stretcher listening to my brother asking for relief from the pain which could have possibly been helped by repositioning him. No nurse would do anything because there was no doctor’s order. My brother kept asking for water to quench his thirst. Once again, there was no order for water, but I tried reassuring my brother it was coming which we got after I talked to a second doctor. After two hours, my brother had to urinate, and I went to the nurses' station asking for help but knowing they had many tasks to complete. I am writing this account to reinforce the need for patient advocacy. I was told that I could not remain with my brother for the entire evening as he was going to be admitted and it was going to be several hours before he would get a bed. He was admitted at 8 am the next morning so I don't know what kind of evening he spent alone but he described the evening as horrific.

Fast forward to the next morning ---- My husband and I returned to the hospital at 9 am and when we walked into his room we saw and felt peace! My brother was asleep, the breakfast tray was at the bedside and nurse Kevin was busy reading the computer reports in the room. From that time on, it was a delight to be in the hospital & to experience the love and care given to my brother for the next three days. His nurses Kevin and Julianne were so professional, intellectually trained, and with delighted personalities. We felt comfortable asking for assistance when needed and questioning Kevin or Julianne about various patient needs. They never appeared too hurried or busy. They were intent on giving the best care to my brother and reassuring my husband and me that he was being given the best care. Each evening my husband & I left lighthearted and ready to leave. We knew that my brother was in good hands with Kevin, Julianne, and Rachel. THANK YOU to Kevin, Julianne, and Rachel. I hope they will continue giving nursing care to many more patients for many more years.