Ruth does the discharge phone calls for the Med/Surg, Tele floors. She really is thorough in her follow up calls. Many times she assists patients in obtaining medication or treatment they couldn't obtain. She also does a great job educating the patients which at times has prevented a readmission or other adverse medical issue. One case comes to mind.
Not too long ago one of her calls was to a female patient that was post cardiac catheterization. She inquired about the patient's groin site. The patient told her that the bruise was getting bigger and the area was painful. Ruth really quizzed her on her groin area, and instructed she return to ER and not drive herself. The patient was reluctant but Ruth insisted. The patient returned to the ER and ultimately had to return to surgery twice and received a blood transfusion. I believe that Ruth saved this patient's life by insisting that she return to the hospital. Ruth is a wonderful example of the great care we give here at Mercy.