First, I need to begin by saying that I have never before been an inpatient. However, I have literally spent months upon months in hospital ER and LTC settings with loved ones. I feel compelled to bring to your attention the care I received from Trisha while at your facility. Never before have I witnessed care from an individual that more clearly meets that organization's mission statement. The quality of my care was excellent from everyone that helped me.
However, Trisha's care was beyond just quality; it was personal. Trisha took the time to get to know me personally. She didn't just visit my room and take my vitals. She learned who I was, what my concerns were, understood my circumstances and ultimately became able to anticipate my needs, even before I did. Trisha cared about me deeply as a person. I wasn't just a patient or customer. I was someone she needed to fully know and understand so that she could truly care for me. She asked questions and listened to my answers. She observed my habits and learned to anticipate my needs. If she came into my room and the lights were off and the door closed that is how she left my room.
Trisha bothered to learn that I was a husband and father and asked how my kids and spouse were handling my absence. Trisha made it very apparent to me that she was someone I could trust with my privacy, with my health, and with my life. I could go on and on. Ultimately, I left your care feeling as though I had gained a true friend if not a member of the family.
In reading about how the DAISY Award was established, I find no irony in the fact that I wound up in your establishment with pneumonia under the care of Trisha. She exemplifies your mission and values and lives what I understand to be the qualities of a DAISY. Beyond skillful. Beyond compassionate. And I have no doubt that she does it every day.