July 2016
Susan
Foster
,
RN
Post Anesthesia Care Unit
Sanford Medical Center - Fargo
Fargo
,
ND
United States
Dr. L completed a surgical procedure on a patient and the patient was taken to the PACU for post op care. The patient was in stable condition in the PACU. Approximately 1 hour after being in the PACU the patient's surgical site (neck incision with a Vista Collar in place) developed a large hematoma in the neck area which necessitated immediate surgical intervention. I want to thank Sue Foster for the exceptional assessment skill and quick intervention action. I also want to thank all the PACU staff, surgical services staff, and providers that assisted in getting the patient immediately back to surgery for care. It truly was a team effort to coordinate this immediate care in a short amount of time Yesterday while rounding in the PACU I heard a story that literally gave me goose bumps. Dr. L came into the PACU and asked Sue Foster if she was the one who cared for this patient. Sue answered that yes she was. Dr. L shared that he wanted to shake her hand as she literally saved this patient's life! I just want to say thank you again for the great work to all that were involved in the care of this patient! Exceptional work.