Patient Letters: Words of Thanks
From emails and phone calls to hand-written letters, patients express their appreciation and gratitude for exceptional care
Dr. Pillitteri is ‘a force of nature’ and ‘incredibly thorough’
From Jerilyn Lemont, Patient Advocate, Cape Cod Healthcare: I spoke with Susan Kilmartin today about her EC experience on 5/2/22. She has been on Cape Cod for only about a year, and this was her first introduction to Cape Cod Hospital. She shared that she came for an intraoperative CT, but had neglected to provide allergy details that prevented it from happening in radiology. She was grateful to Lisa in radiology who presented her with options. When the patient ultimately opted for an EC visit due to her pain, Lisa took the time to escort the patient and her husband to the EC and make certain they got registered and were comfortable.
From there, she said the EC staff was equally wonderful, but describes Dr. Pillitteri as “a force of nature I was fortunate enough to cross paths with.” She went on to say that he was incredibly thorough and hilarious and that his humor helped distract her and ease her pain. She said, “He had this incredible talent to be teaching two young women and making certain they understood while still making me feel like the main focus—that is skill and talent, and I’m so grateful it exists on Cape Cod. He even called me the next day to check on me, which was totally unexpected and wonderful. I’m so impressed with Cape Cod Hospital.”
Susan Kilmartin
Dr. Rudman: A pillar of competence and support
Dear Mr. Lauf,
I am emanating gratitude for our incredible experience with Dr. Nate Rudman. My six-year-old son had sustained a small laceration on the back of his head and needed stitches. He was truly petrified and thus extremely uncooperative. Despite it being the very end of Dr. Rudman’s shift, the unending patience, kindness and expertise in handling my son’s care was truly exceptional. I am sure it comes as no surprise to hear this, but his actions could not go without the proper recognition he deserves. His demonstration of compassion and humanity should serve as an example for all. Please understand that in our moment of crisis—which by all comparisons was minor—Dr. Rudman was a pillar of competence and support.
Heaps of thanks,
Valerie S.
Patient thankful for outstanding care from Dr. Konstantakos and nurses in cardio ward
Dear Mr. Lauf,
I had a triple bypass performed by Dr. Konstantakos at Cape Cod Hospital. After leaving the ICU, I was a patient in the cardio ward in North 3. I’m writing you today to tell you about the outstanding care I received from Dr. Konstantakos, in the cardio ICU, and in particular, from two of your nurses in the cardio ward.
Lindsey Elliot and Lindsey Youngman were a godsend to me. No matter the time of day or what I needed, they were there to take care of me with encouragement, professionalism and kindness. I have no doubt their care contributed greatly to my quick recovery and release from the hospital after only six days.
I’ve had eight surgical procedures at Cape Cod Hospital in the last 18 years and have been very pleased with the quality of care I have received.
Sincerely,
David Schissler
Impressed with patient-oriented attitude and ‘all hands-on deck mentality’
Greetings,
As a “washashore” in 1967, I had my first medical visit to Cape Cod Hospital recently. From the first welcome to the escort out to the car, I was most impressed with the patient-oriented attitude of the day staff. They had an “all-hands-on-deck” mentality that told me they were going to do this the first time/the right way. The surgeon, Dr. Boyle, said that this was the norm for this medical unit. Two high school friends who had overnight stays not too long ago concurred that the service was fantastic.
I also am compelled to share that Ms. Marie Hartley at Fontaine Medical Center has cared for me for years. She is efficient, effective and exceptional! From tick bites to ankle problems to sinus infection, Ms. Hartley is always friendly (even when I’m not) and a pleasure to deal with. I’m probably not the first to share my wonderful experience with Marie, but felt the need to add my testimonial of her. She was recommended to me by Janet B. and Denis St. A., and I can see why they raved about her. The three of us (and now my wife) agree—‘She’s a keeper!’
Best regards,
Tom Keating
Morgan at Urgent Care in Falmouth: An exceptional employee
Dear Mr. Lauf,
I am writing to let you know of Morgan, an exceptional secretary working at the Urgent Care Center in Falmouth. She went above and beyond to make an elderly 80-year-old, computer-challenged woman feel important, and most important, not at all stupid.
I had gone in on a Friday and had a COVID test because my friend had tested positive that day and we had lunch together on Sunday. I was told to register on MyChart. I tried for some time and could not get beyond it wanting my credit card number. When I called Saturday morning and explained all of this to Morgan, she was most helpful to me. She would have the nurse call me in between patients when the result came in. Before she left for the day, she called and gave me the results of my first test. She knew I was anxious, concerned and worried. She wanted me to be assured that all was good.
It was a stressful day for me while waiting, and I am sure she knew that. So, when she called with the news, I cried. In this day and age of questionable customer service, people not happy and not willing to help, I was struck with her thoughtfulness and kindness. Morgan made a difficult day of waiting go much more smoothly with concern for my feelings, which I truly found so comforting. You are blessed to have such a caring woman working in the facility.
Sincerely,
Sandra D.
Karen Schraut, RN, is ‘truly an asset to the VNA’
Dear Ms. Peckham,
I am writing to inform you of how very pleased I was with the wonderful home care I received from Ms. Karen Schraut. She assisted me for several months after I arrived home from extensive surgeries and I feel I was truly blessed to have such a caring, compassionate and knowledgeable person to care for me. I found her to be diligent in her duties and more than that, she would take the time to explain to me ways I could help myself to improve my mobility and gain strength in the healing process.
Ms. Schraut is truly an asset to the VNA and should be recognized as such. In the past, I’ve dealt with other nursing facilities and no one came close to the wonderful nursing staff that the VNA has.
In our world of so many negatives, I felt something positive was due a person who truly cared about her patient and is an excellent representative of what the VNA offers.
Most sincerely,
Carol A. Nickerson
To the wonderful angels of the VNA
Thank you all so very, very much for your hard work, tender care and helpful support with my wound following surgery five months ago.
Your professional diligence and cheerful dispositions have been so important to my recovery. Both my husband, Peter, and myself truly appreciate all that you do—for us and for others.
I would especially like to express my gratitude to Barrie Slingerland, RN, my care manager, for her humor and concern and for being such a great advocate for my situation.
May you all be blessed with good health and happy lifetimes. The work you do is so very important. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Terry Baldin-Williams
Thankful for thoughtfulness and kindness at VNA
To Whom It May Concern,
May life bring you a reflection of the kindness you have shown to us. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Sue (Susan Gallagher, RN). It was a pleasure to have you in our home. You certainly are an asset to the VNA. We will miss you.
Thank you again.
Fondly,
Walter and Shirley
A priceless gift: Care and compassion at VNA
To all VNA staff members who cared for and assisted with the care of Teresa G. Forest,
We want to personally say thank you and send our deepest and most heartfelt appreciation to everyone of you who were there caring for and supporting Teri (and her family, too) during her final days. Your kindness, care and compassion were a priceless gift, and we are extremely grateful.
Sincerely,
Tom and Julie Forest
Thank you to Rehabilitation Services for believing in my daughter
Dear staff of Rehabilitation Services,
It is through your kindness, understanding and compassion for others that our daughter, Jessie, was able to have the most amazing experience while working in Rehabilitation Services during her second Project Search rotation with all of you.
You believed in Jessie and took the time to focus on her abilities and skills, as well as create wonderful opportunities for her, that in many ways helped her grow, build self-confidence and to be more independent.
As her parents, we cannot thank you enough. You not only made a huge difference in Jessie’s life, but in ours as well.
Upon Jessie’s return to New Hampshire, she may possibly have the opportunity to work at our local hospital. You, in partnership with Jessie and the Project Search staff, made this happen.
Thank you all,
Robin and Cliff
Wonderful ER staff at Falmouth Hospital
To Whom It May Concern,
I was brought to Falmouth Hospital by the Mashpee ambulance. I was seen in the ER and later admitted overnight. I wanted to let you know how wonderful the staff is at your hospital. The ER team, especially Taylor and Brittany, my nurses, were amazing. Very kind, compassionate and caring to me. All the staff that I had interactions with were terrific, too—the housekeeper, cafeteria rep who I spoke with for my meals, the techs, PAs, during my stay.
I do hope the next time I come there I am only a visitor and know I will be in good hands if needed!
Sincerely,
Annette O.
Grateful for professionalism and kindness at Cape Cod Hospital
Dear Mr. Lauf and Ms. Bissell,
I was admitted to Mugar 5 via the ER with appendicitis. I would like to thank everyone for the excellent care I received. Every nurse, aide, OR staff, technicians, housekeepers and kitchen staff were all kind, compassionate and caring. I am very grateful for the professionalism and kindness from all the Cape Cod Hospital staff. Thank you again for the excellent care!
Kindly,
Rebecca R.
