Thank you to outstanding staff at Cape Cod Hospital for being attentive and gracious
Dear Mr. Lauf,
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, CNAs and other staff in the Cardiology Department of Cape Cod Hospital during my admission in September.
When I was admitted to the CCH Emergency Room, I did not know then but quickly learned that I had suffered a heart attack while returning from Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown during a vacation with friends.
From the moment I entered CCH (via EMT ambulance from Provincetown), I knew I was in good hands. The Emergency Room staff, led by Dr. Andrea Li, was so attentive and gracious to me, and indeed to my family, as they gathered around me.
I was admitted and transferred to the lead care of Dr. Reza Fazel, though I had also received a pre-surgery visit from Dr. Chester Hedgepeth. I had (naively) thought that I could be discharged Saturday and return to finish my mini vacation with my friends. Drs. Hedgepath and Fazel and his staff quickly and kindly set me straight on this, resulting in my landing in the OR on Saturday morning for the catheterization procedure. The OR medical staff were outstanding. I was awake throughout, keenly anxious that this might be “it” — and all the related thoughts that run through one’s head at a time like this. The surgical staff was outstanding, and the Cardiac ICU staff looked after me well during the weekend. I had numerous IVs in me, and the list of medications, each with a purpose, got longer.
I am a very active 73-year-old, regular (3x/week) swimmer, and was shocked to hear Dr. Li inform me that I had suffered a heart attack and would be admitted to CCH with indications I that I needed to have a cardiac catheritization performed. I am a man of deep Catholic faith, pray daily and am known widely to manifest good karma, but I have never prayed so hard for a positive outcome to all of this. My prayers were answered; the universe responded. As my son pointed out, “Dad, your time has not yet come.”
But none of this happened on its own. The quick and efficient response of your cardiac medical team saved my life. You should be very proud of all of them—outstanding group of people — “teamwork” personified, all of them. I am now in the good care of Dr. Cliff Berger, chief of cardiology at Beth Israel/Leahy Health (Needham). I am back swimming and walking a lot, and of course, very carefully monitoring my diet.
I will never forget the kindness, professionalism and care demonstrated to me.
Kind regards,
William B. Flynn
Norwood
Patient back to feeling 100 percent after wonderful care received at CCH
I want to send a note of gratitude for the exceptional care I received recently at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis during my five-day admission for shortness of breath and dizziness.
We entered by way of the emergency room, and I was taken in immediately and treated with genuine compassion and care by both the nurses, the techs and the ER doctors.
After five hours in the ER, the doctors felt it best to admit me for more testing, as they felt they needed more time to get to the bottom of whatever was causing my symptoms.
While I was tested over the next four days, I was impressed by the exceptional care provided by every shift nurse. Their bedside manner, communication and empathetic care was world class. Specifically, I would like to acknowledge Katharyn, Stacey, Valerie, and Kelly.
My physician, Dr. Sarah Harnois, finally got to the root of my health issue by listening attentively and ordering the proper testing. Left untreated, I could have had a serious health issue over time.
I am now back to feeling 100 percent thanks to the care I received from all my Cape Cod Hospital medical team, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Sincerely,
Kenneth McGrail
Mashpee
Falmouth Hospital is fortunate to have Dr. Adamo in the ER
Dear Michael K. Lauf,
Three years ago, my wife took me to the ER at Falmouth Hospital when an aneurysm in my left knee blocked all blood to my calf and foot. I was in excruciating pain and could not walk. I was immediately admitted to the emergency room, and I was so fortunate to have Dr. Matthew P. Adamo in charge that day. He assessed the situation, ordered an immediate Cat Scan, and then made provisions for a medical flight team to bring me to Boston Medical Center where a vascular surgeon was waiting. Not only did Dr. Adamo save my leg, but probably my life as well. It was a crucial moment, and he acted professionally and swiftly.
I waited three years to write since I could not remember anything but “Matt.” This week, I needed a blood transfusion. Dr. Adamo walked in and I recognized him immediately.
My wife and I wanted you to know that you are so fortunate to have him on staff. Not only is he a great physician, but he is kind and understanding, which is what one needs in an ER. Falmouth Hospital and Cape Cod Healthcare have an amazing ER doctor!
Joseph T. Kelly
North Falmouth
Grateful for caring treatment at Falmouth Hospital ER
The Falmouth Hospital ER at 4:30 on a Monday morning is not where anyone wants to be, but my husband had uncontrolled bleeding in the throat. I watched as caring people did whatever they could to stop it. After consulting with Mass Eye and Ear, where the original surgery happened three weeks ago, the right decisions were made to Med-flight him to Boston.
Between the doctor, nurses and assistants at Falmouth Hospital, I could not have asked for quicker or better help for my husband. We are grateful. I am also thankful for the quickly provided chair and water when I almost fainted. This is after his very caring treatment for the original throat cancer 2-1/2 years ago in the radiology department—also at Falmouth Hospital. We are lucky to have this facility so close by.
Linda Vintro
My family witnessed the highest level of professionalism at Falmouth Hospital
Dear Mr. Lauf,
My wife, Barbara, was brought to your emergency room the morning of June 26. Barbara was not feeling well, nor behaving her normal self. The emergency room nurses and doctors began a battery of tests to gain insight and answers to her condition. What the Falmouth team learned was that Barbara contracted Sepsis, and her body was beginning to shut down. Without hesitation, the Falmouth emergency team admitted Barbara into the I.C.U.
Over the next 10 days, every single nurse and doctor that attended to Barbara was unlike anything I had ever witnessed before. I am 64 years old, and I have seen my share of family members and friends in other, so called “major,” sophisticated, supposedly best medical facilities in the country. Not one of them can compare to the highest level of care that Barbara received during her 10 days in the Falmouth Hospital I.C.U.
My family and I witnessed the highest level of professionalism and diligence by every single nurse and doctor who were managing Barbara’s condition “by the hour” every single day without fail. The Falmouth I.C.U. team saved the life of my wife and mother of our children.
I am convinced that she is with us today because of the I.C.U. team’s attention to detail and diligence. It was because of the Falmouth Hospital’s I.C.U. nurses and doctors that Barbara’s condition stabilized over the next 10 days and was then able to be transferred to the Falmouth Hospital’s Step Down Unit.
Falmouth Hospital’s Step Down Unit Team was every bit as professional, diligent, respectful, and caring as the I.C.U. Team. The nurses and doctors communicated clearly and attended to every one of Barbara’s needs.
In closing, I want to again give thanks to the Falmouth Hospital Organization, and most importantly the nurses, doctors, administrators, patient advocacy, cafeteria staff, communion servers, and any other individual or professional I haven’t mentioned. My family and I have experienced the best that the healthcare industry has to offer inside the walls of Falmouth Hospital.
Barbara’s journey continues to move forward as she attends her rehabilitation appointments weekly.
Thank you and sincerely,
John Daley
Family expresses gratitude for mother’s exceptional care at Cape Cod Hospital
Dear Mr. Michael Lauf,
Recently our mother, Maureen Mason, was a patient of your healthcare system from September 10-16 after experiencing a potentially life-threatening situation caused by a gastrointestinal bleed. She was cared for by a fine team of physicians throughout her emergency room stay and subsequent admission to the hospital. Three of your physicians whose expertise particularly stood out were: Dr. David Grimaldi (hospitalist), Dr. Philip Dombrowski (Interventional Radiology) and Dr. Peter Pillitteri (ER Department).
Dr. Grimaldi was consistently professional and curious in his approach, thorough in his explanations and answering of questions as well as genuinely concerned about our mother’s ongoing chronic pain issue. He was attentive in checking her each day and reporting back to us with an update on her status and plan of care moving forward. He is gifted with a lovely bedside manner, which is indeed an asset to your team. Dr. Dombrowski performed the risky procedure of an embolization on our 91-year-old mother that could have resulted in a very different outcome, but Dr. Dombrowski skillfully went in and halted the bleeding, effectively resolving the source of blood loss. We have since heard so many wonderful things about this doctor from others’ experiences and consider ourselves very fortunate that he was on call that night.
When our mother first arrived in the Emergency Room, Dr. Pillitteri made our mother feel comfortable and quickly pursued her threatening medical issues to determine a cause.
Our positive experience at Cape Cod Hospital was further reinforced by the caring staff of the 6th floor on Mugar. The nurses, nurse’s aides, case manager and ancillary staff all provided compassionate care to our mother. In closing, we would like to thank all your staff and tell you how fortunate Cape Cod is to have such a first-class facility in its midst!
Very sincerely,
Maureen Mason's Family
Thank you to the VNA of Cape Cod for empathetic and knowledgeable care
Dear Bethany Graham of the Cape Cod VNA,
On August 22, I had a knee replacement and came back home to North Falmouth for two weeks of physical therapy before getting outpatient PT elsewhere. I had four different therapists in this short time.
Jackie Keating came to me a few times and she was wonderful! She was empathetic, professional, knowledgeable. She listened to my myriads of questions and gave me sound advice. She helped me with pain management and exercises that have moved me forward. She removed 17 staples from my leg with compassion. She always made me feel that I was making progress and doing well when my spirits were not high.
She is a lovely person and a marvelous therapist. You are so fortunate to have her on staff and I was so lucky to have her return and work with me and my wife. I hope I will not need to use your services in the coming years, but if I do, I would love to have Jackie again or someone who is as kind and thoughtful.
Sincerely,
Joseph T. Kelly
North Falmouth
Thank you to Francie for encouraging me to go to ER — and for saving my life
Dear Jodi Burnham,
On Wednesday, September 18, and a few days previous, I had been suffering with shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and chest pains. I thought I was coming down with the cold as I was also coughing a little. I decided to see if my cardiologist could see me as I was thinking my cholesterol had gotten way out of whack and I might have a blockage. I called my cardiologist and talked to Francie. She was helping me and trying to get me a procedure with a new drug infusion called Leviquo. She asked me my symptoms and said Dr. Wolfe would not be able to see me for a while, but with my symptoms I should get myself to the ER right away.
My son’s girlfriend drove me to the ER. After signing in, an EKG was normal. As soon as they did bloodwork, they came back and said there was serum in my blood that indicated I had thrombosis. From there, there was a chest X-ray, CAT scan for the chest and ultrasound of my legs. It showed; I had numerous clots in my legs and in my lungs. Needless to say, I was admitted to the hospital.
I have Francie to thank for saving me from having a stroke or even worse, death.
I believe she saved my life that day. On my own, I would not have gone to the ER. If she hadn’t said I’m calling the hospital and telling them you’re coming in, I would not have gone. I am truly thankful she said that and that I grumpily went to the hospital. I don’t know how she recognized that I was in severe distress because I did not recognize it in myself, but I am profoundly grateful that she did. She was my guardian angel that day, and you should recognize and appreciate what a gem you have.
Sincerely,
Joan Millane
West Yarmouth
New patient impressed with Dr. Koren’s team at Falmouth Hospital Medical Center
Dear Ms. Holmes,
I am a new patient and I am very pleased with the care that I have been given by Dr. Koren’s team at Falmouth Hospital Medical Center. The receptionists who answered my calls have been very courteous and friendly and noted my concerns or requests. I have always received a call back, usually within the hour! The nurses and physician assistants who have seen me have been caring, good listeners, and are knowledgeable and professional. After having been with a primary care physician for many years, I didn’t think that I would like the team approach, but am, in fact, more than satisfied with the care and treatment that I have been given by everyone on the team with whom I have come into contact.
Thanks to all the great staff at 21 Bramblebush Park. I appreciate you and have a good feeling every time I leave the office.
Sincerely,
Roberta Bourassa
Dr. Houle listens carefully and erases any fear going into operation
Dr. Houle is everything you could want in a surgeon: brilliant, confident, reassuring, with an excellent reputation in the community. He listens carefully, explains the problem and what he will do to fix it concisely. He’s very understandable and personable, he makes you feel like you are a special patient and that he will do everything to make you well. He has a great bedside manner and erases any fears I had going into the operation. I had had conservative treatment for severe radiating pain from my hips to my knees for over a year to no effect. I could hardly walk. From the day after the surgery all my pain was gone, I had minimal discomfort, and I was walking with a walker in no time. I no longer have any pain, and I am not using a walker or a cane. Dr. Houle gave me my life back. Thank you, Dr. Houle.”
Kenneth Corcoran
We are so fortunate to have Dr. Loewen in the ER at Cape Cod Hospital
Upon meeting Dr. Loewen in the ER at Cape Cod Hospital with a ruptured appendix, I felt very confident in every aspect of his skill as a surgeon but also as a person who genuinely cared for me as a patient. That never wavered throughout my surgeries right through my follow-up appointment today. Keep up the great work and please know how fortunate we are to have this caliber of professional medical professionals right here on Cape Cod.
Robert Bourque
Family expresses gratitude for exceptional care provided by the VNA of Cape Cod
Dear VNA of Cape Cod Team,
I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the exceptional care provided to our son, Jonathan Lampson, during his recovery from liver transplant surgery on May 29, 2024. The dedication, professionalism and compassion demonstrated by your nurses, occupational therapist and social worker made an incredible difference in his healing process.
We are particularly grateful to Tracy Ann Howard, RN, whose excellent nursing skills and thoughtful care went above and beyond our expectations. Her expertise in wound care, combined with her genuine concern for Jon's overall well-being, both body and mind, offered us immense comfort during a challenging time. Tracy Ann truly exemplifies the kind of compassionate care that makes the VNA of Cape Cod such a valuable resource for families like ours.
Thank you all for your unwavering support and commitment to Jon's recovery. We will always remember the kindness and expertise you brought into our home.
With heartfelt thanks,
Jetty Sousa Lampson (Jon’s Caregiver)
Sister grateful for the professionalism and kindness provided by the VNA of Cape Cod
Dear Ms. Peckham,
Forty years of teaching history did not prepare me for dressing my sister Ann’s second and third degree burn wounds on her hands — Karen Schraut did that!
Karen is both professionalism and kindness personified. She carefully demonstrated how to dress the burns on her first visit, explaining as she did each step so I would understand how to do likewise. She took the time needed to walk me through the process on her second visit, carefully watching my early attempts, gently suggesting ways to address each aspect.
My sister, Ann, and I were most fortunate to have Karen as our Visiting Nurse for five of our nine visits. Karen explained the three zones of wound care among the many other pieces of critical information we needed to hear. Her thoughtfulness even extended to loaning us a chair for the shower. There was no aspect of wound care that Karen did not explain. She is an excellent teacher and an outstanding nurse.
How fortunate is the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod to have Karen Schraut as a provider. Even more fortunate are those receiving her care.
Thank you for the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod.
With good wishes,
Mary Keenan
Patient loves kindness and positive attitude at JML Care Center
Dear JML Care Center,
I give high marks to the facility as a whole, but the staff (nursing, rehab, cleaning) are the heartbeat of JML!
I believe kindness and a positive attitude have a major influence on the healing process, and I found your staff to be professional and true cheerleaders.
I felt great sadness when it was time for me to leave. I miss all the friends I made at JML!
Donna Scheer
Patients impressed with JML as soon as they walked in the door
Dear JML Care Center,
John Alden and I, Annie the Granny, were so impressed at JML from the minute we walked into the clean building until our discharge in Room 148.
We would love to do your commercial.
Annie the Granny
