Dear Source,
After spending one scary night in the emergency room and a week in the hospital, I feel a whole lot more secure on this island.
I arrived in the emergency room gasping for breath with skin color matching my gray hair. Over the first two hours I was treated by no less than nine people; all knew their business, had more than adequate equipment and worked together very well.
The care on the fourth floor was equally professional and responsive. Contrary to tales heard previously, I found a well-trained local staff, supplemented by a few traveling nurses. The supervisors on all shifts were dynamic and very professional locals; many of the nurses were locals trained here. The aides were wonderful, nurturing, friendly and hard working.
The real surprise was the attitude of the housekeeping staff. Somehow their role has been elevated to chief patient nurturer, keeper of good cheer, and dispenser of hugs, smiles and sunshine.
The hospital was clean, relatively quiet, more than adequately equipped and staffed with trained professionals on all levels. The food was varied and good.
I’m off to spend a week at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore. But despite all their special procedures and international reputation, I’m willing to bet I’ll miss the warm, caring attitude that islanders give best of all.
Carol Lotz
St. Thomas
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
