About Us
Stories of Caring
Dear Chatham-Kent Health Alliance,
Being a long time resident of Sarnia-Lambton, I was very apprehensive about going to the Chatham-Kent Hospital for surgery.
My apprehension was greatly alleviated immediately by the staff of the Pre-Admittance Section. They were very courteous and explained clearly the test procedures. A volunteer was always there to guide me to each test area and the internist provided a very good and clear explanation of all the reports at the end of the day.
On the day of my surgery starting at 6 A.M., the registration staff was so explicit and the inpatient staff was unbelievable in preparing me for each step. The spinal nurse/technician gave a very explicit explanation of the procedure and the how and why of the various needles. The after- surgery/recovery room staff were always in attendance.
My room was beautifully decorated and the cleaning staff was always courteous, diplomatic and interested in my welfare. My regular nurses are very kind people, good workers and so considerate of my comfort. Each person from physio was very encouraging, patiently explaining exercises and complimentary on my progress.
Courteous, clear and explicit explanations, diplomatic and considerate are just some of the words I can use to describe my stay at your hospital.
Thank you.
A grateful patient
Dear Chatham-Kent Health Alliance,
January 10, I was an outpatient at CKHA being treated for a hernia.
From the moment I registered to the time I was discharged, I felt like royalty. Without exception, each and every member of your staff was friendly, helpful and very professional to a high degree.
I know how exceedingly difficult it can be to please people, who in my experience are quick to complain, but slow to commend; especially in writing.
I thanked everyone that I could verbally, but it did not seem enough to convey my heartfelt appreciation nor cover everyone involved and I hope that you have a means to share this correspondence with all concerned.
My treatment goes beyond policy and protocol and reflects genuine care and concern on the part of all your staff.
Few people look forward to surgery, however if necessary, I would almost look forward to it in the future if conducted at your facility.
A grateful patient
Dear Chatham-Kent Health Alliance,
In August, it was my misfortune to suffer a stroke. When I was taken to the emergency department of the hospital I was met by three doctors who immediately proceeded to provide care on my behalf. From that point forward, my care at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance was remarkable.
The Stroke/Rehab unit is an efficiently operated unit. The staff is caring, kind, and do everything they can to keep their patients comfortable and to speed their recovery. The therapists - occupational, physical and speech -were all exceptional. The nurses are hard-working, caring and compassionate. And the doctors - In all I saw nine different physicians, during my stay. Each one contributed something to my diagnosis and I am grateful to each one. All were amazing at their job. All should be commended. The Pharmacist was so helpful in his explanations of the drugs I’m taking. It is incredible how many people are needed to bring me back to health and strength. Please know that I am aware of every one of them.
My stay, almost 5 weeks, was most positive, even the food was good if you didn’t mind the repetition. You must be commended on your operation at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, and I, personally, with to thank you all, very much, for the difference you make in our community.
A grateful patient and donor
Dear Chatham-Kent Health Alliance,
Recently, having been diagnosed with breast cancer, I have had to use some of the services at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
Having not used any part of these services in over 30 years, I was a bit apprehensive.
However, from my first visit, I found these feelings most unnecessary. From the friendliness of the volunteers to the expertise of my surgeon, all were most accommodating, courteous, and professional in their areas of work.
You can be very proud of all of these competent workers!
Thanks so much to them all.
A grateful patient
Dear Chatham-Kent Health Alliance,
I was recently a patient at your facility and I wanted to relate my impressions of the hospital and staff with you.
It started early Sunday morning. My husband brought me to the emergency department. I was in great pain. The triage nurse was attentive, professional and compassionate. I was fast-tracked through the registration and sent for blood work. While other patients were coming in with various problems, I was very impressed with the new procedure for diagnosing and treating patients in emergency. With speed and efficiency I was taken to an examining room. A nurse assisted in getting me into a hospital gown and doing all she could to make me comfortable. The physician on duty examined me and I was told that the likelihood was pancreatitis. He had the surgeon on duty become involved in my case, and he spoke to my husband and I about the procedures that would follow with diagnosis and probable treatment. Shortly after that I was on my way to the surgical ward. The emergency staff were an exceptional group who were the perfect balance of professionalism and compassionate.
I spent the next five days on the surgical floor. Again all staff – nurses, assistants, porters, lab staff, technicians – were truly amazing. Each and every one of them showed their skill, knowledge and genuine caring whenever they were caring for me. I was a person in distress and they cared; I never felt like I was just a name on the chart.
The following week I returned for a day surgery. The staff in the day surgery were great. They were very reassuring to me as I was a little nervous. I had never had surgery. The surgery went very well and I was always well informed of what would occur and able to ask questions. My nurse was so kind. For some reason my blood pressure remained low and it was decided that I should stay overnight as a precaution. My nurse stayed late that night ensuring I was settled in on the surgical ward.
Too often as a society we only speak up when we are unhappy or dissatisfied with a service. Today I am writing to tell you what an exceptional staff you have and I feel privileged to have such excellent health care in my own back yard.
My sincere thanks to you.
A grateful patient
Dear Chatham-Kent Health Alliance,
It would seem a good thing to start the new year of 2008 with thanksgiving for some of the many blessings we have in this country of ours, and I should like to do just that.
This is a special thank you for the medical care that is available to us at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
In response to an urgent situation I found myself in a week before Christmas, the nurses and doctor on duty at the emergency department were outstanding in their response.
Follow up care in the intensive care unit and second floor east (surgical) was competent and caring. Doctors and nurses made heroic efforts to be on the job during a disabling snow-storm and still remained cheerful in their duties.
Technologists and staff worked late hours to provide diagnostic testing for many patients, and all were upbeat and encouraging.
Wandering around the hospital floor with my IV pole, once I was feeling better, I couldn’t help but be grateful to live in a country which provided its citizen’s with such a well-built and supplied hospital, ready to serve and help the vulnerable.
I have a new appreciation for those folks who generously donate their blood, the Canadian Blood Services that provides that life-giving gift, the doctors, nurses, technicians and other medical staff who train for years so that they can help others to heal and who often work crazy hours and sacrifice many weekends and holidays.
At a time when I was totally helpless, help was there and I am very grateful for the many efforts health care personnel make to help the sick recover. These people are a blessing to us all.
Dear Chatham-Kent Health Alliance,
In January, our daughter was born. As first-time parents, despite being well informed, we really did not know what to expect.
The level of care provided to us by the staff of the maternity ward at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance was, in our opinion, second to none. They made a blessed event that much more wonderful. It was just a great experience.
We are truly fortunate to have such a fine facility staffed by competent, caring people in all positions. We would encourage everyone to donate to the CKHA in any way possible.
New parents.