2 weeks Ago
We often read or hear of all kinds of negative reviews regarding the poor level of treatment meted out to members of the public at the various health facilities scattered throughout our land. Having been recently admitted to the Mt Hope (EWMSC) hospital and in the spirit of Divali, I feel compelled to go against the tide by shedding some light and sharing with you a positive experience I was fortunate to have at this institution. My journey started about three months ago when I sought medical attention following a frightening bout of breathing difficulties.
I visited my then interventional cardiologist, Dr Naveen Seecheran, who promptly conducted an angiogram, after which I was immediately referred to and admitted to the EWMSC for a substantive surgical procedure. Born and raised in the deep South, I confess to initial feelings of trepidation commuting to this amazing facility and taking up temporary residence up North. Thankfully, my fears were allayed upon admission, after being warmly greeted by security officer Aaron, manning his station at the entrance to the Adult Cardiology Ward (Level One).
Aaron’s kind hospitality continued throughout my stay when he would intermittently drop by to offer comforting words of support during patrols. Given the serious nature of my impending surgery, I was placed in a private room along with two other patients, who were also awaiting similar procedures, albeit one and two doors down from me. Over the course of time, we got acquainted, exchanging pleasantries, and offering each other moral/spiritual support for what was to come.
During my lengthy stay at the EWMSC, I was fortunate to experience medical care at its best, aptly delivered by trained nurses attending to their patients tirelessly during each of the three daily shifts. At no time was I subjected to any disparaging abuse or disrespect as often heard by members of the public. Granted, I am just an average Joe warded for medical care/surgery, but the congenial reception I received from these nurses throughout my stay was highly commendable and bears testimony to the code of ethics upheld by members of this noble profession.
In this regard, it would be remiss of me not to express my heartfelt thanks to all the nurses who attended to me, particularly the quietly efficient nurse Ortega, the inspiring nurse Sookdeo, the compassionate nurse Dalton, the kindly nurse Phillip and the caring nurse Aisha. How can I ever forget the sprightly, captivating nurse Natasha, who greets patients by name every morning she clocks in for work? I can still hear her cheerful voice echoing along the corridors. Nor can I forget the kindness shown to me by nurse Annastatia, nor the sole male nurse Dottin (lucky chap!) who attends to patients with his very charismatic, big-hearted disposition.
The dietician, Ms Gordon, was comprehensive and quite patient with me during her dialogue, moving forward. On this Cardio Ward One, there is no place for discrimination of any kind, and as rightly described by nurse Ali, “We operate like ah big family here,” and I honestly felt that way. Not to be outdone, the team of young, upcoming doctors, under the guidance of consultant cardiologist and UWI scholar Dr Seecheran, treated me daily with genuine care, concern and informed professionalism.
This insanely young but ambitious team includes Drs Ramkissoon, Lackhan and Ramcharan (registrar), among others. Other service providers who also left an indelible mark include the demure (cardio) sonographer Ms Lambie; the hardworking catering staff who provided us daily with three meals, happily delivered with a genuine smile; and janitorial services rendered by cheerful attendants Maria and Lisa, who encouraged and comforted me when I felt down. We are no longer strangers.
I was impressed by the NCRHA’s (North Central Regional Health Authority) stringent daily cleaning protocols, including frequent mopping of wards, washrooms and corridors, and the strictly adhered to removal of garbage twice daily. Senior cardio consultants include the stoic but highly respected Dr H Hanoman Snr, who normally has an entourage of young interns in tow, hanging onto his every word. The composed Dr Galvas would normally present in detail.
I recall meeting his more approachable son, Dr Adrian Hanoman, who conducted an echocardiogram examination on me at one o’clock the morning! Another clear affirmation of the level of devotion shown to patients at the EWMSC. I must pay tribute as well to the highly skilled team of cardiac surgeons at the on-site Caribbean Heart Care Medcorp (CHCM), headed by the pre-eminent cardiac surgeon Prof Giovanni Teodori, Dr Natasha Rahaman and Dr Gabriel Galvas. Vital to this team are anaesthetists Dr Roderick Bhagan and Dr Brandon Forde.
I thank each one of you for safely bringing me through this crisis. I must also acknowledge Presbyterian minister Rev Ria Thompson-Jimdar and her husband, Leon, for commuting all the way to Mt Hope and offering up to me their prayers and best wishes. To my generous blood donors, I thank you for stepping up.
To my concerned friends, colleagues, and neighbours, I thank you as well. Barry S Bissessar Fyzabad.
