Dear editor,
I am writing in regard to the closing of the Transitional Care United at Warren General Hospital. I understand the reasoning for the hospital to make this decision, but I also understand the need to keep it open. I too have been a patient at this unit on two separate occasions, where it would have been impossible for me to return to my home, had this unit not been available to me.
The professional care I received was excellent, not only in meeting my physical needs, but also my personal, spiritual, and emotional needs. I felt that the staff did over and above what was required of them. It is traumatic enough to be in a position of total dependency on another human being to meet even your most basic need. They were caring, supportive, and patient, especially during those difficult days immediately following surgery when pain was a constant, unwelcome friend. Most of us never even give thought to what we all take for granted, until it is taken from us.
All of the staff deserves to be recognized, not only for their training in their perspective fields, but for their genuine caring for every patient in this unit. They worked together to restore our quality of life.
Their jobs are also at risk should the unit be closed. This would be a tragedy, especially in this economy with such uncertainty.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts concerning this matter. I ask that you pray before making this important decision which would negatively affect future patients and personnel, should you decide to close this much needed unit of Warren General Hospital.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Shook
Warren