Dear Editor,
Recently, I was forced to go to the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital because of a medical emergency. I was reluctant because of all the negative reports I would often hear of other persons’ experiences, but faced with an emergency that left me no choice, I ended up there against my will. Here is a summarized account of my experience.
As soon as my son opened the door for me to exit the vehicle, a female security guard attached to Queensway Security Company, rushed to my assistance. Realizing that I could barely walk, she got a wheelchair which she used to wheel me into the ER. I later learned her name is Allison Bess. I was met by Dr. Staymon Carr; HOD of Internal Medicine, who held on to my shoulder and assured me that everything will be okay. Next, I was taken to Dr. Campbell in the ER who asked details about my symptoms and patiently listened as I slowly explained, amidst excruciating pains. After carefully listening, Dr. Campbell instructed Nurse Sasha Nicholson Mentore to administer appropriate medication and prepare me for lab works, which were done.
Much to my shock and dismay, the lab results indicated that I needed to undergo emergency surgery. I was prepped for surgery by female doctors on the surgical team; Dr. Appadu, Dr. K. King and Dr. Deodat as well as Anesthetist male Nurse Sampson. The surgery was later performed by Dr. Algu. I spent a complete week in Ward ‘5’ of the hospital and during my time there, my treatment was nothing short of excellent.
My visiting relatives always commented on the cleanliness of the ward and washroom facilities. The porters and maids were prompt and diligent with their duties. All of the nurses were very patient, tolerant and efficient with patient care. Not once did I hear a nurse abuse any patient, even though there were a few patients misbehaving from time to time. I asked myself every day, “Do these Doctors live in the hospital? Don’t they ever go home?” The Doctors consistently checked in on us from 6 in the mornings until well after 7 at nights. Dr. Algu, who I now call my Earth Angel, is simply the most caring Surgeon I’ve ever met. I paid hundreds of thousands of dollars at private medical facilities for medical treatment in the past, but my care at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital surpassed those.
I cannot remember the names of all the Nurses in Ward ‘5’, but I wish to thank them all for making my stay in their care feel like home away from home. I remember Nurse Angela and Nurse Jenny, Sister Harriet Bailey, Nurse Trevlyn Johnson, Nurse Roshnie Singh as well as Dr. Hamilton and Dr. James from the surgical team and Dr. Kiaza Lewis from internal medicine. You guys rock! Keep up the good work NARH. You gave me hope!
Sincerely,
Iyabo Omotola Johnson Thom
