Editor: I want to express my gratitude to the Emergency Room staff at Langley Memorial Hospital.
On Oct. 29, I suffered a heart attack.
Arriving at the Emergency Room I dropped into a chair and things began.
Within minutes the blood pressure cuff was attached and my pulse rate being taken. Before I knew it I was on a bed surrounded by people.
Their calmness and professionalism reduced my fear; a difficult yet vital piece of the event.
It was determined that I would be transported to the Royal Columbian Hospital. The paramedics and accompanying Langley emergency staff kept things on an even keel for me as we made our way to New Westminster. Once again the professionalism of the people in the ambulance kept panic at bay.
Arriving at RCH, I was whisked into the Cardiac Care Centre, a stent was placed in my heart and from that moment my recovery was set to begin.
I could not believe how quickly and smoothly the team of cardiac doctors and nurses went about their work.
I was returned to Langley Memorial and taken to the Critical Care Unit.
Once again I was cared for with professionalism and competence. My questions and concerns were handled with a care level which belied the myriad of tasks the staff were undertaking. At no time did I feel they didn’t have time for my questions, some of which, I am sure, had more basis in nervousness than medical concerns.
I am at home now, armed with resource literature, family and neighbours to aid my recovery. I have found that there are numerous programs for people to structure their recovery from heart problems.
I keep thinking that as we move through our daily lives others are experiencing the same life-saving procedures as me; something we need to treasure.
My great thanks to these professionals who have ensured that I am here to recover and look forward with joy to a very special Christmas with treasured family and friends.
Pat Macdonald,
Langley