Dear Editor,

Two months ago, my 94-year-old uncle was admitted to Mandeville Regional Hospital to receive treatment for a very painful fractured femur.

I would like to thank the entire medical staff of the male surgical ward and in particular the orthopedic surgeons for the prompt, professional, efficient and effective care he received. I was the primary family member dealing with my uncle’s welfare during this period. I found the entire medical staff responsive to my many questions and in all instances explained what was happening and what needed to be done.

It was obvious that the nursing staff has a heavy work load, but they were very accommodating to his peculiar needs which were necessary because of his mild dementia.

My uncle’s fracture healed after six weeks and he was able to travel to the USA immediately after being discharged to be with his daughter to complete his recovery.

If I were to register a complaint it would be about the information desk. When I first arrived at the hospital with a referral for admission from my uncle’s private physician, the persons manning the desk were not very helpful. They appeared to know little about admission procedures, where I could get a wheelchair or where I could locate a porter. It was a member of the ancillary staff who saw my confusion and frustration and came to our rescue.

He got a wheelchair for my uncle, helping me to lift him from the car, and wheeled him into the admissions area with me in tow. I was very grateful for his intervention.

First impressions are often the most important, so I suggest that the hospital’s administration urgently address this problem.

Again, on behalf of the family, many thanks to the medical staff.

Alwyn K Gregory

May Day District

Mandeville

alwyngregory@yahoo.com