Letters

Three cheers

Have you noticed the big banner hanging across the front of Whitman Community Hospital? It is there because of a very special earned honor, and now I know why.

During this year I have spent time with close relatives in two “local” eastside hospitals, and in one shiny, new westside hospital.

I was shocked at the lack of services or care for their patients.

In four days at each of these hospitals my patient relatives received no bathing opportunities, no clean linens on the bed, or even straightening of the linens while the patient was out of the bed temporarily.

Clean gowns were scarce.

Occasionally I went to the nurse station to ask for patient help when the light was not answered in a timely fashion.

The floors and the bathrooms were not regularly cleaned by housekeeping.

Change the scene: I recently had occasion to spend five days in our local Whitman Community Hospital. What a pleasant surprise!

Linens were changed regularly and straightened every time I was out of bed. I was helped to bathe and to shower. The call light was always answered promptly. All the nurses and ancillary help were so eager to please and to be helpful, and they all brought a cheerful attitude into the room. The dietician came to my room to make certain she had my quirky diet correct. Everyone was so accommodating, pleasant, helpful and kind.

I couldn’t have asked for better care. I’m writing because I’ve witnessed what other hospitals are like, and I want everyone to know what a jewel of a hospital we have right here in Whitman County. They earn that huge banner and the honor it represents. I’m so glad the best is close to home.

Oh, another best kept secret is the Hospital Auxiliary’s Bluebird Gift Shop, hiding just inside the front entrance. It’s handier for visitors, of course, but just the place to find that special gift for a patient or anyone. Did you know that all their net profit goes to purchase new equipment for the hospital—to better care for its patients? Three cheers for Whitman Community Hospital!

Helen H. Cowan,

St. John