In November 2015, my seventy-eight year old father had ahunting accident that led to a lengthy hospital stay until late January 2016.The first two hospital stays were some of the hardest days my family has everexperienced. The uncertainty of my father's prognosis as well as his mentalstate during those months was excruciating. At one point, we were informed thathe only had days to live and another time he coded overnight and our family wasnot informed until the following morning when my mother arrived to spend theday with him. Spending each day with my father at one of the facilities was theonly way we had piece of mind knowing that he was receiving a minimum level ofcare. To say we were dissatisfied with our experience there would be a grossunderstatement.

Our experience at Franklin County Memorial Hospital could nothave been any different. With our previous hospitalizations, I hope one wouldunderstand our apprehension at moving my father to yet another facility. Weconsulted with hospital social workers and talked to several friends who hadpreviously utilized the services of FCMH. Franklin County Memorial Hospital'sSwing Bed Unit has an excellent reputation. After our two and a half monthstay, I can certainly see why! From the moment my father was admitted, I couldtell a difference. Each and every person from the CNA, respiratory therapist,nurse and housekeeper who entered his room, introduced themselves and explainedeverything they were doing and why. Truthfully, I had witnessed my father havea breathing treatment many times, but this time was different. The therapistaddressed my father directly and as he administered the breathing treatment, hetold my father, step- by-step, what was happening. I found this to be commonpractice by the entire staff at FCMH. It was such a refreshing change. Wequickly found that it was not necessary for us to stay with my father as we hadbefore. There was a complete sense of comfort and security that the staff atFCMH provided that was a welcome relief.' From the therapists, doctors andnurses to the janitorial and cafeteria staff, our entire family was treatedwith such professionalism, love and care that I have told anyone who willlisten about the wonderful experience we had at FCMH. Not only was our staythere comfortable, but it was an absolute success as far as my father's healthand mental state.

That was, while a huge relief and absolute blessing, anadded-bonus to our experience there, He was successfully weaned from aventilator after being on it for over two and half months. He took his firststeps since November 27 while there in early February. I heard his voice forthe first time as well as his endearing sense of humor that I had sodesperately missed. To be quite honest, I feel like Franklin County MemorialHospital gave me my dad back while providing a safe, caring and comfortableenvironment for my family. While I had shed tears leaving my father at othermedical facilities, every time I left FCMH, I felt completely comfortable aboutthe level of care and concern provided. That is priceless, There are not enoughwords to thank each and everyone at FCMH who came in contact with our familyduring our time there. And there are too many instances of quality care andgenuine concern to name. We are grateful for his progress and attribute so muchof it to you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! ~ Jolyn Stone

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