Read a thank you letter from Sandra Cybulko by clicking here.
Read a thank you letter from Karen Davis, RN by clicking here.
Read a thank you letter from Fred Barth by clicking here and a story that he wrote about his experiences at HealthSouth by clicking here.
Dear Friends,
Upon returning home, it has been a bit of a whirlwind with the adjustment of being back in familiar surroundings along with well-wishers, etc. I do apologize for being much later in my writing than I had anticipated!
I am recuperating very well along with walking mostly on my own without the use of a cane, only needed when I get overtired. I am so very blessed to have the husband and fa m ily G od has blessed me with … although, as I told them, I did not come home to be an invalid, so allow me to do all I can for myself, and for the most part, it is working J . I will do nothing to jeopardize my healing.
As for my stay at HealthSouth Harmarville, it was amazing having the care so needed at the time … I was treated with dignity, tenderness and each need met, never making me feel I was a bother … I recognized how very busy each was, but yet when I rang the bell someone came in with a smile asking what they could do for me, and that was so appreciated! To mention each one would be a long list, so I pray each who cared for me knows how I learned to love them, and shall remember the kindness and care given me.
I would like to give credits to:
OT: Pam who made me feel like a new person after my first night … I hadn ’ t been bathed for three days and felt just awful … she was so wonderful in making me feel comfy as she did her part to make me feel so fresh! For that I will always be grateful.
PT: Janie was another gift helping me gain strength along with my concerns … she met every need,,,such a pleasure meeting each one in PT … you know one makes friends with those in the “ class ”… I miss each one.
Wheeled of to X-ray was another pleasure, the girls were just wonderful and I want to be certain they are recognized for their kindness too.
Dr. Kelly was extremely pleasant and cheerful as he came in each morning. He always had time for questions.
I didn ’ t expect my food to be so delectable, but it certainly was and did not contribute to my “ weight loss ” LOL … (still hoping)
I found the surroundings to be as I like, CLEAN, thanks to housekeeping my stay was made pleasant by their doing their duties.
In closing, I would liken HealthSouth Harmarville to be similar to an orchestra, each doing his part to make the music pleasant to the ear. I observed the staff each shift … working well with one another, asking if one could help the other, et c. Making a beautiful melody for the patient … J
I would and do recommend HealthSouth Harmarville, praying I need not be a patient again, but knowing anyone in need of rehab, HealthSouth is the ONLY place to be.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank each of you who played a part in making my stay a pleasant one!
With Affection and Gratitude,
Collette P. (Cricket) Smith
Healing Arts
To the Staff of HealthSouth Harmarville:
It has been 6 months since my brain surgery following a significant stroke and admission to your hospital on Area 3 for rehabilitation. I apologize for not writing this letter sooner because the time that has elapsed fosters forgetfulness. With every hospital care facility, there are those employees that go through the motions somewhat detached and distant from their suffering patients, just to collect a paycheck. Fortunately, during my stay with you, those individuals were few.
As always, words cannot fully express the gratitude one has for those special caregivers that possess technical knowledge, wisdom and compassion. Those qualities held by most staff members were demonstrated numerous times during my three week stay. At this time I can no longer remember all the names of those people who were involved with my recovery. Employees such as, Mary, Susan and Kelly in Physical Therapy stand out because of their devotion toward the patient’s healing. There were others who also exemplified a wonderful attitude and work ethic. For example, Rob, who also worked in Physical Therapy, always seemed to anticipate the needs of both patients and staff members. His humor, along with that of others, made my stay more tolerable. Whether it was Julie from Occupational Therapy, Geri from Speech or Katherine from Neuropsychology, all were experienced and pleasant, assisting me to get back on my feet. Nurses like Paulette and Mary Ellen helped me to get through some unpleasant physical situations, giving me relief from medical side effects. Similar to those nurses, a part-time employee, (Bryan, x-ray tech at Allegheny General?), willingly gave help without making me feel that I was too demanding, the request unnecessary, or that it was not in his scope of duties. Those three workers as others demonstrated a positive and helpful attitude, contributing to my recuperation.
Many times, individuals with high credentials and who are associated with the healing arts are impressed with themselves and sometimes lord it over others. Dr. Birk is not in that category. Humility, patience and compassion, along with her medical knowledge set her apart. She took the time to explain my situation and offered insight into my recovery, never making me feel like she was too busy to talk.
Again, I apologize for not remembering the names of all the caring people, whether nursing, dedicated cafeteria volunteers or other members connected to the ancillary services. I simply pray that you would continue to offer the same caliber of care to other patients and that the Lord blesses each and every one of you.
Sincerely,
Regis Pepka
Paralyzed to Walking
I was a patient at Harmarville for nearly 2 months and released on December 29, 2009. I would like to thank all the employees at Harmarville for their kind and patient treatment during my stay there. Would like to thank each employee by name, but there are too many to list. The doctors, nurses, aides, occupational and physical therapy departments are hardworking, knowledgeable, and friendly. The hospital is also top notch and has the equipment needed. I highly recommend HealthSouth to anyone needing rehabilitation as I hold this institution in highest regard.
I came in on a stretcher, parlayzed from the waist down and leaving walking with the aid of leg braces and a walker. Thanks to all of you loving and wonderful people.
Sincerely,
Rick Ramsey
I was a patient in the Spinal Cord Unit from March 25 – April 8 2009. I want to say a big thank you to everyone. The care provided was excellent. Everyone from the nurses, aides, therapists, dietary and cleaning staff was so kind and friendly. Thanks to my physical therapists Jim, Jay and Stacy. Thank you to Christy in occupational therapy for all her help.
You have an excellent facility. I feel so lucky to have been sent to your hospital after my surgery. I am doing well at home and I thank you all for making that possible.
Glenna W
Dear Mr. Anthony,
I recently completed two months of vestibular physical therapy in your outpatient physical therapy department.
I am writing to praise this department and in particular, my therapist Susan. I was referred to your facility by the hearing and Balance Center at Allegheny General Hospital. I needed vestibular therapy and the doctor there told me that Harmarville was able to provide that therapy.
I was so pleased with the level of care which I received. I went form being so afraid to walk, to being very confident and no longer in fear of falling. Susan was so professional, and really knew exactly how to treat me. She helped me to regain my confidence, and essentially, gave me my life back. I will always be grateful to her for that.
I would not hesitate to recommend your outpatient physical therpay department to anyone. I know that if I ever need therapy again, I will come right back to Harmarville.
Sincerely,
Virginia V.
I would like to thank Dr. Birk, the nurses and therapists for the excelllant care and treatment they gave me. Many of the nurses went the extra mile to make my stay as pleasant as possible. Thank you again for the care you gave me.
Sincerely,
Ron P.
We are writing in reference to our father who was a patient at Harmarville following Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in 2008. When he was admitted to your facility, we were overwhelmed with anxiety and hesitation. Your hospital is an hour away from our homes and we had never experienced this type of situation.
We want people to know what we did experience: the Admissions Department was a great source of information and a big help to us in being able to find your facility, the staff on the Parkinson's Unit became a daily part of our lives for 2 1/2 weeks. We wish we could remember all of the names of those who provided care to our father as well as reassurance to us.
Everyone was so kind to us and made us find a comfort level every day... including physical and occupational therapy. We are all more aware of how special of a person you need to be to work in a facility such as yours.
There are many rehab facilities although we would highly recommend yours after our experience.
Many thanks to all of the employees!
I have just completed a twenty session rehabilitation program under the the outpatient therapy department as a result of a hip replacement surgery. My recovery process was not as fast as the surgeon's six color brochure led me to believe it should be. Given the fact that I am no longer sixteen years of age, the surgeon should be allowed some latitude in the matter. The point is that my therapist stepped into the recovery process, and now, all the muscles that should work, do work; are friendly with one another, and I am pain free.
Thank you Harmarville!
There is a second and equally important reason to write this. There is tremendous personal satisfaction in experiencing the same high quality standard of rehabilitation that HealthSouth Harmarville was always noted for. The fact is that HealthSouth Harmarville remains such a valuable community asset and a standard for quality rehabilitation speaks to the guidance of the CEO and the excellent support of the entire staff.
TK Pittsburgh, PA
Thank you for the wonderful care, compassion, and encouragement you demonstrated during Dolores' three-week stay. We are amazed and encouraged with her progress and know it is due to all your hard work and dedication. Thank you for being such special people.
Sincerely,
The family of Dolores S