When silver-screen matinee-idol good looks were being handed out, there’s no doubt I was somewhere near the end of the line-up, probably alongside a somewhat scruffy Willie Nelson, but minus the excess follicles.
So imagine my surprise when I entered Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) on Jan. 29 to be given nothing short of regal treatment. All the folks I came into contact there must have mistaken me for a fabulously wealthy dignitary of royal descent.
After processing by admitting nurse Jaswinder, I was ushered into the operating room where the surgeon Dr. Peter Gutmanis and his crew under nurse Carolyn worked their wonders of modern medical science in giving me a total hip replacement, all under the ever-watchful eye of Dr. Silverstein the anesthesiologist.
Next stop was the Recovery Room for five hours of constant care and pain-control from nurses Sam and Sara, before being elevated to the penthouse on the sixth floor to a well-appointed room with a view for a few days of devoted and incessant pampering from a battery of nurses.
Amarjit, Boe, Scott, Helena, Brian, Mike, Anita, Aurora, Kylla and Allison were among others who took care of my every need, while I received the expert attention of physiotherapists Charlene and Linda, and occupational therapists Laura and Rochelle; the food was excellent, too.
Having lived in Parksville for over two decades I’ve read many horror stories from patients at an institution of that same name. I can only conclude that there must be two such hospitals bearing the same name, and I’m so very thankful that my longtime general practisioner Dr. Garth Loughead and his caring staff at Weld Street Clinic were wise enough to arrange for my treatment at the NRGH that is situated on Dufferin Crescent in Nanaimo.
My expressions of gratitude must also include those on the home-front: our transportation Czar Patrick, our caring neighbour Joy, and last but never least my lifelong soul-mate Susan.
Bernie Smith
Parksville