Volunteers receive a letter of appreciation The following letter from a grateful patient, expresses appreciation for volunteer Noreen Oliphant.   “Noreen,   I just wanted to thank you for all you’ve done for me while I was in chemotherapy. From your friendly greeting the minute I walked in the door to fetching my lunch; please know that you’re greatly appreciated. I know the nurses are glad for the extra burden you take from their shoulders, and I’m sure they tell you that all the time. But I’m not so sure the patients take the time to thank you properly, because they’re focused on other things. That’s what I’m trying to do now. So just remember this: Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless but because they’re priceless. Thanks for all you do.”

Pediatric Urgent Care Receives a Letter of Appreciation "Last night I brought my son into the Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic. I wanted to extend my thanks to the superior medical staff for their professional attitude and truly accommodating level of care. We received care from Dr. Brian who was one of the most caring physicians my son and I have seen. Dr. Brian and the nursing staff were extremely comforting and down to earth which made my son and me very at ease throughout the visit. I have been to many different clinics which offer low-income health care, but I must say that Denver Health is truly superior when it comes to expert care and treating patients with respect and dignity.   In the past we have been treated poorly at many other clinics due to what I refer as the “Medicaid factor”. This factor consists of poor customer service, being talked to as if you have no education and just plainly being treated as 'another poor Medicaid patient.' There are many reasons why one may have Medicaid or CICP and I believe that it is very important to set aside preconceived notions and treat all patients with the respect they deserve; regardless of the insurance (or lack of insurance) they carry. Medical school can teach a future physician many important clinical scenarios, but what schooling sometimes lacks is instilling compassion and the ability to set aside judgment which I feel, from a patient’s perspective, is one of the most important traits in choosing a physician. This is why Denver Health remains superior.   From the moment I began my services with Denver Health, every physician I have seen has been more than accommodating and respectful. As a future healthcare professional myself, (studying at the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy, Pharm D. program) know that professional attitude and respect for patients are top priorities.   I wanted to take the time to inform the Managerial Department at Denver Health that their medical staff is exceptional, as I know that letters of praise and encouragement may be seen less than letters of complaint, as this is sometimes human nature. Once again, many thanks to Dr. Brian, Dr. Lande and the wonderful nursing staff in the Pediatric Urgent Care Department!  Keep up the great work."

 

A letter of thanks A patient in the Community Health Services HIV Primary Care Clinic recently wrote to thank staff. “I want to let you know how honored to be one of your patients, and also grateful for all the good service and warm care that I receive from you.  I really feel I am receiving top-quality health care.”

 

Dr. Kelly O’Brien Receives a Big Thank You   "Greetings Dr. O’Brien,   I am writing you this letter of thanks, as it has been eight months since we met at the Denver City Jail, you decided to send me to the hospital, which ultimately saved my life. Perhaps more than you know, you truly were instrumental in my being alive today, and I will always have a special place in my heart for you, your compassion and your quirky sense of humor!   Please pass along my thanks to your staff of nurses and technicians. I found all of them to be first class in their ability to provide comfort and care along with being able to handle any given situation quickly, and with common sense as well. I was, and remain, very impressed with their ability to remain objective and caring even while working with people whom society has determined to be criminal. Not once did I feel that I was being treated with anything but respect. To me, this speaks very highly of their characters no matter what facet of life that they are in. You can also tell them that while I was there they set a standard that the staff at other hospitals fell short of.   For myself, I am happy to tell you that I have completely recovered from this latest medical chapter in my life. I was fortunate to be ale to enroll in your hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, which is managed very well by Debbie Lathrop who is doing a great job getting people such as myself back in track."

 

Chaplain Dirk receives a big thanks  LaVonna Walker, interim Chief Nursing Officer, recently received a letter expressing gratitude to Denver Health and Chaplain DirkVanderVorst for hosting a Clinical Pastoral Education student over the summer. The letter reads,  “Dear Ms. Walker,   Greetings to you and everyone at Denver Health Medical Center. This summer for ten weeks, Denver Health hosted one of our Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) students, Caralyn Holmquist. I want to extend a big “thank you!” to you and the hospital, especially the Chaplaincy Services Department, for working with Caralyn. She had a very meaningful summer and learned much about chaplaincy. Saying “good-bye” was hard for her.   Also, I would like to acknowledge Chaplain Dirk VanderVorst. As Caralyn’s administrative supervisor, he did an excellent job of working with her. He gave great guidance in her work, challenged her when needed, and let her go as was appropriate. Caralyn was very appreciative of his supervising. She learned a lot from him and the other chaplains. I recognize that this was additional work for Chaplain Dirk, so I thank him for his gracious sharing. Denver Health is blessed to have him on staff.   Thank you for your openness for Caralyn’s presence this summer. I hope that in the future, we may consider working together again. I firmly believe that this education is invaluable to students’ growth in ministry, and the work they do with the patients, family and staff is greatly beneficial to all. Please accept my gratitude and thanks.   Sincerely   Rev. Elizabeth Pexton, M.Div., BCC" ACPE Supervisory Candidate

Denver Health Receives Praise from the Donor Alliance Dr. Patricia Gabow M.D., CEO, recently received the following letter from the Donor Alliance, congratulating Denver Health on recent organ donations. “Dear Dr. Gabow… I just wanted to update you on a flurry of donation activity recently at Denver Health. In May and June we had five organ donors who saved a total of 16 lives. Two of the donations were the rare donation after cardiac death. Both cases were successful! Your staff was magnificent! Thanks for all your support.”