Personal Stories

My father was brought in to the John Dempsey Hospital emergency room by ambulance this past Sunday morning. I just wanted to recognize two members of the ER staff who made a tough day a little easier. Karen was his "go to" nurse. She is relatively new to your staff and as I am sure you realize...she is a keeper! Also, Dr. Clubb was very professional and extremely compassionate. They have a tough job and see much heartache, but it's during those times that the best shine brightest. Thanks to the entire staff and please keep my father in your prayers.

Farmington, CT
March 2008

I have been going to the Dowling South Lab to have my blood drawn on a consistent basis for infertility for the past 3 years. I just want to say that the blood drawing people there are so good and friendly! I had tried another lab but will only go to UConn because they never bruise me nor do they hurt me. I recommend them to my friends and will continue to do so. Donna, Mary and Hasmig are a great team. You are lucky to have them as employees. They really care about the patients. THANK YOU!

Essex, CT
February 2008

Thank you so much for your help yesterday in the ER. As an English girl in America, the level of care and attention was just superb.

What friendly, willing to help people, who always manage to wear a smile.

Thank you so much for making my unpleasant experience as bearable as possible.

West Hartford, CT
January 2008

I would like to write you and say BRAVO to your sixth floor staff. I was placed in the hospital on two occasions in November and December for IV Rituxin Nab and steroids due to a flare of my scleroderma. The sixth floor staff was excellent, they were very caring, comforting and concerned for how I was feeling. I have been on the sixth floor on several occasions for IV Rituxin and steroids. Many of the staff remembered me by name. They knew that I am anxious when I come in for Rituxin due to having to leave my elderly limited mobility mother alone and that I am concerned about getting IV access and the side effects that can go along with the Rituxin.

Robin was the nurse who gave me my first infusion in November. She knew that I was had to get an IV site in. She called the action nurse and asked her to try. When the action nurse could not get a site, they called the A.P.R.N. Susan. Susan came in and got an IV line in for the steroids. After discussing the site and line with Robin they decided that a pick-line should be put in due to the IV site not being able to hold for the Rituxin. Robin got a hold of Dr. Laks and got this set up and taken care of. Robin also had a nursing student that was shadowing her. She took the time to explain and help him understand what was going on. I felt very safe and secure in Robin's hands, as well as all of the other staff members from housekeeping on up. The care techs were very caring and friendly.

The staff that was on the second time I went in in December was also excellent. Jill was my nurse that time, again I felt secure in her handling of the situation. Then when I called my mother at home she was having a stroke. I informed Angel that I needed to get my pick-line out and get discharged ASAP due to my mother being taken to another hospital for a stroke. Angel called Dr. Laks right away and informed him of what was happening. The staff was wonderful at helping me try to stay calm in this difficult situation. Angel asked the social worker to come in and speak with me which she did. When I had made arrangements for my ride, Angel called transportation and asked for a wheelchair. When I was told it would be at least a half hour to forty-five minutes for someone to be up, I told her I would walk down. She called Volunteer Services and got someone from there to take me to my ride.

It is nice to know that there is a hospital like John Dempsey that has a high quality staff that is committed to patient care, even when facing a bad snowstorm like we had when I was there in December. Again I say BRAVO and thank you to the sixth floor staff.

Norwich, CT
January 2008

As a young athlete I had never expected to get injured and not be really able to bounce back. I had injured my shoulder a few years back and went from doctor to doctor until someone finally referred me to Dr. Arciero. With him I found patience and understanding of my injury and finally found someone who would help me. I have now had two surgeries for my shoulder injury but it is not nearly as painful as it was when I had met him. He is very kind and a wonderful doctor. I would recommend his services to anyone.

Mansfield, CT
December 2007

Thank you for the opportunity to share my feelings regarding recent care received at the UConn Health Center. In late December, I made an Emergency Room visit and was pleasantly surprised at the quick service received and professional/friendly treatment. I had held off coming in for fear of being treated in a certain manner based on my previous personal/health history and when I decided I was too sick to avoid going to the ER any longer I was glad to have been treated without prejudgment. I hope I continue to have such positive experiences in the future.

Wethersfield, CT
December 2007

I have been a nurse for 30 years. I have always considered myself "hardened" and not phased by many things. But, as I was being prepped for my recent cardiac catheterization, I felt an overwhelming sense of fear like I'd never felt before.

For, in my heart, are many years of blessed memories. I was so fearful of a procedure that might compromise those memories. It was so comforting for me to be greeted by the familiar face of Anita Coughlin, who explained the procedure not only to me, but my husband as well. The care and compassion I received from Mellissa and Maria during my procedure was all I could have hoped for from the true sense of what a nurse really is. We have become so wrapped up in the technological aspect of nursing we sometimes forget why we became nurses to begin with.

My post-procedure care was given by Laura, who despite being busy with other patients, continued to check on me as if I was her only patient.

You have all shown a true sense of the meaning of "NURSE" and I thank you from the bottom of my "HEART," the one with the unclogged arteries!!

Bristol, CT
December 2007

Back in July, following surgery for ovarian cancer by Dr. Carolyn Runowicz, I shared my story here, but wished that I was closer to have my chemotherapy here as well. After very little thought, my husband and I decided that in order for my treatment to be as easy as possible for me, we would make the 100 mile one-way trip back to UConn and the John Dempsey Hospital. This was where I had received outstanding care from everyone on the 6th floor and at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center. It is here that everyone knows my name and I am greeted as a friend and not a patient. I am now returning next week to complete my chemotherapy and while I thought that this day would never come, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I would not have had such a stress-free time had I gone anywhere else. While I am done with chemo for now, I know that I will be returning to John Dempsey Hospital and Dr. Runowicz for the rest of my life. Even though I live in New York and have some of the best facilities there for the treatment of cancer, I will go no where but here. I am forever grateful to everyone here who has taken care of me and my family as well. Thank you once again, from the bottom of my heart.

Yonkers, NY
December 2007

Mom took a spin to John Dempsey/UCONN Medical Center this evening.

Her left flank pain got so severe that mom could barely breathe. She called the doctor on call, she took her temperature and blood pressure, and then called 911. The ER staff was amazing and got her well medicated quickly, took urine and blood samples, and did a CT scan of her abdomen.

Lucky for my mom, her surgeon, "Dr. Gureter" splits his time at St. Francis and UConn. He was on his way out when he got the call that my mom was arriving, and turned right around. If I ever see this man again, he's getting such a massive bear hug he might need to see a chiropractor after.

Boston, MA
December 2007

As a recent patient for two five-day admissions, I want to express to you my complete satisfaction with the care I received. Both times I was on the Cardiac Step-Down Unit. It was a first time hospital experience for me. I was frightened and hurting, but right from the time I entered the Emergency Room until discharge I felt in competent and kind hands, and any treatment was thoroughly explained to me. Everyone, including doctors, nurses, technicians, aides, transport and meal delivery and cleaning people were so well trained and friendly.

It was a good experience and I appreciated it. Just wanted you to know.

Farmington, CT
October 2007

I am writing about the excellent care I receive when I have appointments at the Dermatology Department in East Hartford. Ive Maurice, Marisol Rivera, Tonia Hankerson and Rozanda Moore are an outstanding team and a most positive reflection of UConn Health Partners.

When I have a routine appointment, I call to schedule it and everything always goes very smoothly. The staff is both professional and personable. When I arrive for my appointment, all takes place in a timely manner. It is an impressive experience and does not often happen to me in other doctor’s offices.

Recently, I had a skin problem and felt as though I needed to be seen that day. After explaining my concern over the telephone, they made accommodations even though the schedule was full. I was able to be seen and received relief for what was most uncomfortable and spreading quickly.

Manchester, CT
September 2007

My wife recently had a terrible injury to her shoulder…multiple fractures and displacements. The films looked like someone had taken a hammer to the area. When Dr. Mazzocca showed me the post op films this afternoon, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The damaged humerus and head and socket area looked like the opposite side with the difference appearing to be the hardware. It was amazing that the shoulder could have been repaired in that fashion. Obviously, I have been very impressed by Dr. Mazzocca’s ability. In fact, our entire experience, starting with my first conversation, has been an extremely positive one. Dr. Mazzocca’s staff, especially Nancy Ortiz, has been most responsive, competent and effective. Those same attributes were found in each and every person with whom we had contact at the SurgiCenter. Right now, my wife is home, feeling very positive about recovery and resting comfortably. Please accept our most sincere feelings of gratitude. Please also know that it is recognized that what you do, you obviously do well. Many, many thanks!

Hartford, CT
August 2007

I am 16 years old. I was born at the UConn Health Center in the spring of 1991. My mother entered the Health Center with the fear of losing me. She had gone toxic. I was delivered seven weeks early and was not able to go home for about two months. I was placed in an incubator. And, I myself 16 years later would like to thank all the people who helped saved my life along with my moms while bringing me into this world. I know it may seem weird for me to be the one thanking everyone but I will be graduating high school in two years and I plan on going to school at the UConn Health Center. So thank you all for everything.

Meriden, CT
August 2007