February 2018 Patient Letters

The following are excerpts from a few of the many recent letters, phone calls, and emails that we’ve received from grateful patients and family members. Together, they reflect the outstanding work done each and every day by VNSNY’s entire frontline staff.

Bronx—The sister of a Bronx patient phoned to say that she and her sibling “were extremely satisfied and pleased” with the care provide by nurse Denise Simmonds. “She represents the company well and has a great bedside manner,” the caller added.

Brooklyn—A Brooklyn resident who recently had knee replacement surgery penned a letter praising the care provided by physical therapist Mohamed Mohamed. “Mr. Mohamed was the best,” she wrote. “He knew exactly how much to push me, and when to pull back and let me pause. He knew how to inspire me to keep doing my exercises between his visits, but also knew to laugh with me. He stayed focused on every task and never gave up on me, encouraging me to give just a little more on each visit, and praised me when I was able to cut back on my pain medications thanks to the flexibility and circulation his visits were accomplishing. When it came time for me to switch to an outside physical therapy practice, my new physical therapist said that he had never seen a patient as advanced as I was, just three weeks after my operation.”

Manhattan—“After undergoing surgery, I developed an infection and was cared for by nurse Tina Wong,” wrote a Manhattan resident. “She was wonderful. Tina made the whole experience tolerable—she did a great job with my wound care and taking care of me overall. Tina was professional, caring and did excellent work. She is an incredible nurse and I’m thankful for her.”

“We are writing this letter of appreciation for the wonderful care that our father received from Visiting Nurse Service of New York,” noted the family of another Manhattan patient. “Prior to his fall that caused an upper femur fracture, he had been active and enjoying his life, so when he got injured, it was quite devastating for him and his family. After his surgery, VNSNY assisted him with his rehabilitation. Noven Law was a very good nurse who was caring and responsive. Our two rehabilitation therapists, PT Levi Estrera and OT John Liu, were just terrific! Both were very professional, highly competent, exceptionally patient, and sensitive to his needs. They were able to motivate our father to work hard and gave him the strength and courage to move past the psychological effects of his traumatic accident. As a result of their stellar care, we are now confident that he can resume a full and active lifestyle into his 80s. That is the best gift our family can receive for the holiday season. Thank you so much!”

A Manhattan patient who had undergone a hip replacement wrote, “I would like to commend your employees, physical therapist Al Macuto and occupational therapist Deborah Moore, for their daily assistance to me at home in the two weeks after my surgery. My husband and I live in a third-floor walk-up apartment with outmoded plumbing. Deborah instructed me on how to shower and dress safely in this environment, while Al was precise and knowledgeable in his exercises and guidance, helping me negotiate the three flights of stairs and walk in the neighborhood. I’m very grateful for the substantial progress I made with them, and want to thank them and VNSNY as a whole.”

Another Manhattan resident phoned to say, “You have a wonderful staff”—adding that physical therapist Peter Wu “is excellent…on a scale of 1 to 10, he is a 12!”

The wife of a Manhattan patient wrote to thank VNSNY “for the excellent care you provided for my husband’s recovery from emergency surgery,” The writer also noted, “Upon his release, he required very specialized wound care since his staples had been removed. That need was answered with a saint! The care provided by nurse Philip Leon was impeccable, caring and most professional. I texted my husband’s surgeon a photo of the wound each day, and she was amazed to see the wound getting smaller daily. In addition, physical therapist Elino Dena and occupational therapist Minerva Gamarra made sure that his balance and other needs were well attended to. Your team also provided great comfort and emotional support to us through the entire process. We will be forever grateful.”

Nassau—The wife of a Nassau patient penned a letter praising the work of physical therapist Thomas Hurley. “My husband has had many experiences with therapists but Thomas was amazing,” she wrote. “He is positive, caring, a great communicator, and also part psychologist, with all the support and encouragement he provided.”

Another Nassau resident phoned to say, “Today was my last day of physical therapy. My therapist, Ma Theresa ‘Tess’ Escobia, was very commendable and I was very, very satisfied with her care. I could not have made it this far without her.”

The director of the Sunrise Assisted Living facility in Nassau County called to compliment nurse Debbie Starace for being “the greatest nurse,” citing the “excellent communication” Debbie has with her, the facility staff, the residents, and their families. “I have complete confidence in Debbie, and she’s the reason VNSNY is our preferred provider,” the director added.

Queens—A patient’s wife phoned to say how happy she was with the service provided by nurse Anzhela Maksumova. “It’s not only her methods and the care she gave my husband,” the caller said, “but also the education and knowledge about wound care that she provided to me. Anzhela went above and beyond.”

The son of a Queens patient called to express his gratitude for the care his father received from physical therapists Reylito Pumarada and Dina Krull. “Both Dina and Rey were superlative,” he said. “Dina is a kind and caring professional. She would call me each time she saw Dad, updating me on his condition and taking the time to answer my questions. Rey was also a wonderful therapist, patient and exceptional, and my father improved under his care. Thank you, VNSNY, for sending these professionals to care for my father.”

Another Queens resident phoned to say how “thorough and efficient” social worker Elza Moskowitz was in helping him get Medicaid coverage. “I feel I can now obtain the care I need,” he noted. “I’m very grateful and appreciative of all her efforts.”

Staten Island—The daughter of a Staten Island resident sent a letter complimenting nurse Vicente “Betsy” Clemente. “Betsy has been taking care of my mother for the past five years,” she wrote. “My mother is not an easy person to take care of, let alone get along with. Betsy has the patience of a saint with her, and has always treated my mother with nothing but love. My mother is very fond of her and looks forward to the days Betsy comes here. She is the best!”