September/October 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—A Bronx resident wrote the following note to Rosemary Baughn, Senior Vice President of VNSNY Hospice and Palliative Care: “Enclosed please find a donation to VNSNY Hospice & Palliative Care in honor of Rosalie Galante, RN and in memory of my mom, who died earlier this year. My mom would have celebrated her 92nd birthday today. We could not have been more fortunate than to meet Rosalie, the perfect match for my mom. They shared a strong, commanding presence and got things done with what seemed to be ease but, in fact, took great skill and hard work. They also shared an affection for their Yankees. VNSNY Hospice provided support to all of us and, most importantly, allowed my mom to live the last chapter of her life as she wanted. We are thankful to the entire team. It was our family’s distinct privilege to have the final part of the journey guided by a pro. It is with deepest gratitude and admiration for Rosalie that we make this donation.”

A patient recovering from neck surgery wrote into the VNSNY website to compliment the care provided by physical therapist Lovejoy Ringor—noting, “she was outstanding”—and occupational therapist Cecile Hall, who he praised as “great,” adding, “I felt the difference after a couple of weeks.”

Brooklyn—A patient who is also a retired nurse and veteran wrote this about Partners in Care home health aide Althea Gonsalves: “Her demeanor exudes qualities of professionalism, kindness, helpfulness and compassion. Ms. Gonsalves also demonstrated excellent rapport and communicative skills. She displays the guiding principles of your mission statement: ‘to embrace a customer service philosophy.’ Kudos!”’

In addition, a grateful Brooklyn patient made a donation to VNSNY in thanks for the “wonderful and compassionate care” provided to him by physical therapist Abigail Fortune.

Manhattan—I would like to commend the wonderful help your nurse, Margarette Lafosse, recently provided me,” wrote a Manhattan patient. “My medical problem was an open wound on the bottom of my right big toe. Iam an 82-year-old diabetic, and frequently such wounds do not heal and in fact become infected. Margarette was very kind, attentive and professional. My wound required cleaning and rebandaging, but thanks to her care it has healed very nicely. I and my family have had several occasions to use the VNSNY, including your hospice service, and always found your services exemplary.”

Read Margarette’s story about why this patient encounter went so well.

A patient phoned to give his physical therapist, Karl Estrada, “the highest recommendation.” The patient added, “Iam an orthopedic surgeon, so I know.”

“As a result of a severe urinary tract infection and related abscess, I became a patient of VNSNY in March of 2018 and again in May,” wrote another Manhattan patient. “Hiten Kothari, my physical therapist throughout my VNSNY connection, was not only sound professionally, but he was extraordinarily caring personally, checking in on me when I was re-hospitalized at the end of April and interfacing with my primary care physician. I very much appreciated everything he did for me.”

A patient who underwent a knee replacement noted, “I returned home three days after the procedure, miserable, frightened and in a lot of pain. It was then that VNSNY sent me an angel of mercy, physical therapist Jessica Blumert. Today, after four weeks of therapy, Jessica released me to outpatient therapy. The understanding, compassion and professionalism exhibited by Jessica never ceased to amaze me. She instilled in me the ability and confidence to succeed in my therapy and reach the goals she set for me. Jessica was the glue that helped in all facets of my recovery. I cannot imagine taking this journey without her support.”

A patient who had just undergone gender reaffirmation surgery wrote a note to “express my deepest appreciation for the nursing service provided by your facility.” She continued, “My nurse Millie Thompson was exceptional in her persona, professional expertise and total support in addition to providing special care needed by transgender individuals. Thanks to her knowledge and awareness of postsurgical concerns, she was able to recognize a possible problem and prevent a serious medical complication. I want to also acknowledge that nurse Millie’s protocols for my care are reflective of the professional and administrative competence of you and your facility.”

VNSNY also received a five-star review on Yelp from a grateful Manhattan patient. “After a total knee replacement in September, VNSNY provided me with great physical therapy service during my first two weeks after the hospital,” said the reviewer. “My PT professional was Po-Ling Hu. I cannot say enough about his professionalism, manners, attention to my safety, taking time explaining all exercises and personally assisting and taking maximum care possible while teaching me walking again step by step. Thanks again Po-Ling for your professional dedication and friendly caring about patients.”

Nassau—Back in April of this year I had shoulder surgery and required services from your agency,” noted a Nassau patient. “I am writing this letter of appreciation to thank the following people for their outstanding service to me: occupational therapist Bernadette Timko, physical therapist Carmelita Magsino-Avilla, social worker Melody Henderson, and Partners in Care home health aides Ramratie Samaroo and Shanee Morris. These ladies demonstrated above average skills. Not only where they professional but they display genuine kindness. I believe their group efforts helped me in the healing process, which in turn gave me my independence back. Thank you!”

Queens—A Queens patient sent a letter praising physical therapist Danahlee Sindo. “She was very good and spent time with me teaching me a lot,” he wrote. “In all those years, I’ve never had such a good therapist. I really think she should be commended for her good work.”

Another Queens patient wrote to thank nurse Sandra Johnson for the care she provided. “Sandra is thorough, professional, caring and compassionate,” she noted. “On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate her an 11!”

RN, Betsy Clemente

Staten Island—A patient on Staten Island who had undergone a knee replacement procedure sent a card complimenting the “excellent” post-operative care she received from nurse Vicente (Betsy) Clemente and physical therapist Ibijoke (Betty) Ayetiwa. “They are warm, wonderful and special ladies,” she added.

Read Betsy and Betty’s story about why this patient encounter went so well.