Talk about Amazing Consumer Experiences! Check Out These Latest Letters and Calls!
79 VNS Health team members and 17 teams made such an outstanding impression on our patients, members, clients as well as their family members that they wrote letters, called, emailed, and even drew a picture to show just how pleased they were with the care they received.
To see for yourself, read on…
For patient letters and member commendations by geography, click on the area below:
- Bronx
- Brooklyn
- Long Island
- Manhattan
- Queens
- Staten Island
- Westchester
- Health Plan Member Commendations
Bronx
“I would recommend VNS Health without any hesitation!”
Multiple family members of hospice patients with the Bronx North Hospice Team thanked the team for all they did to help their loved ones, calling the team “outstanding” and stating, “without your help, we were lost.” One relative added that they “would recommend VNS Health without any hesitation!”
“VNS Health was a found treasure during this time of need and difficulty.”
The Bronx South Hospice Team was thanked by a patient’s relatives for being “a found treasure during this time of need and difficulty.” Another family member added, “I have nothing but good things to say about VNS Health and the care provided to my mother on her final days. From the social worker to doctors, nurses, and chaplain, the whole team was just great!”
“I can see the difference.”
A client’s daughter called to say how happy she was with home health aide Ines Lovera Galvan. “I can see the difference,” she said. “Thank you for sending Ines to my mom!”
“She does an exceptional job.”
Home health aide Joan Wilkin received a compliment recently for her work with one of our hospice clients. “She does an exceptional job with the client,” the person noted. “Thank you!”
“I am so happy!”
One client called to say how excellent home health aide Derllenli Rodriguez is. “I am so happy with her!” said the client “Thank you for assisting me with all my needs.”
“Everyone was very helpful, especially Leona.”
Hospice social worker Leona Abrams and the entire Bronx South Hospice team were recently praised by one of her patient’s relatives, who noted, “Everyone was very helpful, especially Leona.”
“Wonderful!”
A Bronx client commented on how happy she was with the services provided to her, adding that home health aides Ines Lovera Galvan, Isamar Ramirez, and Yessenia Rosa Pimentel are “wonderful!”
Brooklyn
“Her care and compassion will remain in our hearts forever.”
Nurse Constance Evans was complimented by a Brooklyn patient for the care she provided. “She is a jewel,” said the patient. “Her visits every day brought calm and comfort for me and to my husband. Her excellent, calm, funny, expert care and compassion will remain in our hearts forever.”
“Absolutely the best!”
The Brooklyn North Hospice Team received kudos from a family member of one of their patients. “The VNS Health Hospice Care was absolutely the best. Thank you!” Another relative added that the “nurses, spiritual advisor, social workers, and doctor were all professional and courteous.”
“Excellent hospice care.”
The relatives of multiple Hospice patients praised the Brooklyn West Hospice Team, stating, “we received excellent hospice care” and “had no complaints.” Another family member of a patient also reported that they received “excellent service.”
“We’re so thankful for each of you.”
The granddaughter of a hospice patient called to express gratitude to the Brooklyn South Hospice Team. “We are so thankful for each of you who helped us during our grandmother’s care under hospice,” she said. Additional compliments for the team from other family members of patients stated that they were “very grateful for the wonderful people of hospice – all were great,” “everyone was excellent,” and simply, “thank you!”
“Warm and compassionate.”
Physical therapist Marina Kalitka was complimented by one of her patients who called Marina “wonderful, warm and compassionate.” The patient added that Marina was “very skilled” and that she made her “feel comfortable and was a delight to have.”
“God bless you and thank you.”
Another Brooklyn patient expressed his sincere gratitude for the help he received from VNS Health team members, especially clinical field manager Candice Gardener, nurse care manager Julia Bart, licensed social worker Johana Guerra, clinical care managers Diane Nunes-Valero and Sharad Sreenivasan, and associate director of social work services Jeri Goodman. “Thank you for your professionalism and the way your team has gone above and beyond in regard to my health,” said the patient. “God bless you and thank you.”
“She lifted the spirits of so many people.”
The son of one client wrote to say how great it was to have home health aide Veronica Egharevba caring for his parent. “Having Veronica to help has lifted the spirits of so many people,” he added.
“Top of the line!”
A patient of physical therapist Lisa Meister called in to say that he is “thrilled” with Lisa’s services, and that he wants to “compliment VNS Health on the staff they pick… Lisa is top of the line!”
“Great service.”
Physical therapist Howard Xu was recently praised by one of his patients who called in to say what “great service” she received from him. “I am very glad to be paired with Howard,” she added.
“Compliments.”
The family member of a Brooklyn Hospice patient wrote to give “compliments” to nurse Vitaliy Generalov.
“She is an asset to VNS Health.”
Physical therapist Madeleine Moberg was praised by one of her patients who said that he would “recommend Madeleine to everybody.” The patient added that he previously “couldn’t walk with a walker, but now I’m able to walk with a cane.” Madeline is “an asset to VNS Health,” he added.
Long Island
“Wonderful work.”
The daughter of a Long Island client called to thank her mother’s caregivers, including home health aide Felicia Lewis. “I’m thankful for the entire team, and to Felicia for her wonderful work with our mother,” the daughter said.
“Best aide we’ve had!”
Home health aide Evelyn Gogikyan was praised by a client’s daughter who called to thank her for the service she provided to her mother, stating, “Evelyn is the best aide we’ve had!”
Manhattan
“Words just aren’t enough to express how grateful my family is to him.”
The daughter of one Manhattan client wrote in to express her gratitude for home health aide Desmond Asare for “how amazing he has been with her father” and for “truly saving my father’s life when he had a medical emergency.” She went on to say, “Words just aren’t enough to express how grateful my family is to him. Desmond is truly one in a million.”
“My husband couldn’t thank you enough.”
Home health aide Luisa Jiminez was commended by a client’s wife for taking such excellent care of her husband. “My husband couldn’t thank you enough,” she said. “Thank you for all you did for him!”
“Exceptional, took care of everything.”
One patient called to provide positive feedback for physical therapist Ahmed Nady Mohamed. “Ahmed went above and beyond. He was exceptional, took care of everything, and his communication was really good,” the patient said. “If I ever need physical therapy services, I would want Ahmed to provide services again.”
“He is absolutely the best!”
A patient called in to say how thankful she was for VNS Health sending her physical therapist Jayson Manalastas. “In all my years, I have never had a physical therapist that was so smart and caring,” she stated. “He is absolutely the best!”
“All your staff were amazing and kind.”
A Manhattan patient called in to say what a great experience she had with VNS Health. “All your staff were amazing to me and kind, and I appreciate everyone,” she noted. She especially thanked physical therapist Jayson Manalastas and nurses Thandi Dickenson and Sandra Smith.
“All of the therapists were great!”
One patient called to compliment the great physical therapy she received. She -particularly wanted to thank PTs Jayson Manalastas, Mades Ortizo, Bradley Hemedes and Po-ling Hu, adding that “all of the therapists were great.”
“He is such a pleasure to work with.”
Physical therapist Daniel Tan was complimented by a patient for being “compassionate, professional, informative, and organized.” The patient added, “Dan has gone the extra mile to help with my recovery. He is such a pleasure to work with.”
“Truly exceptional care.”
A Manhattan patient wrote in to thank nurse Su-Lai Wang and physical therapist Daniel Tan for their “professionalism, knowledge, hard work, and the fantastic care they gave.” She added, “this has been my second time with VNS Health, and I have experienced truly exceptional care. It was a pleasure to have been taken care of by such a great team who really cares.”
“I will miss him.”
Another patient phoned to say that physical therapist Sean Sullivan was “a very good therapist. He treated me well, the therapy was excellent, and I will miss him.”
“Fabulous!”
Physical therapist Alfernando Macuto (illustrated here by the patient) received praise from one of his patients, who called him a “terrific therapist.” Another patient also called in to commend Alfernando, stating that he “has been great. Alfernando was thorough, empathetic, and supportive. He is fabulous!”
“Sweet and professional.”
Home health aide Maurice Moses and HHA supervisor Josie Smith were recently commended by a client’s sister for the care they provided to her brother. “I only have great things to say about his care,” the sister reported. “Maurice allows my brother to remain independent in his apartment, and Josie has always been so sweet and professional. I don’t know where my brother would be without them! They are wonderful.”
“An outstanding group of people.”
The family members of numerous hospice patients sent compliments for the Manhattan Lower West Side Hospice Team. The team was praised as being “excellent,” the “best team ever,” a “source of emotional reassurance” and for being “professional and compassionate.” Others added, “I have and will recommend VNS Health–an outstanding company and group of people,” and noted that the Hospice Team provided a “very good service.”
“Very grateful for the help.”
The Manhattan Upper East Side Hospice Team was praised by relatives of their patients, who stated, “your team, especially the nurses, was outstanding.” Another added that they were “very grateful for the help.”
“We received a lot of support from VNS Health.”
The daughter of a Manhattan hospice patient complimented the Manhattan Upper West Side Hospice Team, saying, “the hospice care my father received was more than we expected. We received a lot of support from VNS Health.”
“We could NOT have done it without you.”
The Manhattan Lower East Side Hospice Team was recently praised for providing a “good experience” and “excellent services” by their patient’s relatives. A patient’s wife added that the team was “wonderful” and her husband “was comfortable and not in pain, he was at peace.” Another relative said that their “entire family will be forever grateful for the beautiful, dignified, and helpful care you gave to my mother and to us. We could NOT have done it without you. Your organization provides a service that I wish all people dying could have. Thank you!”
“They were the greatest—it really put me and my family at ease.”
The hospice team at the Goodman Brown Residence received wonderful praise from multiple patients’ family members. “The team was exceptional, from the nurses, social workers, and nurse’s aides,” said one. Another stated, “they were the greatest—it really put me and my family at ease.”
“His care for me has made it possible for me to continue my work in my community.”
A Manhattan patient wrote in to thank physical therapist Linton Peixoto for his services. The patient noted, “I am turning 100 years old in a few months. His care for me over the past few years has extended my life and made it possible for me to continue my work in my community.”
“I feel very lucky and privileged that we have her as a caregiver.”
Home health aide Aria George was complimented by a client’s daughter, who wrote to say how happy her family is with Aria. “She is kind, dedicated, and hard working,” said the daughter—adding, “I feel very lucky and privileged that we have her as a caregiver.”
“Stellar work in every imaginable way.”
A client’s daughter praised home health aide Patricia Kirkpatrick, stating: “Pat has done stellar work in every imaginable way… most importantly, she truly cares about my mom… and the result is a happy, healthy patient whose first reaction is a smile.”
“My surgeon is very pleased with my results, and I attribute that to Milissa.”
Another Manhattan patient sent a note to say what a “delight” physical therapist Milissa Mondestin has been. “I can’t rave enough about her,” wrote the patient. “She’s knowledgeable, upbeat, and I see the improvement from the first day we started. My surgeon is very pleased with my results, and I attribute that to Milissa. Thank you for sending her to me. I really appreciate her help.”
“Right from the start, we knew we were very lucky to have her with us.”
A client and members from his family wrote in to say how grateful they were for home health aide Bolanle Ayinde. The client’s wife stated, “Right from the start, we knew we were very lucky to have her with us during a challenging period of adjustment. Bola was extremely competent and treated my husband with the utmost respect and kindness.” The client’s daughter added that “Bola is wonderful. What will we do without Bola?” Finally, the client himself said, “I am so grateful for Bola. She took such good care of me and always lifted my spirits!”
“She has a kind heart!”
Nurse Jessica Lam received a compliment from her patient, who observed that she was “helpful and answered all of my questions—and she has a kind heart!”
“Wonderful!”
A patient called in to give “kudos” to physical therapist Manuel III Espino. She said that Manuel is “wonderful!” and hopes to have him again after she undergoes her next surgery.
“Teamwork makes the dream work.”
Home health aides Clara Olazabal Alimidon, Carmen Puello, Maria Escolastico, and Andrea Hernandez received this commendation for the “incredible care” they provided to one of their clients: “Clara, Carmen, Maria, and Andrea are patient, caring, intuitive, and a prime example of the saying, ‘Teamwork makes the dream work.’”
“Extremely happy.”
A patient wrote in to say “thank you” for the help that licensed social worker Asia Lyons provided. “I am extremely happy with everything I have gotten from you and your team,” the patient noted. “I’m just so thankful for everything you’ve done.”
“Thank you!”
Home health aides Eugenie Doffon Vioutou and Paulette Tomlinson were recently praised by their client for the “compassion and support” they showed. “It was very appreciated,” said the client. “Thank you!”
“Professional and thorough.”
Nurse practitioner Svetlana Basina was complimented by the daughter of one of her hospice patients who called in to say how “professional” and “thorough” Svetlana was at their visit.
“Amazing job advocating for her patient.”
Hospice social worker Bianca Davies was applauded for doing an “amazing job advocating for her patient.” The patient’s daughter added that she was appreciative of Bianca “going the extra mile” for her mother.
Queens
“She helped me a lot.”
A Queens patient called to compliment nurse Jacinth Jackson-Smith for the service she provided. “She was kind and helped me a lot.” said the patient.
“Her dedication has provided our family with a sense of hope and optimism for his future.”
The grandmother of a Behavioral Health patient wrote to “express my sincere appreciation” for mental health specialist Krysea Sheen. “The positive changes I have observed in my grandson since Krysea assumed his case are remarkable, and I credit much of this progress to her effective and compassionate guidance,” said the grandmother. “Despite the challenges that he continues to face, the positive impact of Krysea’s involvement in his life is undeniable. Her dedication has not only improved his well-being but has also provided our family with a sense of hope and optimism for his future.”
“A wonderful job caring for my son.”
A client’s mother called to thank home health aide Jesmin Infante “for doing a wonderful job caring for my son.”
“She is so motivational.”
Speech language pathologist Whitney Thomas was commended by a patient’s daughter for being so “wonderful and patient.” The daughter added, “She is so motivational that it has made my mother eager to practice on her own. This has contributed greatly to her progress, and we owe a lot of that to Whitney.”
“Very positive, upbeat, and patient!”
A patient’s daughter wrote in to note what a “pleasure” physical therapist Sarah Aldana has been. The daughter stated, “She is very positive, upbeat, and patient! I’m sad that today will be our last day with her.”
“Quickly learning exactly the care that I, as a patient, need.”
A client recently expressed their gratitude to home health aide Consuelo Contreras, saying, “Thank you for providing me exceptional care and for quickly learning exactly the care that I, as a patient, need.”
“Exceptional home care service.”
Home health aide Dubaney Spence was thanked by a client’s wife for “providing exceptional home care service for my husband until the end.”
“Wonderful!”
Hospice nurse Magda Thelusma was recently praised by one patient’s relative who called her “wonderful!”
“Amazing!”
Bereavement counselor Jean Metzker was complimented by a hospice patient’s daughter. “Jean was amazing to me while I was grieving the loss of my beloved husband and caring for my dear mother who was not going to live more than a year,” she said. “She was having her own health challenges and continued to help others with vigor and compassion!”
“I could not imagine a better urostomy nurse.”
A patient posted on social media to commend nurse Marie Gaston, calling her “courteous, polite, and prompt.” He added, “the world, especially the medical world, needs more practitioners like Marie. I could not imagine a better urostomy nurse. I am very fortunate.”
“They are all a special type of human being.”
The Queens Central Hospice Team received multiple compliments from their patients’ family members. One said the team “did a magnificent job.” Another added that the “nurses and staff were very nice to us” and were “experienced and caring, especially for their mom.” Others stated that “Hospice was a great benefit to my mother” and that the team was “compassionate, took plenty of time with our mom, and made it clear what to expect.” Lastly, one relative praised the nurses, citing “the incredible patience of each nurse. They are all a special type of human being.”
“The closest thing to angels.”
The relatives of patients of the Queens Northwest Hospice Team complimented the team as being “the “closest thing to angels. We are forever indebted to them for the care they provided my dad.” The team was also praised as being “extremely professional” and providing a “very good experience.” The nurses were said to be “excellent” and the social workers “so great.” All in all, family members were “very appreciative of the excellent care from all of the team members of VNS Health.”
“Truly, thank you!”
The Queens Northeast Hospice Team received kudos from their patients’ family members who stated that the team was “supportive and compassionate” and that it was a “wonderful team of people working with my mom.” Another relative added, “the doctor was very good in his explanation, and the nurses were very good.” Others said, “truly, thank you!” and “thanks to all the VNS Health team, all are nice and kind.”
“Every member of the team had something positive to add to our experience.”
The family members of patients of the Queens South Hospice Team complimented the team, saying that they “were there to answer any question,” that “every member of the team had something positive to add to our experience,” they “never felt rushed,” and how thankful they were that “if a nurse needed to stay longer, she did.”
Staten Island
“Very grateful to the team we had.”
The Staten Island South Hospice Team received wonderful praise from many of their patients’ family members, who said that the “help they provided was invaluable,” and that they are “very grateful to the team we had.” Other relatives added that the “entire team was amazing, and they made my mother-in-law’s end of life easier,” “the nurses and social workers were professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate,” and “all of the nurses were excellent.”
“Always patient, kind, and respectful.”
Hospice team manager Kelly Webb-Nugent was commended by one Staten Island patient’s daughter. “Kelly was always patient, kind, and respectful of my mom,” the daughter noted. “She was attentive and on point with treatment and guidance as what to expect.”
“She cared.”
A patient’s relative praised her loved one’s whole hospice team, especially nurse Natalie LoDolce, who the relative appreciated because “she cared.”
“I can’t even imagine having gotten through this without you.”
There were multiple commendations for the Staten Island Mid-Island Hospice Team from the relatives of their patients. “Our experience with VNS Health Hospice was very good,” said one family. Another patient’s family member praised the team, saying “I can’t say enough about the quality of care my mother received and the support that my family and I received. From the first visit, I felt as though VNS Health was sent from God. The intake nurse may as well have had wings because she was an angel. She addressed my mom’s needs and mine in every way, and they were always empathetic and supportive. The spiritual support team member was phenomenal. I can’t even imagine having gotten through this without you. My sincerest thanks to all.”
“Excellent.”
A patient wrote in to express her thanks to hospice nurse Terry Martinez, who she said was “excellent.”
Westchester
“So appreciative for all the caring and work you do.”
The family member of a hospice patient in Westchester praised the VNS Health team, saying that she feels “very supported” and “so appreciative for all the caring and work you do.” She expressed special thanks to physical therapist Ahmed Nady Mohamed and coordinator of care Bianca Diaz for all their work.
Health Plan Member Commendations
“A customer service star.”
Vice President of Contact Center Shared Services Nancy Vitale recently commended contact center call agent Priya Peters for going “above and beyond” for one of our health plan members. “Priya is a shining example of what I would call a “customer service star,” said Nancy. “Your persistence and ongoing follow-up communication in helping this member resolve his dental issue is the type of positive behavior that every VNS Health employee needs to display. You created an exceptional consumer experience. You showed that a contact center agent is more than just an inbound call taker—you are an issue resolver! I’m so proud and thankful to have you as a member of our team.”
“Outstanding and excellent on the call!”
A member called in to express his satisfaction for the service that Contact Center agent Samantha Crespo provided. “Samantha was outstanding and excellent during the call!” he noted.
“So helpful in answering all my questions.”
Another member thanked Contact Center agent Angelina Peters for being “so helpful in answering all my questions.” The member added, “Angelina was pleasant, professional, caring, and is very valued.”
“Blown away!”
One plan member wanted to make sure that Contact Center agent Ronique Rollocks received a commendation for the help she provided. The member reported that she was “blown away when Ronique advised me.”
“So smart and kind.”
A member’s mother could not stop raving about Contact Center agent Lidia Medina. “Lidia is so smart and kind,” said the mother. “She knew exactly what I was talking about and promised she would follow up, so I don’t have to call again.”
“Very appreciative and thankful.”
Care management navigator Tiffanee Ortiz and supervisor of service operations Michele Class recently were praised by the mother of a Columbia County member who stated that she was “very appreciative and thankful” for all of their support in securing transportation for the member’s needed medical appointments.
