This week I received an incredible letter from a patient who highlighted what we are capable of when we work together with a common goal in mind:
“I was recently a patient at Mount Sinai Beth Israel’s Campus at 317 East 17th Street. I have been in a number of hospitals during my life, both for myself and my family, but I have never been in one better than this one.
The emergency room was swift as well as smart; and further the two doctors I saw were unbelievably nice to me … I will never forget the words of encouragement that these doctors gave me. The nursing staff on my floor and in the emergency room as were the best I have ever seen anywhere: they not only knew their job, they were healers: i.e. nurses who were committed to seeing people get well. My two main doctors were knowledgeable and had good focus as they pointed out to me that just fixing the immediate cause of my entering the hospital wasn’t healthy in the long run; they also had respect for my views on medicine. The pharmacist was very respectful as well, and took time to research some medicine recommended by my doctors for my future health.
The cleaning crew was outstanding as were the security guards and transport workers; and I will never forget how the food service workers took all the wrong food I was eating back to the kitchen and showed me what was wrong with my diet by fixing it. Lastly, thank you for the beautiful room you gave me—with a view.”
Simply breathtaking. Imagine how proud we would feel if every patient we touched had a similar experience as this patient.
Over the next few months we will meet together in small groups to discuss how we can get there. This next phase of our work is what we are calling the Mount Sinai Health System Experience. Look out for more information on these sessions next week.
