HEART FELT THANKS
TO THE STAFF OF
V. A. MEDICAL CENTER
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

On February 7, 2001 I suffered a heart attack. I was taken to the V. A. Hospital Emergency Room.
After being stabilized by the efficient and caring staff of the ER I was transferred
to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit on the second floor. On Saturday I had a second heart attack.
On the 13th. I was transferred to room E228 of 2S down the hall. I was released on
Sunday, February 18 to be followed up on an out patient status until conditions might
warrant further treatment or surgery.

I do not think I will ever find enough words to praise and thank the
staff. The doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff were more than I could have
dared hope for. Each and every one of them was professional, dedicated and
caring. They are, in my opinion, the finest Cardiac Care Giver's that I can imagine
anyone being treated and watched over by. I truly believe that I am doing as well as I
am today because of knowledge and dedication of everyone that took part in my treatment.

I could never name them all, but here is a list of the areas of the V. A. Medical Center,
Memphis that took part in my treatment:

• Emergency Room
• Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
• Catheter Lab
• Ward 2S
• Nuclear Medicine

The NURSES:
                    Some of the most professional and highly trained nurses I have ever known. They could not do enough to make me comfortable. I was most impressed by the fact that any nurse I asked a question of knew the answer right then and there. I have had nurses in the past that had to find the answer for me, but these women and men had the answer when I had the question. Their smiles, cheerfulness and desire to help never seemed anything but sincere. They did their best to anticipate my needs and were genuinely concerned if they could not fully relieve my pain or discomfort. Money could not have bought the dedication and sincere caring I felt by every one of the nurses. I never worried as to which nurse I would have on any given shift because I came to know I would have one of the countries best. I easily considered each of them as MY NURSE!

The TECHNICIANS:
                    Those of the Cath Lab, Nuclear Med, Blood Lab, Dietary and any others I might be missing were very professional and dedicated to helping me toward recovery. They really worried if they caused pain or discomfort while carrying out their tasks.

The OTHER STAFF:
                    Those at the desks and phones, delivering food, cleaning the rooms and so many others did their jobs as the professionals they are. When family or friends called, before I had access to a phone, they were treated with respect and helped by a caring staff. I now know that some that called could have been looked upon as being a bother, but the staff never made any of them feel such. My family and friends had nothing but praise for those they talked to. All the support staff did their tasks in a manner as to not be intrusive and they always had a kind word for me.

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