This past week, my husband and I got a close-up view of both the Alberta Health System and our own Sturgeon Community Hospital – I as the onlooker and support person, and my husband as the patient. I am extremely happy to report that both AHS and the hospital exceeded our expectations in delivery of treatment and professionalism in every way.
From the moment we walked into the emergency, the frontline staff were friendly, professional and respectful as they took the necessary information from my husband. Our wait at the next station to have tests done and wait for doctors to report on the tests and examine my husband were conducted just as caringly and professionally by the nurses, the doctor on call and Dr. Khadour the cardiologist. Finally, the move into the cardiac care unit and his subsequent stay for three days was again made less stressful because the nurses, Dr. Khadour and even the pharmacists all put the needs of the patient first. Each of these folks was always ready to answer questions, especially from me, and believe me there were many, and always gave us respectful and professional answers. For me, to be included in all the discussions related to care and future care was especially calming.
I am very grateful that St. Albert has this hospital that takes the word "community" in its name very seriously. I am even more grateful for our public health system which asked for only my husband’s Alberta Health Card number and not the number of his bank account or his health insurance provider.
Valerie Spink, St. Albert
