I recently received a call from Jackie Youngkin who said that she had a patient who was celebrating his 64th wedding anniversary with his wife, and likely their last as he was expected to transition to hospice in a few days. They had no other visitors and the wife of the patient was understandably very emotional.
Jackie received this information at report earlier in the morning and was wondering if there was anything we could do to shine some light during this difficult time. I am proud of Jackie for taking the initiative to share this information, which allowed us to help the lovely couple celebrate! With the help of people in Dining Services, we presented them with a beautiful strawberry cake with red heart décor, a personalized anniversary card from the Copy Center, and balloons from our gift shop.
As I carried these items throughout the hospital up to 3W, staff, visitors, and patients asked me what we were celebrating and lit up when I shared the occasion with them. Jackie's initiative and compassion to care about her patient as a person made this small but significant gesture possible. Though their situation didn't change, the family was extremely thankful for the kindness shown by our hospital.