St. Michael's Hospital

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Your Stories

The Right Place at the Right Time

In December 2007, I was a patient in the Emergency Department. I had been diagnosed with dermoid cyst on my right ovary and was scheduled for surgery, but was also found to be hyperthyroid. We were to wait until the thyroid problem was resolved before surgery took place. Complications arose, and I went to St. Michael's Emergency Department where the team realized I needed surgery as soon as possible. Not wanting to wait for a porter, one of the doctors wheeled me up to the operating room himself.

At every step, the doctors and nurses explained everything to me. Thanks to them I was surprisingly relaxed. I'd never had surgery before, and I was amazed that I was so calm.

The next thing I knew it was midnight I was recovering in the ICU. The nursing care was excellent, and the doctors came in frequently to talk to me. The surgeon made a point of talking to my partner after the procedure so he could go home, knowing I was in good hands. I was lucky I had that team, and they were so conscientious. The cyst had twisted and become gangrenous and black. It was removed at the right time.

I know how sick I was, and I'm grateful to the entire team at St. Michael's for assessing the urgency and responding so promptly and efficiently. They really went the extra mile.

Enclosed is my donation of $18,000. In Hebrew, the number 18 represents "chai," meaning life, and I want to thank the team for giving me my life back.

Sincerely,

A Grateful Patient

Generations of Care: St. Michael's Hospital is always there

Three generations of my family have benefited from the special St. Michael's Hospital touch, which can only be described as a combination of medical expertise and kindness. My two children, now 21 and 23, were born there. We were delighted that the doctors and nurses provided the kind of care you would expect from family.

In 1989 my father, Ivor Sharp, was treated at St. Michael's Hospital, after a suspected stroke. The medical team did what they could for him at the time, but it turned out that he would spend the last day of his life there. I applaud innovations and discoveries in medical research because I am confident that today's new procedures and equipment would have saved my father's life if there had been available at the time.

Then, seven years ago, I fell while on a photo shoot and fractured my thigh bone – the longest and strongest bone in the human body. The ambulance brought me to the Hospital's trauma centre, where I required surgery where rods and screws were inserted into the bone. Thanks to the team's skill and rehab, I made a full recovery.

When we think of St. Mike's we think of a hospital that cares and has cared for our whole family, whenever we have needed them.

Liam Sharp

A Home from Home

For 23 years, St. Michael's Hospital has been our "home from home." We have come here for all our family needs, check-ups and X-rays. My mother was treated at St. Michael's Hospital, and our friends come here too. As a result, we know a lot of the doctors and the staff. When my husband became ill, we were in Emergency five times in six months, and, despite being busy, the staff were always attentive and helpful, making sure we were comfortable.

When my husband needed palliative care, we didn't want to go anywhere else. We were able to make his room as much of a home as possible. The doctors and the excellent nursing staff of the palliative care unit looked after my husband in his final weeks, with great skill and truly loving tender care. Equally kind and helpful were the volunteer ladies and chaplains. My family and I were unfailingly the object of their support and good company.

The human touch is so important, and the nurses at St. Michael's Hospital are to be commended for their patience and compassion. In our difficult hour, it was a pleasure to meet such an outstanding group of people.

Silvana Ness

A Dream Experience

When I was admitted to St. Michael's Hospital, it was my first experience of any hospital as a patient. I considered myself physically fit: I had played soccer since I was in school, I played for the national team in Sri Lanka when I was in my twenties, and I used to play here with my grandchildren. It was a shock when, during a normal check-up, tests revealed several blockages, and I was told that I needed immediate cardiac bypass surgery.

Dr. Lee Errett performed the procedure, and although I was a little scared to be in hospital so unexpectedly, Dr. Errett, his team and the nursing staff made me feel confident, at ease and comfortable. They were a great inspiration and looked after me very well. Everyone was very encouraging, including the people who came to change the sheets on my bed, during my stay after surgery. I speak with confidence as I stayed as an inpatient for 16 days.

I have now recovered completely and am active again. I walk two to two and half miles a day.

I look at the mark on my chest and wonder if the experience was a dream. If it weren't for St. Michael's, I might not be here today. I am grateful for the wonderful care given to me by the doctors and the staff of the Hospital. If you need treatment, you can walk in without fear or any apprehension as you are in good and capable hands.

Anton Manuelpillai

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