CORNWALL, Ontario – They may not wear red capes, but to those they’ve helped, they’re real-life heroes.
The Cornwall Community Hospital has launched Healthcare Heroes, a program designed to connect grateful patients with the staff, physicians or volunteers who have changed their lives for the better.
“This is a CCH first,” says Erin Killoran, Executive Director at Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation. “Other hospitals in Canada offer grateful patient programs, and we’re thrilled to help patients recognize the compassion and quality of patient care they receive right here at home.”
Community members who have a good news story to share are encouraged to stop by the CCH Foundation office and make a donation in the name of the individual or team who made a difference in their life, or in the life of a loved one. Healthcare Heroes nominees will receive a commemorative pin to recognize the positive impact they’ve made in the lives of their patients.
A few extra minutes can save a life
The Gareau family from Apple Hill represents the first community members to recognize Healthcare Heroes at CCH. On Father’s Day last year, Robert Gareau suffered a stroke at his home in Apple Hill. In Robert’s case, the efforts of a quick-acting medical team made the difference between a greatly reduced quality of life and an impressive recovery.
“Because of the severity of his stroke, the Critical Care Unit (CCU) staff prepared us for the worst. They told us he may never walk or talk again,” says Robert’s granddaughter, Cassandra. “Two weeks later, he walked out of the hospital and today has very little residual effects of his stroke.”
From paramedics who raced to the scene and took Mr. Gareau to Cornwall Community Hospital, to ER staff, Diagnostic Imaging technicians, nurses and physicians, the team at CCH provided a full circle of care. Thanks to their combined efforts, Mr. Gareau received the established stroke protocol with minutes to spare. Today, these Healthcare Heroes wear their pins with pride.
“My grandfather is my hero,” says Cassandra Gareau. “The care that he received at CCH was nothing short of breath-taking. He will now get to see his granddaughters grow up, get married and be involved in our day-to-day lives. If it weren’t for CCH I wouldn’t have him here with us today.”
