How I See It - Let’s hope merger doesn’t change CRH

Deane Collie Culpeper
Published: April 25, 2008

I have just arrived home from surgery and a brief stay at Culpeper Regional Hospital.

When I was planning the surgery, several of my friends asked if I were not going to go to Charlottesville to have it done, and seemed surprised that I had decided to remain here for what was, for me at least, a pretty frightening medical procedure.

From the moment I arrived at pre-anesthesia, where Dee took impeccable care of me throughout, from the embarassing process of putting on the hospital gown to introducing me to Dr. Walker, who not only listened to and answered my questions, but also completely allayed my fears about the anesthesia, I knew I had made the right choice.

I don’t remember much after Dee asked me if I was feeling loopy, but when I arrived in my room after the operation, I was greeted by nurses Sarah and Reba, and techs Tracy and Karen, who were not only professional and attentive, but nurturing as well. These women treated me with respect while making sure the doctors’ orders concerning my care were appropriately carried out. They were never rude or bossy, but listened to and addressed my concerns, even brewing multiple cups of fresh coffee for me in the morning.

Nothing was overlooked in making my stay as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. When my husband complimented the housekeeper on the cleanliness of the room, she was proud to tell us that she provided a far better room cleaning service than her counterparts in Charlottesville, and it would be hard for me to believe that anyone could do better than she did.

But perhaps the biggest reason for my satisfaction with Culpeper Regional was Dr. Melissa Delgado, the newest associate of Blue Ridge Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is the epitome of what is good about the newcomers to Culpeper’s medical community. She is frank, open, honest, and interested in the whole person. Her followup was thorough and her understanding of my needs was “spot on.” She is a great addition to our fine medical community.

So, while I applaud the forthcoming alliance between University of Virginia Medical Center and Culpeper Regional Hospital, it could not possibly have improved the fine quality of care I received during my stay.

I hope that the newcomers from Charlottesville will live up to the standards I have observed.

P.S. - Even the food was good!