Johns Hopkins Hospital leadership receives countless heartfelt letters, emails and phone calls from patients and families who have benefited from your incredible compassion, your dedication and your expert care during their time at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Read one patient’s letter praising the staff members who cared for her when she had to make a trip to the emergency department. 

I would like to take a few minutes to make you aware of an experience I had in the adult emergency room. I was brought to the ER on a Saturday afternoon. My son let me out of the car while he went to find parking. I was very ill actually and I thought I had the flu. I felt very weak and just horrible. I made it to the reception desk, gave the gentleman my name and I vaguely remember giving him the rest of the information required. Then I asked if I could have a seat in the waiting area. I had also informed him that I was short of breath and had chest pains. The gentleman kindly but firmly stated that he was taking me directly to the back to be seen.

Next, I remember having an EKG. Again the technician there was very professional and caring. And we were both told I would be going to a bed where I think I was in observation. Upon arriving, I remember being placed in a bed, and my caregivers were Lily Rubenstein and Derrick Ashong. They immediately began triaging and doing all they could to calm me and ensure I was comfortable. Shortly after that, a radiology tech came in and with a smile stated I was getting a portable chest X-ray. I had no questions as I assumed it was due to chest pain I had been having. As things calmed a bit, my son kept saying how he was impressed with my treatment. Throughout I was tearful and afraid. At one point I needed to use the bathroom but I was having a difficult time moving around. Dr. Ashong and Lily made me at ease and helped me with such care. It was determined that I would be admitted because of my diagnosed illness.

It is important to let you know that my experience in the adult ER will never be forgotten, and I cannot say enough about each and every staff member I came in contact with. I commend everyone. I felt my treatment should be acknowledged, and I say kudos to all. Again thank you, emergency room staff.