LETTER: Technology makes local care even better

Talk about it

To the Editor:

My mother and I have each been hospitalized several times of late in the Queen of Peace Hospital in the last few years. The care we received was excellent. We appreciated all the work of the doctors, the nursing staff and support people. All were very friendly people who although were very rushed at times, were also able to give a smile and take time to listen to us.

Before and since, we have heard people comment that they would go to Sioux Falls for immediate care rather than seeking help locally. I do agree with a lot of their reasoning, but the one comment that has bothered me most is that people will comment the care and specialists in Sioux Falls is at a higher level.

But — I also have family in Sioux Falls. Yes, the specialists are wonderful. TeleMed through Queen of Peace brings those doctors and their expertise to QOP for appointments which make travel to Sioux Falls and time away from family and work not necessary.

I have heard patients from Sioux Falls complain about some of their care or their doctors, too.

Really, I do think sometimes it is a matter of luck who one gets for a doctor in an emergency or the nurses that give you care. I spent a month in a swing bed room before Christmas this past year. Nurses were working extra hours to keep up with the necessary work from an overload of patients wanting work done before the end of the year, because they had met their yearly deductible. Their shifts were intense with call lights on day and night. Yet always you never heard complaints from the staff. They would say this is the work they love and would not have it any other way.

With all the options TeleMed supplies to the patient, I will suggest that you consider going to Queen of Peace Hospital instead of just thinking of going to Sioux Falls.

Tags: opinion, letters, healthcare, avera, telemed