In The News
WMMC Sets the “Gold Standard” for Orthopedic Care
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Ronald LeVar (left) with Dr. Hatch (right) truly enjoyed his experience at WMMC. |
For most surgery patients, anxiety and nervousness set in as soon as they enter the hospital. But Ronald N. Levar had a different experience at the Centers for Orthopedic Care at White Memorial Medical Center.
Ronald is a patient of George Hatch, MD, orthopedic surgeon, and he underwent knee surgery on February 28. Dr. Hatch specializes in arthroscopic, reconstructive, and replacement surgery of the shoulder, elbow and knee. He is part of USC Orthopedic Surgery Associates, which was ranked among the top 30 orthopedic groups in the country by US News & World Report.
Ronald was impressed by and thankful to all the people he encountered during his stay. The first person he came into contact with was a friendly concierge, who directed him to Patient Intake. At Patient Intake his worries were calmed because of the staff’s caring and helpful attitude. Ronald had never experienced that before at a hospital.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to the entire staff that assisted me throughout my stay, from my arrival to my discharge,” he said. “I can compare this place to Disneyland. Everyone is so helpful and willing to guide you that you feel like your at home. And being a patient, that makes you feel very comfortable.”
The nurses were very supportive and provided clear explanations to all his questions while he was waiting in the pre-operation area. In the recovery area after his surgery, he felt that everyone treated him like a person, rather than an object having procedures performed on him.
“Although this was my first experience being a patient in a hospital, I am very familiar with the hospital setting, because my wife, who passed away two years ago, was in and out of hospitals often,” he said. “The difference between White Memorial and other hospitals is that everyone here is very helpful. White Memorial sets the ‘gold standard’ for patient care.”
After a successful surgery and recovery, Ronald posted a comment on the WMMC website to compliment the treatment he received throughout his stay at the hospital.
“As a physician, I know that surgery can be a worrisome thought for most people. So when I heard about Ronald’s great experience the day of his procedure, I was thrilled to know that White Memorial takes the time to truly care for and support the patients that walk through their doors. It is a wonderful feeling for both the patient and the doctors,” said Dr. Hatch.
(Ronald LeVar signed a HIPPA release form, giving WMMC permission to publish his story).
Posted 5/5/07
