A Local Treasure in the Neighborhood

It was a medical emergency in the middle of the night and we were far from home.  Where do you turn? Fortunately we were led to a local “treasure” in your neighborhood.  Let me explain.

The story begins as my wife and I flew into Midway Airport on Saturday February 27, 2010 from the Philadelphia area for the purpose of attending the installation of our son, Father Matt Lamoureux MIC, as the Pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Yorkville. The installation was to take place on Sunday morning and it would be a big event for the parish as the Bishop of the Diocese would be coming out. We were looking forward to being there in support for our son.  Unfortunately it was not to be.

During the night on Saturday I was to experience increasingly bad abdominal pain to the point whereby I asked my wife to inquire of the hotel staff where we were staying (Best Western) as to the closest hospital.  We were given directions to Valley West Community Hospital.  I must admit that as we pulled into the parking lot the size of the hospital was much smaller than what we are used to in the Philadelphia area and we were a little leery.  However from the time that we walked into the hospital, until the time that I was discharged on Monday morning to catch our flight back home, the level of competency and the caring concern that was displayed by all was simply outstanding.  From the attention received in the ER, to the tests to determine the problem, to the steps to correct the problem, to the caring concern of the nurses and staff when I was not feeling so hot, to laughing at my jokes when I was feeling better, to the feedback from the doctors was all extraordinary and much appreciated.  

I am a believer that things happen for a reason. While I would have loved to have been there for our son (my wife represented the both of us at the installation), I am glad for the experience for a number of reasons.  I have changed my eating habits as recommended by one of the doctors (and have been feeling great), and have scheduled follow-up preventive appointments in the Philadelphia area as recommended by the other doctor.  I also came away with a much greater appreciation of the health care community through my experience at Valley West.  The small size of the hospital instead of being a negative, turned out to be a big positive as there is a definite strong sense of caring that comes across from all of the staff.  The local community is certainly fortunate to have Valley West Community Hospital in its midst and Valley West Community Hospital is in turn certainly blessed to have a staff of competent and caring people working there. 

Sincerely,
George Lamoureux,
Thornton, PA