What People Say About Sky Lakes Medical Center

January 31, 2009 

Early in the morning last April, my elderly mother was rushed from the Pelican Point Memory Care Unit to the emergency room at Sky Lakes.  She was in the latter stages of Alzheimer's and I was going through all the emotions one does when you see a loved one so ill.  The doctor on duty and a nurse were exceptionally kind, caring and gentle to my mother and took the time to answer all my questions with the same compassion.  I always meant to write to express my gratitude but could not find the paper where I had written their names.  Now, after all the time, I have found that paper.

...thank you to Dr. Ben Mitchell and Carrie, RN.  My mother was so ill; she passed away a few days later.  They both helped me with their compassion and to this day I appreciate how they dealt with my mother and me.

Sincerely,

Klamath Falls resident

November 3, 2008

Thank you to Dr. Kramer and Dr. Fang for their superior and impeccable compassion and care. The Oncology Department, Misty and Debbie, always provide me with special care and compassion. Debbie always is there to save me when I am sick with nausea and whatever else is needed. I am so grateful to have been treated as if I was royalty with the utmost care and compassion. From everyone in every department. Thank you for providing me with all the chemo and radiation …for saving my life.

Anonymous

April 20, 2008

My husband, Ron, had to spend the last weekend of March in your facility.  We were so very pleased with the care given.  Dr. Brunswick (ER) and Dr. Kahn were exceptional.  The ER and 3rd floor nurses, especially Nurse Bob showed respect, care and a great sense of humor.  Everybody we came into contact with were helpful and kind.  We've told friends that if a person gets sick someplace other than their hometown, let it happen in Klamath Falls where the nicest hospital is: Sky Lakes Medical Center.

Sincerely,

Marci and Ron Sather
Springfield, Oregon

July 10, 2007

I have visited our new hospital a few times recently.  I am delighted by the Sky Lakes Medical Center interior.  Well done, indeed.

I really like the new meditation room.  The design compliments the organic décor of the rest of the hospital and has an appropriately calming, centering, intimate feel.  The garden view gives one the feeling of being in nature and the garden’s water feature is lovely and provides privacy.

The room has no overwhelming religious iconography that could be distractive, off-putting, or objectionable to some, even some Christians.  In a diverse community, the absence of a cross is appropriate.

Though Christians are in the majority, we might remember we were once a persecuted minority and are still in some parts of the world. Let’s offer others what we request when we are in the majority, acceptance and tolerance.

Christians best reflect the teaching and faith of Jesus by refusing to use numerical advantage to dominate.  Christians are inclusive and accept those of other traditions because that’s the way Jesus lived.

The lovely, quiet room in the hospital might remind us of those facts.

The Rev. Dr. Larry Bunnell
Klamath Falls

(Published in the Letters to the editor section of the Herald and News July 10, 2007)

June 4, 2007

Dear Mr. Stewart:

Three members of my immediate family, including myself, have been treated at your Klamath Falls, OR facility within the last year.  My mother received excellent care during her illness last winter and my father also received excellent care following his surgery and subsequent pneumonia last month.  While I was staying in Klamath Falls to be near my hospitalized father I had the unfortunate experience of becoming very ill.  My sister took me to the Emergency Department in the middle of the night.  I was treated with competence and kindness.  I can’t say enough great things about Dr. Epple in the ER, Dave the X-ray tech and Paul my nurse.  Dr. Epple diagnosed my illness quickly and treated it aggressively.  I felt I was in very competent hands even though I was so far from home and my own doctor.

The doctors and nurses who took care of my father are exceptional!  Nurses Sharon and Anna both particularly went out of their way to see his comfort and to visiting family members as well.  We had a very similar experience when my mother was hospitalized in Klamath Falls as well.  My sister is an emergency room nurse in the Seattle area.  She is very picky about the care extended to our family members.  All of her expectations were met and exceeded.  Your staff accomplished the almost impossible feat of impressing her.

Long story short – you have an amazing facility with amazing staff.  The new facility is gorgeous and I’m sure will be comfortable for staff as well as patients.  Thank you so much for the excellent care extended to me and my family members.  It is my sincere wish that you will pass this letter on to your staff at Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls.

Sincerely,

JoAnn Pepperdine

I am a physician’s wife and this is the best ER experience I’ve ever had in my 64 years. Thank you."

~comment received from an Emergency Department patient who was traveling in the region

April 20, 2007

While I was filling out the questionnaire regarding a recent day surgery, I felt it appropriate to also tell you of the very positive, professional experience I recently had while being seen at the Diagnostic Imaging Department of the hospital.

I completed the cardio stress test and I cannot speak highly enough of the staff who worked with me those two days.  Due to a minor equipment problem I was delayed initially, but staff came to the waiting room and personally kept me apprised of the situation; it never did seem like “waiting”.  Their professionalism, teamwork, and positive attitude were impressive, and I observed them giving other folks the same type of attention and interest.

I certainly appreciated having them there when I needed this testing and yes, I would recommend that others have this testing done locally, because of this staff.

Marcy Kelly

"During the last two years my husband underwent two surgeries, the second one performed by Dr. Karl Wenner at Sky Lakes Medical Center.

It was a difficult time for our family, and the sincere concern displayed by Dr. Wenner and this office staff became immediately apparent. The immediate office response was one of genuine concern and professionalism. Always our calls were answered in a timely manner. Dr Wenner spent extra time and his office personnel made individual efforts to help us.

My husband’s unusual condition led us to Oregon Health and Sciences in Portland, a speedy referral to Dr. Traci Ryan back here, and eventually a visit to the University of California at Davis.

Neurologists at UC Davis specifically commented that my husband’s records and course of treatment was “the best” that had passed through the UC Davis neurology department. The praises focusing on Dr. Wenner’s and Dr. Ryan’s practices confirmed our belief that Klamath Falls and Sky Lakes Medical Center offer the highest quality of health care available. It is care that reflects true personal concern.

We are now convinced that we never should have sought medical treatment elsewhere. Klamath Falls offers “the best.”

~from an April 2005 letter to 
Paul Stewart, Sky Lakes Medical Center President and CEO

Following are among the comments received from recently discharged patients:

“Your nurses are wonderful, caring people.”

“The doctors there have always been great and always took the time to explain to me in words I was sure to understand.”

“Thank you for the excellent care and a cheerful recovery process.”

“Everyone was very gentle, kind, and concerned. They were great.”

“The woman who helped me in Registration was very friendly and helped us by answering all our questions even though she was very busy.”

“I couldn’t ask for better care or service. Thanks.”

“Nobody ever really wants to be in the hospital, but your staff worked hard to make my stay as enjoyable an experience as they could.”

The hospital personnel were very efficient while providing care for our 92-year-old uncle and friend. They provided information professionally to help us understand what was being done for him and what we could do to help make him more comfortable during this difficult time.

Just as calmly and efficiently, the hospital staff provided a quiet place for us to discuss and plan for the needs of our loved one and for one another. Extra chairs and many needs were kindly provided to make us comfortable.

Our community is certainly fortunate to have a hospital with such efficient and caring employees.

We would especially like to thank the Emergency Room and Second Floor Staff. Each employee went well above and beyond our expectations. Thank you, Sky Lakes Medical Center (formerly Merle West Medical Center) for being there for us.

The Albert Conforti Family
Klamath Falls

Earlier this year, I made a trip to your hospital for an MRI on my neck. I just have to say that I was surprised to have a really nice visit. The MRI was done very quickly, efficiently, professionally, but the visit was also a pleasant experience.

I started the visit at registration. The lady at the far north booth was very friendly, professional and quite efficient. I thought to myself, "how nice, that we well...really quick and efficient." She knew her business and did it with precision and a smile.

Next, I was called back for my MRI. It was Kari that took the MRI, if I am not mistaken. She was really friendly, professional, efficient and she showed an honest compassion. It surprised me that she actually cared. I have no idea how many patients she deals with daily, but my bet is she treats each one with the same care, compassion and professionalism.

I still had the pain in my neck when I left the hospital, but I left with a smile on my face. Both of these employees deserve my praise and yours as well. Dealing with the public can be demanding even under ideal situations. Your employees have to do that daily under circumstances in which the public is understandable at less than their best. That these employees keep such a wonderful attitude, says a great deal about them. They deserve all the credit you can give them.

Please thank them for me! I can't say I look forward to coming back, but I feel better knowing that when I do how friendly and professional your staff is.

May God Bless!

Name held upon request

Several years ago I was diagnosed with a chronic arthritic disorder which was becoming disabling and beginning to seriously impact the quality of my life. At that time there was no local Rheumatologist and so I was referred to a physician in Medford. I treated there for a couple of years and when my condition stabilized, I discontinued treatment and decided to `leave well enough alone'. It was difficult to make the periodic visits to such a distance, particularly during the winter months.

I had a flare-up last year and since I had heard about Dr. Edward Tackey, I self referred to him. The care I have received has been exceptional.

Imelda, who is apparently his only office staff at the moment, has been wonderful. She is both professional and efficient and I've rarely experienced the kind of helpfulness and consideration she provides to her patients at any other medical facility.

As to the doctor himself, I wish to express how pleased I am with his treatment and how grateful I am that we are fortunate to have such a fine physician here in Klamath Falls. He has helped to alleviate my symptoms to the degree that I can continue my life without restriction and undue discomfort, with his ongoing help. He listens carefully to my complaints and shows interest in what I have to say, even though I am not a person with medical training. What I most appreciate about him is that he seems to understand that some patients wish to be both responsible for, and involved in their health issues and he doesn't ever seem to take offence when I ask him questions or offer an opinion of my own.

With gratitude and hope that we will never lose such a competent and valuable member of our medical community.

Best regards,

Sharon Davis

Having been a patient in Sky Lakes Medical Center (formerly Merle West Medical Center) on the Telemetry Ward two times in the last two weeks, I wanted to let you know that you have some very talented and dedicated people working for you and Sky Lakes Medical Center.

My two nurses, Karen Manning and Cheri Lindgren and also the two CNA's, Natalie Wasson and Rob Britain went beyond the `call of duty' many times to make sure I was going to be as comfortable and happy as possible. They all were very attentive and performed their jobs wonderfully.

Thank you for having such wonderful caring people working at Sky Lakes, it really helps the patient to recover faster!

Sincerely,

Gene Webb

I know you probably don't realize how significant your actions were the night you helped me get my dad home from the hospital - but I'd like to share some things with you so that you might know how your kindness and action helped me and my family.

I had my dad home for only 3 short hours before he passed away, but during those few moments many gifts were given.

Your actions allowed me to fulfill a promise I had made to my dad - that I would take him home and that he would not die in a hospital. My dad was always a man of his word and would never break a promise. It was important to me to do the same for him. My dad was fully conscious and aware that he was home, in the house that he had built, with his family present. I know he was thankful and quite relieved.

Less than an hour before my dad died, he sat up in bed to watch his great-grandson walk for the very first time. He even uttered a "way to go". One of the last things he said before he passed. There are other invaluable gifts that were given and received that night which wouldn't have happened without your help and my words alone can't thank you enough.

My dad was a good man, and would want to show his appreciation to you for granting him the honor of being home, with his dignity and family to pass from this life into his eternal home.

Thank you and God bless you.

With gratitude,

Karen

Thank you to Dr. Kramer and Dr. Fang for their superior and impeccable compassion and care. The Oncology Department, Misty and Debbie, always provide me with special care and compassion. Debbie always is there to save me when I am sick with nausea and whatever else is needed. I am so grateful to have been treated as if I was royalty with the utmost care and compassion. From everyone in every department. Thank you for providing me with all the chemo and radiation …for saving my life.

Anonymous