First, I would like to say to all of my former Kinstonians that in our present economy and the new health care laws in effect, one must really consider and think about health care as it may relate to a loved one or themselves.
I really felt the need to share my mothers’ experience as well as my observations of Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Being a Kinston native, LMH was the hospital I gave birth to a healthy 8.5-pound baby girl in 1985. I’ve always thought of LMH as being one of the best hospitals in Eastern N.C. My mother and I had two of the most dedicated and prestigious doctors in retired Dr. Ruldolph Mintz and retired Dr. Ross Folgleman.
Shortly after my daughters’ birth, we relocated to the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and I never had any dealing or occurrences with LMH until recently. During brief visits to Kinston and speaking with former Kinstonians and relatives I would often hear horror stories of bad experiences they encountered when they visited or was treated at LMH.
Now I must be open and honest, LMH’s emergency room needs a great deal of work, but then again, I do not believe there isn’t any ER hospital that doesn’t go without complaints at some point. After hearing these stories, they all would comment and say, “If you ever need medical attention, go to Vidant in Greenville, which is ranked the best facility in hospital care.”
I honestly couldn’t confirm or deny the information but I would like to clarify and correct my fellow Kinstonians and let them hear our perspective and experience at LMH in hopes the anger and negativity would cease. I also realize no two patients or treatments will ever be the same. I seriously took all of this information to heart as I’m now faced with my elderly mother in need of immediate medical care.
Not to brag or boast about this experience, as this was the furthest thing from my mind. Due to the fact that my 80-year-old mother of three worked for some of the most prestigious families in Kinston, she became ill in May and surgery was imminent. As with my loving mother, we wanted the best of care for her.
Her immediate care required a team of skilled professional doctors and after being referred to Vidant, this was the best hospital for her surgery. Within two weeks of her final completion of physical therapy, she was faced with another major medical condition, requiring more surgery. After speaking with prominent Kinston businesswomen, researching, and my mother being of sound mind, we decided LMH would be her hospital of choice for surgery.
Dr. Wayne Jarman of LMH was highly recommended and I absolutely understand why. Dr. Jarman surely proved his expertise and professionalism in dealing with my mothers’ condition. His compassionate and caring demeanor from Day 1 was truly remarkable and I’m glad my mother made this decision.
Practically living around the clock for almost two weeks at LMH was truly an experience. I observed staff from cafeteria and janitorial workers, volunteers, X-ray transporters to nurses and physicians; and they were all phenomenal.
I never anticipated having to encounter this ordeal, but with thanks to one special lady, Ms. Debra Buck, senior patient representative, truly made this experience the best for my mother and I under these circumstances. Ms. Buck exemplifies the title she holds as she always had that “listening ear” and was very concerned about my mother’s well-being during her stay at LMH.
I never hesitated to address any issues or concerns I had for my mother and Ms. Buck was always on top of things. She displayed the upmost compassion, concern and addressed all of my issues without hesitation.
LMH is truly blessed to have such wonderful staff as part of their team. The entire fifth floor East staff were truly amazing and I believe they all deserve recognition for the wonderful services they provided.
I would like to extend special recognition to the following LMH staff for making this experience the best for our family: Dr. Wayne Jarman and Dr. Lang; Debra Buck; Nanci Hood, nurse; manager; Brenda Burney, manager; Michelle Aycock, RN; Karen Dixon, RN; Samantha Fountain, RN; Greg Heath, RN; Kathy Hill, RN; Terry Stokes, RN; Tanya Taylor, RN; Debbie Bank, HCP; Regina Branch, HCP; Sherrail Graham, HCP; Doris Loftin, HCP; Ivy Perry, HCP; Donna Ramirez, HCP; Amanda Sutton, HCP; Angie Ison, Dietician; Marquetta Henderson, X-Ray Transporter; Linda Hughes, RN; and the entire LCC student nurses in training.
Preceding my mothers’ surgery, I was faced with post-surgery concerns and her home health care needs. After carefully choosing, I decided to elect Kinston’s 3HC to assist me.
I can’t speak for my fellow Kinstonians, but I honestly can say without any hesitation LMH is my hospital of choice. Not any one hospital will ever be perfect in providing healthcare, which generally is their goal, but I suggest you address your concerns and issues with appropriate staff for resolution in order to make this your hospital of choice.
As hospitals strive to provide excellent care and services, LMH has truly displayed superb services and I definitely rank this hospital No. 1 — just as my thoughts were back in 1985. Thanks to all!
Iris Jones is a native Kinstonian who now resides in Washington, D.C. She can be reached at imjones10@hotmail.com.