Stories from Patients and Families

It was so easy. I was nervous going in, but everyone put me at ease right away. They explained everything that was going to happen perfectly clearly, and I felt confident with their plan and their expertise. They told me it might hurt a lot for a few days, but it didn't. In fact, it never hurt at all, thanks to the skill of the whole team in general, and the surgeon, Dr. Ira Bird, in particular.

I had no complications and am very happy with the result. But what's more than that, every single person whom I met (which was quite a few!) was so pleasant, genuinely happy with their life, and as busy as they were, still found the time to talk, listen, and really care. What a great bunch! They saved my life, again. They also saved my mom's life on more than one occasion, some years ago, for which we are eternally grateful. I found everyone there to be professional and expert, as well as happy and caring. Thank you, Mid Coast Hospital!

Everyone I encountered was upbeat, friendly and extremely kind, putting my comfort and wellbeing foremost. The care I received was very professional but yet delivered in a way that was personal and warm. It truly made me feel like I was the only person on the floor. Thank you all so much, as you made a huge difference in my ability to get well and get well fast. You all are so good at what you do and you made it look easy. I said to my nurse, "When do you think I can check out of the hotel?" One can see how easy it would be to get confused under your care.

The power of a heroine addiction is that it can cause the most able mind to believe that it is under control, when in fact its hold intensifies along with the denial to oneself and others. Eventually it led him into behaviors that were completely contrary to his previously healthy mind/body disposition.

Probation and a one hour, once a week session with a counselor, only helped him to mask his addiction, for an additional year. He nearly died of overdose and even through his extreme sickness (constant vomiting) the power of the heroine still caused him to deny the addiction. A year ago, I had urged my son to enter the program when I had doubts about his using, but legally could not force him. And then too there was my own denial; why would I believe this about my son?

Only after his necessity of legal assistance was he urged to enter the ARC program. It saved his life. It is likely he would not be here today if it were not for this. What he had was the equivalent of any insidious and pervasive disease and his treatment: a complete immersion in group therapy four hours every day for weeks, was just what he needed.

Watching my son through it all, I've seen his emotional/physical health improve so much that he completed the program a stronger/healthier person than ever before. He was so happy about completing this program that he decided that he never wanted to look back at that dark past and decided to move forward and complete his college education.

If only this program could have been made legally mandatory for him a year ago for right now he sits in prison. His sentencing came after (and crime previous) to his successful completion of this program. I can only hope that his prison sentence does not undo all of the good that the ARC program has done for him.

From the caring approach of the ER to the staff on the surgical floor, the entire experience was handled professionally and skillfully. For example, the floor nurse searched the entire building to get a Coke to settle my stomach; the OR was fully booked that day and the orthopedic surgeon operated at 12:30 a.m. "because I needed it"; a young nurse stayed the night with me when I was having an A-Fib incident the day after surgery; the cheerful greetings from staff overheard as they responded to patients pressing their call buttons in the middle of the night? The mid coast area is fortunate to have a community hospital to provide expert and caring medical services to local residents and those who are in the area.

Within minutes of arriving at the ER, I was in a room waiting for an IV to be started. I was attended by Sarah, a PA who was a wonder to me that day. She listened as I told her my history of migraines and what kind of treatment I receive when in this much pain. She totally impressed me in all ways... Ashley was my RN, along with Laura as the tech, both of whom were also outstanding. After getting my much needed meds, I realized that I didn't have enough of my regular meds that I take for my migraines, and with Sarah's help, I left the ER with little pain, no vomiting and no stress regarding my med supply.

He was afraid to go to the emergency room, but needed to be seen to rule out a broken foot. Everyone at the hospital was wonderful! We were taken right in, had very little wait before getting x-rays, and were in and out quickly. All of the staff was very friendly, from Phyllis when we first walked in to Callie, the PA who treated Timmy, along with everyone else involved in his care. I have never had an ER trip go by so quickly, or with such friendly staff.

So often all is heard is the dissatisfaction, but in this case, I cannot praise enough all of the areas that we encountered during my husband's stay. Please tell all the staff on the day shifts and the night shifts how pleased we were with his care. Everyone we came in contact with from the doctors, nurses, aides, volunteers, Cafe staff, and other staff were the most caring, professional, and efficient staff we have had the pleasure to meet. Please tell the ED and the second floor staff how much I appreciate their kindness at a time that was stressful for both of us. You should be proud of you hospital and staff and I hope that you have much success in the future.

... Thank you for providing me with excellent care that saved my life. Myles, Anthony, Diane, Dr. LaPrad, Dr. Sreden, Dr. Simon, thank you all. The staff at Mid Coast is the best.

When we got there, Charlotte was in quite a bit of pain and scared about what was going to happen. She was quickly given one of your teddy bears to hug and she literally did not let go of that bear for the next 8 hours.

We were seen fairly quickly, got our x-rays and a splint on her leg and were on our way home within an hour/hour and a half, but she held tight to that bear the whole time and then at home on the couch she wouldn't let it go for hours.

I was not aware of your program before yesterday as (thankfully) this was our first emergency visit with a child but I just wanted to reach out and thank you for this wonderful program. That bear made a bad situation a lot easier for a scared little girl. The staff at the Walk-In Clinic was wonderful and I really appreciate all that you do.

I stayed on the Med Surg unit and the two names I remember are Chris and Lynnette. They were cleaning the patient bed next to me when she left, and they worked remarkably together. They seemed very thorough at their jobs. The girl was happy to help me out with the remote as well. Loved this hospital.

My wife arrived at the ER with a temp of 106.1 and was soon diagnosed with a 8 mm kidney stone with a bad case of infection. Your staff soon had her stabilized and into surgery to correct the problem. My sincerest and heartfelt thank you to each of those on your staff who were there for her (us). You guys are the best!!!!

Very impressive and I am a bit of a fanatic on customer service. Also I have been a hospital administrator/executive so understand the issues, at least to a degree. Everyone including the physician, CRNAs, volunteers, and of course the nursing staff were incredibly welcoming. Thank you!

From the first visit, she listened to my history of orthopedic ailments/surgical interventions, learned about my lifestyle, and became aware of my short- and long-term goals of therapy.

Ruth was the perfect physical therapist for me. I found her to be extremely knowledgeable and able to communicate, not only how to perform certain exercises but also why, which is important to me. I am enjoying better mobility and now have more tools in order to keep progressing. Ruth's professionalism, skills, knowledge and personal touch made for a pleasant and productive relationship. Thank you for providing such an exemplary physical therapist in the practice.

I really thought Anne and Christa on Med Surg were so nice. They never made me feel like I was bothering them, although I rarely ask for help. I felt like I was being cared for by a member of my family. Kudos to you both!

Imagine our surprise that we walked right into a clean, state-of-the-art facility, greeted by wonderful, caring people, and we were out in less than an hour! I have been raving about your hospital and the care we received. We were never made to feel bad that he had no insurance. You are indeed a breath of fresh air. Thank you!

The nurses who checked me in were so sweet to me, and explained everything they were going to do. My discharge nurse was attentive and kind. Thanks to everyone who made me feel important and cared for and made my minor event (but a big deal to me) less traumatic.

They made sure that I was always comfortable and provided the necessary medication to control my pain. They should be recognized and made aware of the great job they do day after day.

I do not know the names of all the nurses and doctors that treated me in the Emergency Room, but I felt that they should be complemented for doing a wonderful job and doing it with great care and patience. Your Emergency Room staff has to be the best in the State.

Mid Coast Hospital is a well-oiled machine that is staffed by a team of extraordinarily talented nurses and board-certified physicians. We are very fortunate to have this outstanding hospital and staff located in the Brunswick area.
(As published by The Times Record.)

Her friendly yet professional manner made me feel more at ease and her expertise made this experience of having blood drawn the most enjoyable one yet, and I have had many recently. I could tell that Gale was being vigilant about how long I had to wait and how much time the whole process was taking for me. She made sure I was in and out as quickly as possible which I very much appreciated since I was on a tight schedule. If I could I would never have blood taken by anyone else. Gale is a gem! I will certainly be coming back to Mid Coast for the future testing I need done in hopes that Gale will be there. Thank you.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of my husband and myself to say Thank You for the excellent care that he received. He had to have gallbladder surgery as a result of this. We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone from the ambulance drivers from Bath, the Emergency room doctors and staff, x-ray techs, nursing staff both in the ER, operating/recovery room and on the floor. He was on level 2.

We would also like to thank Dr. Bird for his excellent care. He was truly sent from above to care for my husband. We are from Calvert County Maryland and it is a frightening thing to be away from home and become ill. Everyone at Mid Coast made us feel at ease and at home. You should be very proud of what you do.

Could you please pass this on to your staff.
Thank you so much.

The staff was attentive, professional and made signing in a pleasant two second experience (and so clever - having Sudoku puzzles in a basket for people who are waiting). We were then taken to a private room - for day surgery? I thought we were in the wrong place - that overlooked the woods and walking trails.

The staff was empathetic, professional and attentive (special shout out to nurses Jamie, Joel & Kandy).

I was able to come and go - which allowed me to check out the art on the second floor and I now covet the Dhalov Ipcar I discovered From a facility perspective - you have it down pat-extremely impressed.

Thank you for taking care in providing the best possible environs for a stressful situation (your staff seems to appreciate what they have as well and that carries through to the client.

When I walked in, I expected the staff to be haughty and rude, like I had previously encountered in larger hospitals. How pleasantly surprised I was, and still am! Everybody there makes you feel right at home, they are so nice.

I still can't get over the fact that I have gotten into the majority of my appointments right on time. I no longer dread my doctors visits, and am confident that if I have a question, I won't be looked down upon at this hospital. I am no longer stressed out about all the things that could go wrong during my delivery, but rather looking forward to my delivery knowing that my doctors and nurses are there to help both myself and my child. They have my full trust!

Just wanted to let you know that you guys have done a great job building such a friendly and caring environment. I would recommend you guys in a heartbeat!

I can't say enough about my positive visit and the professionalism of the staff and physician. I've worked in the healthcare field for the last thirty year and I was so impressed with your facility and staff. From the time we walked into the hospital from the girl who toasted my bagel to the doctor who delivered EVERYONE I encountered was professional and friendly.

I drove him straight to the clinic without returning home. The experience was wonderful and supportive. I will definitely will use the clinic again. I am grateful to have a clinic in our area to use over an emergency room visit. My son was more comfortable and seen quickly. It is a wonderful alternative to the emergency room.

There are no words sufficient to describe how good nurse Crystal was, or how she made Kathie and I feel as the weeks went on and we knew the end was coming. Many people do good in their jobs. But then there is a one in a million person that was born to do something - it is in them from the moment they come into the world. Like someone who is born with a beautiful melodic singing voice. They were born to sing.

Crystal was born to be a Hospice Nurse. There is a calmness in her voice. She would show so much love as she gently touched my wife's arm and sometimes kissed her on the cheek before leaving. Her presence brought comfort and confidence. It was like we finally had a friend in this nightmare. As much as my kids, family and friends were supportive, and as much as we loved and respected our doctor dearly, there was always a bubble that only Kathie and I were in. When Crystal arrived, she soon came into the bubble with us.

I will carry in my heart, for the rest of my life, an appreciation for this fine human being, Crystal, and an appreciation for all nurses and hospice nurses, but especially CHANS hospice nurses. Crystal could not heal our tears or prevent the inevitable, but she gave my wife and I comfort and peace. I am so grateful for Crystal. And will always be.