To the Editor:

I recently spent four days at Massena Memorial Hospital, followed by twelve days at the Highland Nursing Home following a total hip replacement by Dr. Bedros Bakirtzian.

I was treated with courteous, compassionate, quality care from start to finish, at both facilities, by everyone involved; from the doctors, to the nurses, to the aids, physical therapist depts., and cleaning staff.

I had heard all the horror stories about both facilities, but, based on my personal experience, none of them were true. I have been a patient at MMH several times, and have never received anything but quality care.

The staff at both MMH and the Highland Nursing Home went out of their way to make sure that my recovery was going well, my meds were delivered on schedule, my meals were timely, and I was never led to believe I was a burden or bother to them. I have several food allergies and the dietary departments at both facilities went out of their way to accommodate me.

I never once saw a patient mistreated, belittled, or treated with anything but the utmost respect.

Dr. Bakirtzian did a wonderful job replacing my hip even though I presented some problems because of being a plus size person. I will probably need the other hip done in a few years, and if so, I want to go to the same facilities, and have Dr. Bakirtzian as my surgeon.

I can't say thank you enough to all the people involved in my care both before and after surgery.

May God bless you all richly.

Bernard M. Hazelton

Massena