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Opinion: MMH provided great service to family during time of need, says Massena resident

Posted 5/6/19

I know it’s fashionable among locals to disparage small town hospitals. People love to pass along various stories that chronicle someone’s terrible experience. I feel like people should hear …

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Opinion: MMH provided great service to family during time of need, says Massena resident

Posted

I know it’s fashionable among locals to disparage small town hospitals. People love to pass along various stories that chronicle someone’s terrible experience. I feel like people should hear about this story.

My father has spent 19 years battling COPD (caused by a chemical fire at GM in the 80s). Saturday morning he was in terrible shape when he went, by ambulance, to Massena Memorial. They admitted him into the intensive care unit, and I was hoping he would hang on until I could get here from Arizona where I live.

I finally got here Sunday evening, and my family shared how terrible his body was treating him - very little cause for hope. Family members were coming in from Buffalo and farther to say goodbye. The only people not resigned were the nurses and respiratory team in ICU. They treated my dad with smiles and encouragement. Even more surprising was how amazing they were with my family and my father’s friends. Sweet, caring, supportive and so accommodating. The nutrition team even supplied some snacks and coffee!

It’s now Tuesday. My father has strengthened enough to be discussing Hospice and Palliative Care, instead of DNR and end of life decisions! It is an amazing example of the kind of “whole family care” Massena Memorial is providing to the community! We can’t thank the team there enough for the way they have cared for our beloved father, husband and grandfather!

The next time someone wants to tell you a horror story about MMH, please think about our story! This hospital provides a tremendous service to this town and the surrounding communities. Instead of negativity, imagine how much it could thrive with some positive press, and some community encouragement! Be that positive change!

Laurie LaShomb and the entire family of Wayne B. LaShomb

Massena