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SVH ER is world class

Editor, Index-Tribune:

 

Sonoma Valley Hospital Emergency Services is without a doubt a blessing, and my gratitude to the staff is without end.

My son, who is 14, was born with spina bifida, so he has a VP shunt in his head that drains excess fluid to keep pressure from affecting his brain/nervous system. Every once in a while the shunt fails to work. It can fail for many different reasons. He is treated at UCSF by two neurosurgeons who are the very best in their field.

The trick is to get my child all the way to San Francisco when he cannot function due to essential nerve pathways being cut off by pressure. He has had symptoms as simple as a headache to extremes like not being able to speak, walk, close his eyes, swallow, smile and becoming totally unconscious.

SVH ER has twice been the first stop, and they worked with the neurosurgery nurse practitioner via phone at UCSF to observe, stabilize and get my son onto an ambulance so he can ride in the safest and swiftest manner to be treated at UCSF.

In addition to advice from the UC staff, the doctors and nurses and other staff at SVH have given me their undivided attention and respect as a parent, which is like gold! They know that I have 14 years of knowledge about my child's medical condition. It is a sign of great wisdom when a doctor or nurse knows that the information from a parent or patient will steer their treatment to the best outcome.

Twice now there has been the best outcome for my son, and it started here at SVH ER. I feel graced to know that they will be here when needed, and that I can trust in the care that is world class.

Thank you to the entire staff in the ER. I cannot say it enough.

Amy Leader

Sonoma