Putting the “Care” Back in Healthcare

When I’m in an ER, I don’t want to feel like a number. Shouldn’t there be more compassion in healthcare?

When you visit an emergency room, it can be a scary time. You’re vulnerable, hurt, injured or waiting for someone who is. At a moment that you need compassion and understanding, a busy, stress-filled emergency room can leave you feeling like you’ve been treated as nothing more than a number.

At HCA Midwest Health, we understand. That’s why our focus is compassionate care, even in an emergency environment. Every patient is treated like family—the way healthcare was intended to be.

Take Alison Marsh RN, BSN—a member of the ER staff at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo. Alison was recently recognized with the HCA Excellence in Nursing Award for going above and beyond in caring for her patients.

Just one example of Alison’s compassionate care: A young girl was brought in alone for treatment after her family was involved in a tragic car accident. That’s when Alison stepped in to comfort the frightened little girl. She pulled up the Disney movie “Frozen” on her cell phone and watched the movie with her. This small compassionate act kept the child comfortable and calm as the emergency team removed glass from her arms and legs for over two hours.

The HCA Excellence in Nursing Award was created to recognize and encourage our nurses to provide compassionate care. After all, that’s why most nurses choose this career in the first place—to help people and make the world healthier.

When you’re in one of our ERs, we’re as eager to get you feeling healthy again as you are. After all, you’re not just a number. You’re family.