Praise for local hospital

Dear Editor:

I just want to say a few words about Lehighton Hospital. (Yes, I said Lehighton Hospital). I entered the hospital on Oct. 13, for what was to be a routine three-day total knee replacement surgery. However, a blood clot in my lungs not only extended my stay, but threatened my life. Immediately the entire staff of Lehighton Hospital sprang into action. They not only completed the knee replacement but performed a second surgery quickly and professionally.

This is where I must commend all the staff from surgery to the garbage people. This was a time to meet everyone on a first-name basis, and yes, I repeated their name on the badge upon meeting them. My name? Oh, yes, did I have fun with that! Protocol requires the staff to ask my name and date of birth upon meeting. Well, as soon as someone entered my room, I blurted out Richard M. Gross, 11-07-34!

What I just want to say is that all the staff was professional, and they were mostly from the Lehighton area. Their demeanor, their smile, and their quick response to make my stay comfortable made me know they were "local" people. It may have been run by a large conglomerate with a fancy name, but to me it was still "Lehighton Hospital."

When I told them I was a limo driver and I was going to return to take them all out for a ride, they agreed to let all the CEOs and higher echelon work that day in their place!

In closing, I also want to brag about the food which was out of this world, yet made right here at the Lehighton Hospital. I just cannot say enough to praise and thank all the staff at the old Lehighton Hospital!

Thank you,

Richard M. Gross

Lehighton