Stories

In the wake of the tragic loss of her teenage son last May, Jean Haltom was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. Still reeling from the car accident that claimed the life of her child, Haltom says she was overwhelmed with the diagnosis.

“When you first find out you’re diabetic, it’s a life-changer,” she says. “It’s not just a diet. It is the rest of your life.”

To help her manage the life-changing diagnosis, Jean was referred to Story Medical’s Health Coach Meagan Ausborn-Henderson.

“Meagan has been wonderful,” Haltom says. “If I didn’t have her, I don’t know what I would do.”

Blanche Nessa is a woman with a plan. Hampered by painful joints that severely limited her activity, Blanche decided she would sacrifice her winter with an eye toward spring.

The 85-year-old, who lives on a farm north of McCallsburg, had both a hip and knee replaced in a span of four months during 2011. She says the decision to have the two surgeries was a simple one.

“I wanted to be done with the pain by spring,” she says. “I wanted to get all my rehab done during the winter so I would be ready to get back in the garden in spring.”

Helen Helgeland - Ames, Iowa

Just a little note to thank you for all the TLC I received after being transferred to SCMC on the 17th of September. You have a wonderful hospital there and your therapy is great. Your therapists have the patience of a saint, so to speak. The nurses there were outstanding – never complaining how many times I needed them through the night for bathroom calls. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the meals are great. I would be happy to recommend SCMC to anyone needing therapy after surgery. I’m glad I chose SCMC. God Bless you all. Love, Helen

Pat McFarland - Nevada, Iowa

When I arrived at your facility for rehab after double knee replacement surgery, I was afraid to go home. I didn't think that I could get around my house, let alone the ice & snow of another brutal winter. After a week-and-a-half of excellent care & rehab, I had the confidence to say, "Get me out of here. I want to go home." If that isn't a glowing testimonial, I don't know what is.

Thank you.

Susan Keen - Nevada, Iowa

My grandson fell last Sat. at the park in the Krupp addition (1/2 block from our house) somehow he managed to walk to our house then collapsed on the ground. First responders, the ambulance and the police were there within 3 min. Brock Dutton had broken both bones in his left arm and the bone was protruding out of the skin. We were really impressed with everyone involved with his rescue. He did have to have surgery that night with plates and pins put in place.

Pam Danger - Garden City, Iowa

It is a pleasure for me to sit down and send this to all of you to thank you for the wonderful care and consideration give to my sister-in-law, who was seen in your emergency room and had an overnight stay in your beautiful new hospital on Saturday, June 18, 2011.

Every person we came in contact with at Story Medical went above and beyond to make her comfortable and get to the source of the illness at hand. You all are to be commended on your excellent customer service and should be proud of all the people involved with making your hospital a first class establishment. We will be good advertisement for your facility and want to thank you again for your kindness and, most of all, your excellent care.

Kay Fleshman - Nevada, Iowa

I have been a patient at Story Medical for many years. Our family has always been happy with their services. Recently we have been there more frequently. ...

We appreciate the entire medical community that is offered through them. From Anna and the office girls, the nurses in the back, the ER team, and all special services are outstanding. Thanx to all for making each visit as pleasurable as possible.

Teresa Dale - Nevada, Iowa

I would just like to express my appreciation for the quick response of Story County EMS and Nevada First Responders when I called for assistance yesterday (6/6/11). My boyfriend is diabetic and his blood sugar was extremely low. It is not the first time I have called for this reason and every time EMS and First Responders have been professional, efficient and caring. They have an ease about them that put those in a panic at ease. They are stars in my book.

Melissa - Hubbard, Iowa

We were in and out in a half hour. That means a lot to a working mom!

Tara - Nevada, Iowa

I visited the ER today and had more then one nurse come in and check that I was doing ok, they were very respectful and took care of my needs immediately.

Joel Fey - Nevada, Iowa

I just wanted to send a quick thank you for the care I received on Saturday, Feb 19. I treated very kindly and quickly. They staff was great, especially the nurse that was there, Doris.

Thanks again, the care was great!
 

Mary F. O'Connor, ARNP, Story Medical Clinic - Zearing

I recently marked my thirteenth year as a member of the Story County Medical Center family. For most of those thirteen years, I have referred patients to both Dr. Margaret Ferhle, orthopedist, and Steve Cassabaum, physical therapist. I knew that all my patients adored them and spoke glowingly of their skills and caring.

Over the last several months, it became increasingly clear to me that my left knee was not going to cooperate with my activities of daily living. The hows and whys are not important, but I found myself in the role of a patient.

Barb McBreen, Ames, Iowa

I’d like to thank the staff at the Story County Medical Center for the great care they gave my mother-in-law recently. Every person that came to her room was smiling and genuinely interested in her care.

Luckily she didn’t have any serious problems, but the staff and the surroundings were comfortable and caring.

I’ve visited friends and close family in hospitals from Sioux Falls to Des Moines and from Spirit Lake to Rochester and the Story County Medical Center ranks as one of the best.

Gale Herrera, Chief Nursing Officer, Story County Medical Center

My heart has been touched tonight and I am so very proud. As I was delivering brochures to various departments, I was notified that we had a patient in the Emergency Department(ED) that was being flown to Mercy due to an evolving MI (heart attack). Upon my arrival to the ED, I immediately witnessed the team in action.

Folks, it doesn’t get any better…anywhere…than this! I would put our team up against anyone’s!!!!

Candy Schainker, Activites Director, Story Medical Senior Care

When Candy Schainker, senior activities director at Story County Medical Center Senior Care, sits down for a moment to talk, it’s in a nursing home atmosphere with houseplants, comfortable armchairs and a cage of parakeets. A house cat makes the rounds of resident rooms.

It might seem like nothing noteworthy, but the backdrop for Schainker’s conversation reflects the major shift in nursing home care philosophy she’s seen since she started this job in 1979.

“My career here has had wonderful support, both personally and professionally,” she said. “I love the relationships you make here. In many ways, you spend more time with these people than you do with your own family. Everything else that you do in this job you do to make those relationships stronger.”

Nelle Kottman, Ames, Iowa

I have told friends, family, and acquaintances from Iowa to France that I received the best restorative care I could have received anywhere in the world.

It is difficult to find the best words to express my appreciation to each member of the staff of Story Medical for your major role in helping me to transition from knee surgery and a small stroke to a return to more normal health.