tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32053362.post115578242414408241..comments2024-03-18T06:27:51.599-04:00Comments on Not Running a Hospital: Sad and beautiful storyPaul Levyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065446378970179507noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32053362.post-1160272980633122292006-10-07T22:03:00.000-04:002006-10-07T22:03:00.000-04:00Thank you for sharing this very special letter fro...Thank you for sharing this very special letter from a family member of a patient cared for at the BIDMC. I have worked at the medical center for over 25 years and have had the opportunity to be a part of caring for patients in their final days and hours in this life. The nurse is the most visible person to the family and the conduit for the family. There also are many other people who play a role. Attending physician, fellow, resident, intern, respiratory therapist, patient care assistant, social worker, pharmacist, unit coordinator, pharmacy technician and pastor. I'm very happy to be a part of this fine hospital.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32053362.post-1159266734220425032006-09-26T06:32:00.000-04:002006-09-26T06:32:00.000-04:00I certainly never thought about it much before wor...I certainly never thought about it much before working here, but it is an important part of the daily workings of a hospital. We cannot save everybody -- and, in fact, it is sometimes important to let a person die with dignity rather than prolong life unreasonably. When my sisters and I ended life support for my mom in New York, the ICU nurse at NY Presbyterian supported our decision by saying to me, "We can keep people alive for a long time, but it is not always the right thing to do."<BR/><BR/>Family members are often called upon to make that final decision, and it can be wrenching. We have a palliative care program at BIDMC that helps patients and family members through those final days and hours.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32053362.post-1159098721655566162006-09-24T07:52:00.000-04:002006-09-24T07:52:00.000-04:00I must say that it gives me some insight on death,...I must say that it gives me some insight on death, which is a tough crossing for all people, I suppose. It certainly is something I think about now and then, and, while it is a natural phenomenon, the fear of it is, nontheless, very present in my mind. As they say, will cross that bridge when I come to it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com