Divine Stories
Roger R. Rognrud – A daughter’s emergency
“I wanted to take the opportunity to express my appreciation for the care that my daughter Nicci received in the emergency department on the evening of May 29, 2002. Abby RN, Kerri EMT, Barb RN, Mary Francis RN, and Dr. Boursier responded to the difficult and complex situation with compassion and concern for my daughter. I wanted to emphasize that Nicci's medical emergency had the potential to be life threatening. The Divine Savior emergency department staff responded quickly and appropriately to treat my daughter's emergency situation and prevent complications. My sincere appreciation and commendation is extended for their professional care.”
Dean and Judy Traut – Helping a father and son
“I wanted to take this time to let you know how pleased we are with the care our family has received from Dr. Paul Kornaus and the rest of the Divine Savior Healthcare staff. It has been a breath of fresh air. We changed to Divine Savior Healthcare this past year and have had nothing but a positive experience. Dr. Kornaus represents what everyone would hope a Doctor would be for their family. He is very accessible and also uses the internet which is a great idea so that one can just ask a question or relate information without taking so much of his time and ours. He runs his practice with flexibility leaving himself reachable when illness arises.
Divine Savior Healthcare as a whole has been a very positive experience. It could not get any better than this. My son returned home from college with a cyst on his back. Doctor Kornaus examined him and sent him to Dr. Schmus. Dr. Schmus saw Joel with in the week and scheduled him for surgery the next week. We were impressed with how prompt the system worked. To make matters even better, my husband returned home from a business trip to take our son to the hospital. When he arrived home he had an infection in his toe. He called the clinic for Dr. Kornaus from the hospital and they worked him in, helping the whole family and respecting the timeframe that we were working with. Neither of these were life threatening problems, but when you do not feel good it is nice someone understands and takes care of you.
The medical service we have received from Divine Savior Healthcare has been excellent and we are looking forward to your new hospital facility that will make everything more convenient. Divine Savior Hospital represents the care that we all would like from our physicians.
A special thanks to Dr. Kornaus.”
Monica Holden – Being a Patient: An LPN’s point of view
“It isn’t easy becoming a patient when you’ve been a nurse. The staff referred to me as ‘being one of our own.’ I was deeply touched by the care and respect given. Dr. Slavik brought in a Pulmonologist, Dr. Couser, to speak with me. They reminded me that any one of the clots could have taken my life. They spoke to me with compassion. I thanked Dr. Slavik for ordering the iodine scan. He said, ‘You should thank Joan Swift. She’s an RN in ICU who suggested it.’ I was pleased that he had listened to her and credited her. Later, I was able to thank Joan and share what Dr. Slavik had told me. She smiled and responded, ‘We’re a team, Monica.’
One of the more difficult times came when I realized that I had become so compromised that I was unable to complete the task of showering without assistance. I sat down with a towel wrapped around me and put on the call light. The aide came in and began to assist. I just dissolved into tears. She stopped helping me and placed a hospital gown over the towel and asked if she could hug me. I nodded, ‘yes.’ She momentarily held me. When I regained my composure, I told her I was ready to finish getting dried off and return to the room. Sometimes a patient needs you to ‘be there’ and say nothing.
In the days ahead, I would be seen by several respiratory therapists and have countless blood draws. The lab techs had found the perfect spot to draw their specs. My veins were still a challenge on occasion, but that crew remained optimistic.
In the months that followed, I needed to strengthen my lungs. A sleep study indicated that I had hypoxic episodes and was given a CPAP to use when sleeping. Dr. Couser prescribed aquatic therapy. I was introduced on a patient basis to the physical therapists at the Medical Center and began water therapy. My strength and endurance were gradually returning.
Nancy Spearing offered to help me with a healthier diet regimen. Together we worked out a good plan. I began to lose weight. Co-workers were amazed at the changes they were seeing. When I returned to cantor mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portage, people didn’t recognize me because of the weight loss.
This very detailed letter cannot possibly convey the extent of my gratitude. I had a desire to acknowledge that it was an entire medical village in existence right here in Portage that has provided me with an opportunity to live and to regain health. Divine Savior Healthcare has given me a 47th birthday to celebrate.”
Kellie Croft, OB patient
“I had both my children at Divine Savior and the care I received was more than excellent. Everyone was so nice and caring – the night shift was so super. The nurses were really caring and helpful.”
Gwen Shillinglaw, OB patient
“Everyone was very helpful, friendly, considerate and knowledgeable.”