Mary Greeley Staff Goes Beyond Expectations

Desiree Darland, Gina Crisman,
Chrystel Hatcher and Margaret Liston,
Operating Room

Betsy was so grateful for the care that she made a donation in honor of several staff members who played a key role in the events that saved her life in April 2015. Below is an excerpt from Betsy’s letter.

“My hospital admission started out as a planned but complex surgery. What was unplanned was the fact that about 30 hours prior to my admission my husband began experiencing symptoms of pulmonary edema and had to be taken to Mary Greeley’s emergency department. He was ultimately sent to the cardiac cath lab for placement of a fourth stent and admitted to the ICU. Fortunately our daughter lives close by and was able to bring me to the hospital the next morning and stay for my surgery.

Scott Cue, Radiology

As with any major surgery, I was well aware there could be complications. I had confidence in my surgeon’s skill and never considered postponing the surgery despite knowing my husband would not be able to be involved in decisions regarding my care. 

In my case, there was a complication that resulted in internal bleeding, and I needed to return to the OR to find and fix the bleeding. I heard the surgeon say, “We need to do this to save your life.” 

So with my husband in ICU and my daughter not immediately reachable, I was taken back to the OR. It felt very important to me to know who was in the room. Forcing my eyes to open and look in the eyes of my surgical nurses, my anxiety was reduced as I saw the familiar eyes of Desiree Darland, Gina Crisman and Chrystel Hatcher. Margaret Liston, one of the most caring and dedicated nurses I’ve ever met, was also close at hand. 

Patrick Schmalzried, House Manager

In hindsight, when I realized the time of night this surgical team was assembled I was overwhelmed by the personal sacrifices these caring and compassionate nurses make. To have their sleep disrupted; to be pulled away from their families and focus their skills on healing others so they may return to their loved ones is something we ought never take for granted. I know I never will. 

Although I have no memory of going from PACU to the Surgical Unit and from there to the ICU, I do remember key moments that reduced my anxiety and made me feel safe. I remember a familiar and trusted voice – a voice that turned out to be Patrick Schmalzried’s. I later learned that Patrick had been with me for two hours. At the time, I had no idea and no concept of time and can only guess everything he must
have done to keep me safe. 

I cannot forget the depth of gratitude I felt when later I learned from my daughter that Scott Cue came and sat with her in the family waiting room. She described his interaction with her as one of genuine care and concern. Despite not having any other family members within 400 miles of Ames, my daughter felt like she had the support of family.”