They’re The Best!

Last week I was in Bracebridge to attend a friend’s 65th surprise birthday party. Judi and I decided to stay overnight the day before so that we would be on time for the cruise that was scheduled to start at 11:30 AM. That night I became very uncomfortable with a pain in my side. I toughed it out that night and well into the next morning. I wanted to be there for my friend’s surprise. About midway into the morning I couldn’t stand the pain anymore and drove myself, with Judi to the Bracebridge Hospital. There, they tested me and put me on intravenous. The hospital and their staff were terrific! Finally, after the pain subsided they sent me home (back to the hotel). They thought I had just passed a kidney stone. I was fine that afternoon and evening and enjoyed my friend’s reception and party. The next day I was still feeling okay, so we went ahead with our plans to visit the Dundas International Buskerfest. I felt fine the whole day, except that I was extremely hot. I put this down to the temperature outside. By the time we dove home I was still okay but feeling hot and tire. That night the pain same back, this time with a very high fever! Once again I toughed it out overnight, but in the morning I was in rough shape. Judi and I took a taxi to our local Northumberland Hills Hospital. Once again they tested me to try to determine what my problem was. After receiving the test results, the Emergency Room Doctor told me I had a kidney infection and that they were keeping me in the hospital for a few days to get my temperature and infection under control. Within 5 days I was feeling better and they discharged me. My reason for writing this blog is simple. I want people to know how wonderful our hospitals and their staff are. During my stay at the Northumberland Hill Hospital I could not have been treated better. The staff was very kind and attentive. It always upsets me when I hear on American television how bad our system is. Yes the system has its problems, but so does the American system. Nothing is ever perfect, but with the type of personnel we now have in our hospitals, the future is very bright. During my stay at our hospital there were a number of interns working with the hospital doctors. I just hope some of them stay in our community. My final reason for this blog is to encourage people who are not feeling well when they attending an out of town function to take advantage of the community’s local hospital. I am sure that you will appreciate the local hospital, its staff and volunteers as much as I did!