CVPH Meets Retired Nurse's Lofty Expectations

Patient Received Urgent Care She Needed

Plattsburgh resident Barbara Thompson knows a thing or two about providing excellent care. The 96-year-old guided countless patients to better outcomes as a public health nurse in the city for more than a decade.

But in the early morning hours of June 1, Thompson suddenly found herself on the receiving end of care. She woke up in the middle of the night with significant pain in the area of her left shoulder and immediately began worrying about a potential heart attack.

A short time later, she arrived at CVPH’s Emergency Department. And as Thompson was getting admitted, she realized that calmness started to overtake the fear.

“Once I was in the hospital, the nerves left, because I knew I was going to find out what was wrong,” Thompson admitted.

From there, the tests started. Thompson said she went through a thorough physical. As the sun started to rise on a new day, the diagnosis was clear: there was no heart attack. But, she was very dehydrated. She would be sent home with peace of mind and a plan to feel better.

Throughout her time in the Emergency Department, Thompson said she felt very comfortable and had high praise for the nursing team.

“The girls took good care of me. They checked on me frequently, and I was very happy about that,” she noted.

CVPH is taking extra steps to ensure the health, safety and comfort of patients and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.  When asked whether she was ever concerned about coming to the hospital, Thompson said she was never worried and did not think much of it.

She also made it clear that every expectation she had for her care was met.

“I’m a retired nurse, so I’m picky. I expected the best, and I got the best.”

A small health issue now can become a larger issue later. Ignoring symptoms, out of fear for COVID-19 or any other reason, can put your health at risk. The pandemic has not put an end to strokes, heart attacks, cancer, diabetes or mental health, and it won’t prevent a broken arm. Contact your provider’s office with any health questions or concerns. And remember, if you’re in need of emergent care, our Emergency Department is always open and ready to help. Please don’t delay seeking care – your health is too important.

For your peace of mind, we offer several ways for you to receive care:

Video Visits
Telephone Visits
Online Care
In-Person Visits