Letters from our Patients and their Families

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

I wanted to thank you for everything you have done for me during this and my previous stays. What you have created here is incomparable.

From the nurses, social workers, doctors and everyone in between, I felt heard, respected and cared for. I was treated like a person. Working in this field is stressful, draining and often emotional. This can lead to burn-out and cynicism, but your staff are compassionate, kind and patient. It’s a true gift in the world and most certainly in this line of work. Dr. Garner listened to me without judgement, put me on a path to sobriety and welcomed me back without a second thought. Humble and wise, she helps more people than she could ever realize.

When patients come into detox as addicts and alcoholics, they are not only intoxicated but often broken. The shame, guilt and embarrassment overwhelm you. A kind word and open mind goes a long way in the first moments. The social workers listen to our stories, get to know who we are outside of addiction and find that glimmer of hope in us, foster it and help it to grow. The groups bring us together in a time when we feel so disconnected and help us create plans to keep us on a path to recovery based on our strengths and goals, not theirs. Enough cannot be said for the nurses who care for us day in and day out. They answer our pages when it’s the millionth one of the day and never make us feel like a burden. Countless small encounters throughout their shifts have a bigger impact than they realize. If we could create a program like this everywhere, the world would truly be a better place. Since we don’t live in an ideal world, I would settle for being absolutely unendingly grateful that I live here and have access to this amazing program. It may be a small program of a distinguished hospital with just a few beds, but the effect the program has can be felt across miles, years and lives.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

Every one of the staff that I came in contact with was wonderful, kind, empathetic, as well as knowledgeable and professional. I was 20 minutes late due to traffic. I called and was rescheduled for later in the morning, however when I arrived the very generous tech brought me right in and got me through the PFT without a problem. My daughter and I left and later that day the results were ready on Patient Gateway. As far as the hospital and the pulmonary department, receptionist and all of the staff that we encountered, from beginning to end were wonderful, AAA+. Thank you.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

I want to tell you that Dr. Brandon Earp was absolutely sensational. Her communication was absolutely a plus. She explained exactly what was going on with my arm and what I should expect. It turns out she will take care of it and everything will be fine. Also, her staff was extremely good. I was very happy. Thank you.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

Dr. Kwait and the fabulous nurse were beyond marvelous. Hard to imagine more wonderful healthcare providers who made a very challenging and terrifying diagnosis and procedure just a little easier with their expertise and kindness. I just cannot say enough good things!

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

I’ve been coming to BWFH for many, many years and they’ve always gone above and beyond. They saved my sanity a couple of times when I was having issues with my doctor here in New Hampshire, and they have been incredibly good. I can’t say enough. I have other people that I’ve told about the facility, and I told them to use Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital. I say every time that I have never had a problem. Everything has always been wonderful and I’m very happy that I’m able to go to your hospital. So thank you very much.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

I want to call out my anesthesia doctor in particular for amazing care. I had a bad experience with anesthesia the last time I needed it and he listened to me and adjusted my care plan to give me a different kind of anesthesia and I felt so much better. I also had wonderful nurses.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

The breast center at BWFH is the nicest doctor’s office experience I’ve ever had. Everyone, from the receptionists to the person who brings you in to the mammogram tech to the doctor, is so kind and polite. I can tell they go out of their way to make patients feel comfortable.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

Dr. Issac is very knowledgeable, considerate, innovative, a good listener and a true expert in his specialty. His injections are both painless and quick. I consider it a privilege to have him on my pain management team.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

I’d just like to say that my impression of the care that I got and the attention and the compassion and the consideration was just excellent. I’ve always been at a small hospital for my needs and my family’s needs and this was the first time I’ve gone to a big Boston hospital. I felt that it had the local feel and everybody made me feel right at home. I can’t say any more. I’m barely a week away from my experience. So everything is still fresh. In particular, my pre-op nurse was excellent. And the fact that I got to meet everybody on my surgical team beforehand just made it feel more personal. I just can’t thank everybody enough for what they did for me.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

Dr. Issa is definitely the most informed about the issues that face me than anyone I have seen (and I have seen a lot of folks). His knowledge continues to astound me. He obviously cares about me (and my husband who has to come with me). I have never felt rushed or belittled or unimportant. He is the right person to work with Fellows because he models how to interact with patients—like few folks do. He also shows them that they need to be always up on the latest literature. I don’t know how he does it, but I am eternally thankful that he is my physician.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

My experience on this day was exceptional. The entire staff from the valet girl who greeted us to the lady in the desk in the ER, nurses, doctors, ancillary staff, CT technicians, Echo staff, truly everyone was so kind and helpful. The hospital was immaculate. I couldn’t believe the difference from the main campus. I grew up in Boston and years ago the Faulkner was not a go-to facility but I am grateful that has changed. After this experience, BWFH will be my go to ER. My young adult daughter accompanied me and EVERYONE cared for her as much as me. This was without a doubt one of the best experiences I have ever had in an ER. My siblings agreed, BWFH has come a long way and I hope and pray it continues to maintain these high standards of care.

When we first arrived it wasn’t too crowded, but that changed quickly. In our observations, every staff member remained calm and were kind with their responses to everyone. It was wonderful to see such camaraderie. One always says you hope you don’t need an Emergency Room but BWFH will be my family’s go-to place. Our experience was seamless. It was so much better than going into the main campus in Boston. I hope I don’t have to return anytime soon but if I do I pray I have a repeat experience.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

From my initial appointment with Dr. Shaw, to getting into my car with assistance post op, I was treated with respect, kindness, professionalism and persistent patience. I felt the entire staff worked so well together as a team. I was consistently aware of their communication not only with me as the patient, but more importantly with each other. Everything went like clockwork, making me feel at ease and confident. And each member did so with a little humor thrown in, making the “discomfort” a little less stressful. Well done, everyone. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience at BWFH.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

Dr. Alqueza was extremely knowledgeable and provided a diagnosis that went into more detail than the analysis I received 4 months earlier. Both facilities recommended the same course of action, but Dr. Alqueza was more analytical. I was extremely impressed. I would recommend Dr. Alqueza to everyone.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

Dr. Taylor is excellent. I feel I’ve had the best care that any physician could give me at such a horrible time in my life. She listened to everything. I have to say, she’s very kind, very polite explained everything very thoroughly and I really do feel blessed to have been treated by her.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

Over the years I have had several procedures, tests and appointments at BWFH. I couldn’t be more satisfied with my experiences. Everyone, from the parking valets out front to the nurses and doctors, treats you with respect and courtesy. More importantly, however, I feel that the quality of care is top-notch.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

Megan Leigh Driscoll, PA-C, MS, was my visit’s primary contact and healthcare provider. She was incredibly friendly and engaging, immediately putting me at ease during a stressful time. She was also very understanding of my concerns and took the time to listen attentively to my symptoms. Megan demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise, which gave me confidence in the care I was receiving. She put me at ease while getting sutures and administered additional local anesthetic when I experienced more pain than expected. Overall, I had a great experience with Meghan and highly recommend her as a healthcare provider!

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

My nurse Mike was so kind and completely kept me informed of every part of the test. He had the utmost respect for my privacy taking on and off EKG leads. He made me feel very comfortable and always explained what was happening. He was very knowledgeable about this procedure. He was also very encouraging during my test. He is an outstanding nurse.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

Phyllis Garr was a great listener, very caring and put me at ease. Given that having surgery requires that you completely put yourself in other’s hands, I felt like I had everyone’s complete focus. That is reassuring.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

I have been a patient at BWFH for years and would never consider going anywhere else. I am always treated compassionately with the greatest respect and concern. Staff are exceptional in all areas. I feel extremely grateful to be a patient and know I always have received the best care I could receive anywhere. Thank you each and all.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

Dr. Shah and the nurses were very kind and helpful. Dr. Shah is an outstanding doctor who exemplifies how to treat patients. He is very passionate and made sure that I understood what the procedures entail. He is to be commended for his outstanding work in the medical field.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

Dr. Ben Smith and his talented compassionate team are THE reason that I always get my colonoscopy performed at BWFH. 100% because of Dr. Smith and his high standard of excellence and consistency of care. I’m ever grateful for this WONDERFUL doctor and his commitment to his work and patients.

Dear Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital,

I wish ALL doctors were like Dr Mutinga. He always makes you feel that you are important to him and always treats me with kindness and respect. He is NEVER condescending and explains any and everything he is going to do and makes sure I am clear about our conversations and any concerns. He is a true gem and I am very grateful he is my gastroenterologist.

Posted 9/1/23