Miss Monique Garcia ran the floor the day that I was admitted and to say that I was extremely impressed is an understatement. She took control of me right when I walked through the doors. There was not a moment wasted nor was there a time that I questioned what to do as she was holding my hand through this daunting and horrific experience and process. There was never a time when I was left to sit wondering or waiting (as I have in the past) and her concern, professionalism, and knowledge were damn impressive. She should have been a doctor. In fact, she was better than the doctor. You could tell that she was respected by those on the floor and was willing to help them in any way whatsoever. It was obvious that she was more than willing to do exactly what they were doing, despite her position. Her attitude was let's get this done. I hope that the staff of men and women truly take note and see what professionalism and true patient care looks like and encourage and support that they should aspire to be like her. In fact, you should expect all of your ER employees to mimic her performance, without question. The doctor was caring, but a bit clueless on my particular history. I told him I had Lynch Syndrome and he said he didn't think it mattered. Miss Garcia walked in on the conversation and said, 'Well yes it does matter, and we need to look at all of the variables because of this disease" and began by explaining the major details of this particular syndrome. The attendants were great, but from past experience, I know that this was in direct response to Ms. Garcia's commanding presence of running the ER. It was obvious she was not a slacker and very top notch and expected her team to be the same because it did reflect on her and her performance. While she had other patients in the ER, she made you feel as you were the only one there and she gave you 100% of her time and her willingness to make the process as gently and efficiently as possible. The person who checked me out needs to go and you need to give lesson's on not only manners but compassion and professionalism. There are in fact classes for medical personnel regarding this and I strongly suggest you spend the money on the training because this would have been an A+ experience until my encounter with the exit personnel. When this individual did my take out or exit review from the emergency room, the first point of reference was the bill...not my experience, how I was feeling but jumped right into the expense and the bill due. The bill was $15000+ and she asked if I could pay $6000 there on the spot. Are you kidding me? I said no, I came in on an emergency basis, had been a client of Community Hospital for over 30 years; my husband being an ALS patient I a Stage IV Cancer Patient and that I have given Community Hospital well over hundreds of thousands of dollars without any missed payments. I said, I only have $200 with me and she had the audacity and the nerve to ask for that! Classless, rude, baseless and just downright crude not to mention insulting. Is this your protocol for people who come in for medical emergencies, give their current insurance card and ID and still want money on the spot? If I had on my ring or a watch I have no doubt she would have taken that as collateral which is not only offensive but again, an extremely bad representation and a definite black mark on how our little once loved Community Hospital works today. I feel if that is your 'new standard' you should put an ad in all of the newspapers and all local televisions that that is your policy so don't bother coming unless you have or can write a check for $5oooK...we're not interested. So much for putting the patient first. In closing, all of your medical staff in the emergency room should be trained and approved and hired by Miss Garcia. She is top notch and you have no idea how lucky you are to have this very hard working, on top of everything, never missing a detailed employee. But shame on you for your money hungry antics. But bravo for having dedicated people who walk into the ER and are lucky enough to have Miss Garcia walk them through the process with grace and ease. read more
