We often hear grateful patients and families ask how they can say thank-you to hospital staff for the incredible care they received. This month we are highlighting the Philip Harris Grateful Patient Program, which is just one way families and patients can give back to the medical team that supported them through their toughest days.
“We want to show our appreciation not only for those who directly cared for Mark, but to all of you, because we know that it could have been any one of you who took care of him and he would have received the same excellent care. This gift card is such a small token of our deep appreciation.”
THE HEPPELl family
Ways Patients and Families can Share Gratitude:
- Give a shout out to your local hospital on social media—we love to see positive feedback shared, although be sure not to mention any personal details you don’t want public.
- Share your heartfelt thoughts with the Fraser Health medical team here: Share your heartfelt thanks – Fraser Health
- Consider submitting a testimonial to Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation as well, so we can use your story to encourage donations and sponsorship of new equipment. Testimonials can be shared by emailing info@fvhcf.ca or calling/visiting our office.
- Make a donation through Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation to leave a lasting legacy in your loved one’s honour. You can specify the unit you wish to support, and we can provide a list of equipment on their wishlist to choose from.
In addition to thanking each ICU staff member with a gift card, Mark’s family also chose to leave a lasting legacy by working with Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation to fund an Arctic Sun temperature management system. This remarkable piece of equipment is commonly used to induce therapeutic hypothermia, to reduce isochemic brain injury. It can also warm patients experiencing accidental hypothermia, or control fever in patients experiencing brain trauma. What an incredible legacy that will benefit so many patients moving forward.
“We had time to observe your team and, based on our own experience in business, it was easy to tell that you have a great work culture in spite of working in a very stressful environment. You cover each other off and are very thorough with every patient that came in through your doors….This was our first ICU experience as a large family group, and we hope our last. But should we ever be there again, we know it will be under the most excellent care. I tear up as I write this, but there are no words to express how much we appreciate you all. We saw the long, stressful hours, the shortages of nurses, and how some came in on their days off to cover for each other. The care aides who assist, the respiratory therapists, the kind lady who mopped the floor every day, and the doctors who oversaw and guided Mark’s care.”
The heppell family
When patients or family members give to the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation through The Philip Harris Grateful Patient Program, you help us ensure the highest level of care for our patients. Your contribution, in any amount, can make a significant difference. Gifts of all sizes and types can make a huge impact at the hospitals in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope.
Saying “thank you” has never been easier!
We encourage you to include some kind words about your experience at the hospital. Upon receipt of your grateful patient gift, we will send a card to the person(s) you wish to honour. If you don’t know who provided the care, we are able to forward your written thanks to those individuals. You will receive an official receipt for income tax purposes.
Gifts from grateful patients and families can:
- Purchase new equipment and updated technology
- Support patient programs
- Fund comfort items designed to make Hospital stays more comfortable
- Provide an act of kindness, like purchasing cookies or coffee for a department/unit
For more information on contributing to the Philip Harris Grateful Patient program please visit:
Grateful Patient – Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation
