Alicia Seaton, Patient at Valley West Maternity Suites

Serenity Olivia Seaton

            I gave birth at Valley West on January 24. Growing up in the 'burbs' I was dead set against delivering at Valley West. My pregnancy was high risk so we saw Dr. Brett Cassidy in Sandwich and went to another local hospital for testing. From the beginning, Dr. Cassidy told us about how wonderful Valley West is, but I still did not want to deliver there. Throughout my pregnancy, however, we visited Valley West Maternity Suites for testing and monitoring. After those visits, I was fine with delivering at Valley West.

            Every single person: maintenance, dietary, nurses, CNAs, volunteers in the gift and the front door - were beyond fabulous.  Everyone was kind, there to help in a split second and professional.
             If anyone ever asks how we were treated and about the quality care, I will stand behind Valley West 100%. I wanted to make sure you knew how impressed and wonderful our visits have been. I would like send a huge thank you not just to labor and delivery but every employee at your hospital. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience. 

Cindy Akre, Caregiver from Plano

I took my father-in-law in to Valley West Hospital for an ultrasound today.  During registration, we were handed a "Best Care . . . Always" card about a survey and I wish to share some comments. I traditionally take my father to all his testing; I did the same for my mother-in-law, who came into Valley West last year on and stayed for a few weeks. 

             My mother-in-law was under the care of two doctors:  Drs. Kavanaugh and Mason. We were so satisfied with the care she received while at the hospital.  There were days no one was sure she was going to "make it." Her body was riddled with infection when she came in and we had to don gloves and protective gear.  The staff was wonderful, bringing us light food and drinks more than one time on a cart left outside the room.  They allowed our family to "loiter" in the hallway, partly because of the relaxed atmosphere of the hospital.  There were often only a few patients in that wing at a given time.  This is one of the huge things we love about Valley West.

            My first child was born there in 1983.  Today, while taking Dad, I was so thankful I didn't have to "go east" to Copley and fight traffic, angry drivers and multiple stoplights.  When we get to Valley, the atmosphere and people are so pleasant—reflecting the name on the street by the front of the hospital.  Though Dad won't be able to answer specific survey questions about his test, I want you to know the family appreciates our experiences there, and we do look forward to continued association with this hospital.  It's our first choice!

Patricia Feuerborn, Patient at The Cancer Centers at Valley West and Kishwaukee Community Hospitals

After her annual mammogram with Dr. Sandy Kwak, the radiologist who read the test, at Valley West Community Hospital, Patricia Feuerborn received the news that no woman wants to hear. The test had shown a suspicious area. After another mammogram and a follow-up sonogram, the results were still inconclusive, but Dr. Kwak wasn’t comfortable letting it go so she asked Patricia to follow up with her regular doctor who then referred her to a surgeon.

A biopsy was done of the suspicious area and Patricia was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer and lumpectomy was performed at another local hospital. Patricia then decided to come back to The Cancer Center at Valley West Community Hospital for her chemotherapy, and received radiation treatments from The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital. Both hospitals and cancer centers are part of the KishHealth System.

Protecting

Patricia was very impressed by the persistence of Dr. Joseph Kmiecik, who followed up and continued to order more tests until a diagnosis was reached.

“I am very thankful that Dr. Kmiecik didn’t drop the issue when the first mammogram was inconclusive. He performed a second mammogram and a sonogram that both proved inconclusive. But he kept seeing tiny specks on the scans, and he knew it was something to be concerned about. He kept at it and made sure I did too.”

“Because Dr. Kmiecik was persistent they were able to find the cancer early and treat it successfully.”

Healing

After Patricia’s lumpectomy she decided to return to The Cancer Center at Valley West Community Hospital for her chemotherapy.

“I chose to take my chemotherapy at Valley West because of the convenience of not having to travel far. It is only a few miles from my home.”

“I did my radiation at The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital because it is an easy drive. It is basically a straight shot up to Sycamore and since it was winter when I was receiving my radiation, it was easier for my husband to drive to Sycamore.”

“Dr. Ramesh Kola and the entire staff at Valley West are caring and kind people. The care I received was excellent.”

Educating

During her chemotherapy treatments at Valley West Community Hospital, she felt she was well informed.

“Dr. Kola and the nurses were very good about explaining what drugs they were giving me, what the drugs did and what side effects to watch out for, which was good because I did have an allergic reaction to one of the drugs. One of the common drugs that are used for chemotherapy is the drug that I reacted to.  However, Dr. Kola changed the drug twice until he found one that didn’t bother me and would still do the job.”