Patient Testimonials

Hi Sue and Dr. Carrington,

My name is Jerry Ernsberger, I was referred by and from the VA I go to in Helena, MT to see a Dermatologist because they don’t have one at Helena. I was at Steele Memorial in February at 11:45 am and left before noon. The doctor took off a spot of cancer on my left temple with the help of his assistant Sue. I would like to express how professional they were and well mannered. I truly enjoyed the experience of being in their company.

Jerry Ernsbeger, Salmon, ID

Thank you everyone! Especially to “Caring Angels” who cared for me while I was in the hospital in June. All of you were so kind and thoughtful. You are ALL so special.

Thank you every so much!

Faith Brown, Salmon, ID

Dear Steele Memorial Board Members,

Our family would like to extend our appreciation and thanks for the wonderful care given to our Dad (Gail Andres), during his stay at your facility from September through October. We would like to express what an amazing, dedicated and hardworking staff that you have, everyone from the emergency room, nurses, therapist, lab, cleaning and kitchen staff.  Also, we would like to thank Dr. Swenson and Dr. Hayward for the exceptional care they provided for our Dad. A special heartfelt thanks to the RN’s Taylor, Jennifer and Katrina for their exemplary care and compassion shown to our Dad and his Family.

Sincerely,

Gail Andrews & Family, Salmon, ID

I was only with you for a very short twenty two hours. Thanks for all the warm blankets. I learned just ten minutes before we left for the hospital that my husband’s biopsy for prostate cancer came back positive. Without knowing you, staff was over and above in the care and comfort department. We really hoped for one more day so my husband had 100% confidence in my home care but again you explained all so well, we’ve had no issues. A special shout out to my night nurse who took me through a very painful scary night. She has a very special nursing gift and bedside care was over and above.

Thank you,

Patricia Comstock, Salmon, ID

P.S. I hardly know where to begin, I think you all went to a special Disney school of nursing!

Dear Steele Memorial Medical Center:

I would like to let you know what an extraordinary ED staff you have. On the morning of November 9th, I had to take my Dad (Bern Anderson) to the ED due to cardiac problems. We were able to experience a change of shift with nurses at 3 AM. Both shifts were absolutely wonderful, all four nurses were very kind and concerned about my dad, as well as being very competent. He received the best care possible. They also make sure that we were comfortable at all times, checking with us very often. Dr. Kelly Phelps was very diligent in getting all of the records from Eastern Idaho Medical Center and speaking to the cardiologist, Dr. Phelps has an excellent bedside manner and explained the problems so that my Dad and Mom could understand. He is an excellent physician, we were very lucky to have the staff that we did. Dr. Phelps also was able to get us into the Cardiologist right away. Eastern Idaho Medical Center discharged him knowing he had Cardiac problems without making a follow up appointment with the Cardiologist and adjusting his meds correctly. Dr. Phelps also called us at home later that morning to let us know that thee Cardiologist’s office would call us. So here is a sincere thank you to the staff on duty the early morning of November 9th and kudos to the hospital for employing such excellent staff.

Sincerely,

Bern G. Anderson and Family, Challis, ID

Many thanks for taking such good are of Bob Featherstone the past three weeks. Your caring and going the extra mile to keep him comfortable is so appreciated.

Thank you for all that you do,

Anita Andrus, Salmon, ID

P.S. Enjoy the chocolate from Switzerland.

Dear Emergency Room Team:

Although it’s been several weeks since our emergency room (ER) visit, I feel that I must bring to your attention the outstanding service I received while on vacation. I would like to thank you, as well as commend you for the wonderful treatment that I received. I sliced my foot in the river and was brought to your ER. The doctor and the nursing staff were excellent. I was able to be myself and did a lot of joking around, we actually had a great time considering the injury to my right food and cut tendon.

Please let these employees know that I appreciate their care for me. We found a boot and kept ice on my foot for several days to keep the swelling down but we are not able to do any hiking. My wife and I of course, were very delighted to have finished our vacation traveling over 5000 miles by motorcycle from Ohio and ultimately to Glacier National Park, Montana. Please let these employees know that we appreciate their care for me.

Sincerely,

Richard Morgan, Wauseon, Ohio

I wanted to say a sincere thank you for the kindness, professionalism, skilled attention and care I received at my recent surgery. From the moment I checked in at the reception area, to the conclusion of my surgery and recovery, every single person that I dealt with was caring, heard my needs (anesthetist nurse) and treated me with professionalism. I was anxious and was treated with care and kindness.

Dr. Barton explained the surgery clearly, made me calmer and did a wonderful job correcting my problem. He also called me during the week and I received a nice note from the surgery team during the past week as well. I would return with no hesitation and less anticipation and fear if I ever need another procedure. You are doing a terrific job in patient communication. I taught for a prestigious healthcare facility for 9 years instructing on this very subject. Consequently, I am probably more conscious of how I am treated than someone who was not as educated in that discipline.

Kathryn Barrington, North Fork, ID

I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for the care you gave my husband while he was in the hospital for hip surgery. He is recovering well and we look forward to returning to Salmon to explore the area sometime in the future. It is comforting to know that your nurses and other staff truly care about their patients.

Jolene Peavey, Helena, MT

I searched your website, looked at the plaques hanging on the walls and the literature on the tables, curious what your mission statement might be but didn’t find what I was looking for, so I asked to speak with Mr. Hill to see what he might be able to tell me. I was surprised at how simply he put it:            

"Compassionate Care. No paragraphs and pages of lofty ideals, nothing printed on an ID card, just a concept, easily understood, easily remembered, easily practiced. Compassionate Care."

Let me tell you something. Steele Memorial Medical Center might well set the example for every single healthcare facility in this country with those two words: Compassionate Care. From registration to rehabilitation, the care provided to my mother-in-law during admission for total hip replacement has been exemplary. I’m happy to spread the word - excellent! From clerical staff to dietary and housekeeping, rehabilitative services, physicians, nurses, aids and unit clerks, every single member of the team, without exception, has provided the best care I’ve ever been exposed to as a patient or family member, including my experience as a hospital employee, EMS, in-home and hospice care provider.

I’d like to commend everyone involved with Room 205 Bed 2 from August 7 through discharge (I’d name individuals but, invariably, I’d forget someone and I don’t want anyone left out!) for the finest Compassionate Care I’ve ever experienced in a hospital setting. Thank you for what you do so well; it makes all the difference. Please pass the kudos along - we are so pleased we chose SMMC.

Rene’ Wagner

Barbara,

The milkshake hit the spot! Thank you, it was wonderful.

Love,

Sheila Ankrum, Salmon, ID

Dear SMMC,

The Surgical team Cecil, Tom, Ginger, and Dr. Deutchman said, “that they would stay and help me and complete a follow up post-surgery,” they did everything they said they would.

Sincere thanks to all,

Gayla Lesley, Salmon, ID

Dear SMMC,

Being a recent guest at the Steele Memorial Medical Center following a surgery performed by Dr. Deutchman, I felt compelled to submit a letter about my five day stay. I cannot say enough about Dr. Deutchman, we are so fortunate to have someone with his qualifications in our small community. His confidence in his abilities is an added bonus. The surgical staff that I met before surgery was optimistic and helpful in letting me know about the role they would play in my procedure. After I was moved to my room, the nursing staff took over my care with amazing efficiency. Their response time when I pushed my call button was always prompt. Charles went out of his way to furnish a comfortable chair to relieve back pain I was experiencing and advised me of some wonderful heated washcloths that I could freshen up with until I could bathe. His attention to detail is admirable. Tiffany provided and applied some much needed lotion to my feet and legs and Lisa and Johnna were patient and helpful. The staff I encountered provided encouragement and an upbeat attitude. Thank you for making my stay a positive experience.

Sincerely,

Mary Benton, Salmon, ID

Dear SMMC,

I want to thank everyone for your kindness and help. You took such good care of me and answered all my questions. It has been so hard for me since my husband past away in January.

With Love and Thanks,

Suzanne Kosteczko, Salmon, ID

Dear Ali, Joel, and all the staff at Steele Memorial Medical Center,

Thank you for the great care you have provided and for the good humor. You all have been great.

Thanks,

John & Peggy Parker, Challis, ID

Dear SMMC,

Last month, I had a procedure done by Dr. Deutchman. He and the entire surgical team received a well-deserved “thank you” from me. This was outstanding care from all.  I would also like to thank Dr. Phelps, Janoa, Colleen, Jason, April, and Becky from the Emergency Room, all preformed in excellent fashion. Both visits all displayed compassion, competency, and great communication skills. All seem so happy “on the job!” This 33 year Salmonite is impressed more each day, each visit. Keep up this fine service to our community.

Sincerely,

William (Bill) Schlenk, Salmon, ID