For Susan Geck, a trip to the Catawba Valley Medical Center Emergency Department
was certainly unplanned. Susan, 52, was experiencing stroke symptoms and
time was precious. After a quick diagnosis and the CVMC physicians conferring
with another facility about treatment options, Susan was now on a journey
to deal with not only the stroke’s effects, but the rehabilitation
that followed.
She placed her recovery in the hands of CVMC’s staff, who are a big
reason why the facility was recognized with a Women’s Choice Award
for Stroke Treatment this year. A resident of Hickory, Susan found that
her hometown physician and the professionals who would see her through
her journey were a blessing she won’t soon forget. “Everything
about my experience was exceptional,” she said. “It was more
than just treatment. Everyone genuinely cared about me getting better.”
“Caring” is a word Susan uses repeatedly when describing her
caregivers. “The whole process – coming through the facility,
seeing the doctor, working with the therapists – it was so smooth,
and I was grateful that their main concern was me getting better each
day. Everything was outstanding.”
In fact, for a separate rehabilitation need after the stroke, she chose
CVMC for that treatment as well. “I can’t say enough about
the quality of care they give. Simply the highest level of quality possible.
There’s something different about Catawba. It’s like a family
there. And they treat me as part of that family.”