Close to Home: Emergency Surgery Required

Houston, MO—Texas County Memorial Hospital received commendations from Susan Spector of Roby, who experienced her first stay there following an emergency hernia repair operation.

Susan couldn’t stand up and was very sick upon arrival by ambulance to the emergency room early one Friday morning. After an assessment and a visit to Radiology, she was diagnosed with a trapped bowel due to a hernia. She was aware of the hernia, but multiple other health issues, including COVID, long COVID, multiple episodes of sepsis, and a kidney removal delayed addressing the hernia.

That’s when John Harrington, MD, FACS, general surgeon, was called in. “He came in, sat down, took his time, and talked with me,” shared Susan.

Her first thought was that she would have to go somewhere else for treatment, not thinking it would be a procedure that they would do at TCMH. She was reluctant to endure a multiple-hour ambulance ride and then a possible wait for the procedure to be done.

Dr. Harrington returned to the bedside and said that it would have to be done, and he was willing to do it here if she was okay with that. After reviewing the details with other staff, including anesthesia, the surgery was scheduled and performed on Friday morning.

“Dr. Harrington was very capable, thorough, considerate, conscientious, and professional,” shared Susan. “I didn’t even need to ask very many questions because he covered everything. He never acted like he was in a big hurry and would sit down and talk with me.”

Susan was also impressed with Dr. Harrington’s patience with her and with the hospital staff, helping the staff if needed.

Susan was transferred to the ICU following the successful surgery and remained there until Monday morning, at which time she went to Med-Surg and was then discharged Tuesday morning.

During her inpatient stay, Susan also saw William Errico, DO, family medicine physician, concurrently with Dr. Harrington. Dr. Errico is Susan’s mother’s physician, which began at the TCMH Family Clinic in Licking. Her mother continues to see Dr. Errico at the TCMH Medical Complex in Houston.

Susan also found Dr. Errico to be very conscientious. He asked questions regarding her health history and medications. Together, the doctors took the time to ensure the best treatment possible.

“All the nursing staff that took care of me in the ER, ICU, and on the Med/Surg floor, everyone was very nice and helpful, and I didn’t have to wait for anything,” continued Susan. “I received very good care at the hospital.”

Susan was complimentary of all that was provided for her needs and care, including radiology, respiratory therapy, and dietary. “I couldn’t have asked for better care anywhere,” Susan stated.

After her positive experience with multiple TCMH departments and now feeling better, she banters, “I didn’t make it to obstetrics.”

Thank you, Susan, for trusting TCMH and our staff with your healthcare. We’re thankful that all is well and that we could be of service.

For additional healthcare information at TCMH, call 1-866-967-3311 or visit us at www.tcmh.org