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Front left to right: Terri Combs, RN, surgery; Amanda Johnston, surg tech; Todd Wilkinson, patient; Dr. Phippen, general surgeon; Will Smart, CRNA; Aaron Shuman, surgery director. Back row left to right: Samantha Williams, RN, med surg; Shelly Hawkins, med surg/ICU director. Not pictured - Amber Nichols, surg tech; Maddie Moore, LPN, med surg; Tabatha Grindstaff, RN, med surg.
Texas County Memorial Hospital continues to demonstrate its commitment to compassionate, high-quality care through the experiences of its patients, one of whom recently shared a powerful story of his time at the hospital.
Todd Wilkinson of Salem arrived at the TCMH Emergency Department on a Monday morning expecting treatment for what he believed was a minor issue. Instead, he was quickly diagnosed with acute appendicitis and admitted for surgery. By that evening, Wilkinson underwent a successful laparoscopic appendectomy.
While the diagnosis and need for surgery came as a surprise, Wilkinson says the care he received from the TCMH team made all the difference.
“From the moment I walked into the ER to the time I was discharged, every single person I encountered was professional, friendly, and genuinely caring,” Wilkinson said. “This was my first major surgery, and they went out of their way to answer my questions and help me feel at ease.”
Wilkinson specifically praised the surgical team, including Sherry Phippen, MD, general surgeon, for their exceptional bedside manner and attention to detail. He also noted the compassion shown by staff in even the smallest moments.
“There was a moment in the operating room when Amanda Johnston, surgical technician, simply held my hand before the procedure,” he said. “That meant more than she probably realized. It helped calm my nerves and reminded me I was in good hands.”
Following surgery, Wilkinson continued to receive attentive care from the overnight nursing and technical staff, who assisted him throughout his recovery process.
“They were always there to help me get up and walk and make sure I had everything I needed,” Wilkinson said. “It truly felt like they cared about me as a person, not just a patient.”
Wilkinson and his wife, Jennifer, both reflected on the experience, noting the level of personalized care stood out.
“We found ourselves saying more than once that we probably wouldn’t have received this same level of care at a larger hospital,” he said. “The attention and compassion at TCMH are something special.”
TCMH CEO Bill Bridges says stories like Wilkinson’s reflect the organization’s mission and the dedication of its staff.
“At TCMH, we strive to treat every patient like family,” Bridges said. “Todd’s experience is a testament to the compassion, professionalism, and teamwork our staff demonstrates every day. We are proud to serve our community and honored to be trusted with their care.”
TCMH is proud to provide patient-centered care that prioritizes both clinical excellence and compassion. Stories like Wilkinson’s serve as a reminder of the impact healthcare professionals have on the lives of those they serve each day.
TCMH offers a wide range of services including emergency care, surgical services, obstetrics, imaging, rehabilitation, medical clinics, laboratory, sleep lab, and more. Committed to improving the health of the communities it serves, TCMH combines advanced medical care with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
For more information about Texas County Memorial Hospital and its services, visit www.tcmh.org.