Non-Beebe physician thrilled by excellent care
After retiring from my pediatric practice in Washington, D.C., my wife, Jan, and I moved to Lewes because of the beach environment and its relaxing lifestyle. We really didn't give much thought to the medical care available here, but through the years I have had the opportunity to talk to ED physicians whenever one of my patients, while on vacation, had gone to Beebe Healthcare. All of the physicians impressed me with their thoroughness and knowledge.
When I decided the time had come to have a second knee replacement surgery, my thought was to go back to D.C. and have it performed by the same surgeon in the same hospital where I had the first knee replacement, eight years ago. I was hesitant because the surgery had been difficult and the recovery seemed to take forever. So first, I decided to look into what Beebe Healthcare had to offer. I had a consultation with Dr. Edmund Carroll III who had been highly recommended by a friend. I had also heard there had been some advancements made in knee replacement surgery, which Dr. Carroll assured me would help make this surgery a better experience than the last time around. For example, instead of general anesthesia, Dr. Carroll used spinal anesthesia for me and a nerve block to keep the knee numb for a couple of days after the surgery, providing quicker ambulation and recovery.
I also learned that Beebe offered a pre-op class for both the patient and home care provider, which in my case would be my wife. This had not been part of my surgical experience before in D.C. and both of us found it extremely helpful. The class was filled with other knee and hip replacement patients and their caregivers. The nurses presented a range of important tips and strategies from how to prepare for surgery and what to expect post-op, to the importance of preventing infection. Something we found especially helpful was how important in recovery the process of icing the knee would be. We discussed medications and how to manage pain correctly. We learned that I would probably be in the hospital no more than two days, which was a happy surprise since I had stayed in the hospital 10 long days with the first surgery. The nurse also explained how the outpatient physical and occupational therapies would work. After the one-hour class, we felt such a sense of relief, and my wife was not as anxious as she had been about her role as my caregiver.
The surgery went perfectly and as expected I was discharged after spending only two nights. The nurses and attendants at Beebe Healthcare were all professional, helpful and friendly. My Beebe physical therapist was excellent and encouraged me to keep trying, and after two weeks I was ready to move on. Over the years as a doctor I have learned that a good outcome of any stay in a hospital depends not only on the skill of the doctor but also on its staff. Joseph DeRanieri, executive director of Orthopaedic Services, said, "Each day I am inspired by the dedication and the quality of care our orthopaedic team provides to their patients. They are a group of healthcare professionals who positively change people's lives."
It was with great gratitude that I made my proud personal contribution in honor of the staff at Beebe Healthcare for the excellent care I received. I know I made the right decision by having my surgery done with Dr. Carroll and the award-winning orthopaedic program at Beebe Healthcare. Our community is lucky to have such a great healthcare facility right here at home in Lewes!
Beebe Healthcare received The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for Joint Replacement - Hip, Joint Replacement - Knee, and Spine Surgery. The Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. Beebe underwent a rigorous on-site review. Clinical practice guidelines and performance measures also were assessed.
Beebe Healthcare is a recipient of the Healthgrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award for 10 years in a row (2007-16), and is the only recipient in Delaware and on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Healthgrades also named Beebe Healthcare one of Healthgrades' America's 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery in 2016, and among the Top 10 in the Nation for Overall Orthopaedic Services for 10 years in a row (2007-16).
Beebe received five-star ratings for Total Knee Replacement for 13 Years in a Row (2004-16) and for Spinal Fusion Surgery for seven Years in a Row (2010-16).
As a community-owned, not-for-profit healthcare system, Beebe continues to depend on the generous support of individuals, corporations, businesses, and private foundations. All gifts, large or small, to Beebe Healthcare, are tax deductible and are channeled through Beebe Medical Foundation. To make a donation or to learn more about Celebrate Excellent Care, go to www.beebemedicalfoundation.org or contact the Beebe Medical Foundation at 302-644-2900 or foundation@beebehealthcare.
