Recovering patient thanks Cottonwoods

DEAR EDITOR:

I wonder if the people of Kelowna are aware of the first-class institution in their midst. I speak of the short-term care area of Cottonwoods on Ethel Street.

It was a life saver for me.

At the tender age of 97, I had a knee replacement on March 14 at Kelowna General Hospital. The operation went well but to be up and walking at 97 required some extra time to recover. I was aware that the short-term care at Cottonwoods had an excellent reputation for physiotherapy and that was the place to begin for me.

As I discovered, it is a well-run place with dedicated staff. All residents must go to the dining room for their three meals a day. The meals are nourishing and varied and it is there that you receive your medications – efficiency and encouragement of patient mobility combined.

Cottonwoods short-term care has a quality asset in their physio department. The physio staff were quick to discern how to begin my recovery and after a few days had me up on my feet. From there, it was progressive but not easy – it was so difficult to walk that many times I felt I could not continue. But the physio staff never gave up and eventually I could see and feel improvement until I was ready for discharge on April 20.

I am also lucky that I live in Northwoods, another great place with good food and wonderful, caring staff that have aided in my continuing recovery to full mobility.

I am aware that much of our health-care system is weakening and not sufficient for many, but there are bright spots and we have one right here in Kelowna.

Let’s celebrate it.

Sybil Wahl, Kelowna