Venice Hospital 'Completely Different Facility'
10/21/2019
Reprinted with permission from the Venice Gondolier Sun, Letter to the Editor
Just a few years ago, the Venice Hospital — known today as Venice Regional Bayfront Health — was plagued by physical problems inherited from the previous owners. At that time, many people were reluctant to seek treatment or surgery there.
Today, the hospital is a completely different facility. I know. I’ve been there recently for a highly sophisticated cardiac operation.
At 6 a.m. Aug. 27, 2019, after several days of careful and thorough examinations and testing, tightly scheduled and coordinated by a specialist cardiac nurse practitioner, including a screening for MRSA bacterium, I reported to Bayfront Health for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVAR). I was promptly and carefully prepared for surgery by a very well trained, careful and dedicated team of specialty nurses.
By 8 a.m. I was in the hands of a team of specially educated, trained and experienced cardiologists. The replacement of the aortic valve by way to the heart through the body’s main artery usually takes two-to-four hours. Mine was accomplished in just under two hours by the exceptional surgical team at Bayfront Health.
After careful monitoring and close observations that day, overnight and part of the next day, I was released from the hospital and on my way home at 3 p.m. Aug. 28 with no pain and only minimal discomfort in my groin where the catheters were entered.
During my time there, Venice Regional Bayfront Health was shipshape, immaculate and organized. I was able to observe because I was transported during my recovery hours to all floors and the basement for follow-up tests.
By the doctors, nurses and other stiff, I was treated with respect, consideration, care and close attention. My overnight nurse and my daytime nurse treated me like a mother treats an ill son.
My care and treatment at Venice Regional Bayfront Health was equal or better than I would have received as a patient if I were not retired but still on active duty as a commander in the U.S. Navy in a Navy hospital.
Paul Bradtmiller
Venice
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