Editor’s note: Charles Fuller, a volunteer at the Hefner VA Medical Center’s emergency room and hospice, saw this handwritten note from a woman (U.S. Navy retired) posted in the emergency room nurses’ break room. Fuller said it also reflects his feelings about the good care provided at the VA hospital. The woman’s note was an open letter addressed to the hospital director.

Director,

I must let you know about the great service I received on 18 February from the ER staff. I was very upset and emotional because I had blood in my urine. I was very concerned about this problem, because I take a blood thinner which can cause internal bleeding.

Then my “angel” came in the room, RCN Kim Dodson. She started comforting me immediately and I started to feel better emotionally.

When my blood work came back from the lab, that’s when I met my second “angel,” Dr. Sommers. Dr. Sommers informed me that the bleeding wasn’t caused by taking blood thinner. I had a very bad UTI.

Director, these two staff members were very caring, knowledgeable, concerned and professional. I couldn’t have asked for better care.

I have been receiving medical care from your medical center since June 1997. I would have never received the care in the civilian medical world like I have received from the VA Medical Center over the past years.

Again, a very big thanks to you, to your great staff, and I look forward to many more years of care from your staff.