ICU

I've spent my share of time at the ICU unit of Southampton Hospital: my grandmother, my father, my father-in-law, my husband, my dear friend's father - I sat for many hours in the waiting area and in the patient rooms for each of those people. So I know a bit about the stress and exhaustion that go with someone you love being in the Intensive Care Unit.

This week Southampton Hospital opened their newly refurbished ICU and it is a beautiful thing. New lighting, the newest equipment, including beds that do everything from weight the patient to lifting them out to a standing position, a new call system, beautiful new decor, and the best of everything for the care of critical patients. I was so impressed with the vision and care of the staff and their excitement and enthusiasm about the new space. And I was happy to know that not only was this space going to enable the staff to take the best possible care of their patients, but they would also be able to do so in pleasant, efficient surroundings.

It made me think about how grateful I am for the generous people who donate to the hospital every year because all of us benefit from their gifts. And it reminded me how lucky we are that we have this community hospital here on the East End to take care of us when we need it. There are people in other areas of this country who have to drive hours to get to the closest hospital. I'm so glad that's not the case here. So I tip my hat to the staff and administration of Southampton Hospital, and it's generous donors, for making a difference for all of us.