My son was admitted to Providence Hospital on Saturday March 9th, after complaining of severe abdominal pain, that turned out to be pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. One of the scariest moments was when the doctors made the decision to move him to the ICU, telling us that things are about to get worse, before they will get better.

When a patient is in ICU, it's serious! This can be stressful for the patient, and their loved ones! When you're going through a serious medical issue, you need a good support system close by. They need a reason to fight, and if they see their loved ones keeping vigil next to them, they are more likely to rouse. 

Rest can be the best way to alleviate the stress of caregivers wanting to stay close, but Providence Hospital ICU doesn't encourage family to stay near the patients, and even has rules against anyone sleeping in their room. Next to the bed is a hard chair, and in the corner is a very small love seat. No recliners, or chaise lounge such as what you find in the other hospital rooms.

Why do they encourage the least amount of support at a time in a person's life when they need the most?

The waiting room isn't any better! They only have hard chairs that look like they belong at your local tire shop! Nothing is conducive to rest, and relieving stress!

I am on a mission to change this! 

The quality of care in the ICU is excellent, but we need to change the attitude of administration to give the patients and families the support they need.

The halls of Providence Hospital are very tastefully decorated with lovely statues, paintings, sculptures, and water fountains, so it's not a matter of having the budget to buy a few recliners for the ICU rooms, and chairs that flatten out to be a bed in the waiting room.

I have only been here with my son for three days, and I'm sure he will be going home soon, but I have spoken to families that have been here camping out in the hallways, for more than two weeks keeping vigil in whatever way they can. Why must they resort to pushing chairs together, or sleeping on the floor in order to stay near the person they love?

To the Board of Directors of Providence Hospital, please change this. How would you feel if it were your loved one here, and you couldn't comfortably stay near them, to give the support and encouragement that they need to quickly get better?