Outstanding Care and Compassion

With the launch of the Great Connections program comes an opportunity to share a particularly moving example of why we do what we do each and every day. This letter by Dave McGrattan, companion of Doctor Janice Doull, a resident at Ryan Hall, gives a moving testimonial of what compassionate, attentive care means not only to the person receiving it, but also for the people who love them. Thank you so very much, Dave, for taking the time to share the story of your Great Connection.

To the executive management of Shannex Nova Scotia:

It was with great sadness that the family and friends of Doctor Janice Laura Doull marked her passing while under palliative care at Ryan Hall in Bridgewater, NS, on May 30th, 2019.

Janice had been a resident in the Mariner wing for the past several years. As her closest friend and constant companion, I had the privilege of visiting Jan for seven hours a day, seven days a week, during her entire stay at Ryan Hall. I quite possibly spent more time there than the majority of your employees as I never took any planned days off from my visiting schedule. During the extensive time period I spent with Janice, one thing was consistently clear: the quality of care she received at your fine facility. Jan loved those who attended her, in any capacity, and it was obvious her affection was reciprocated by many.

The vast majority of the employees at Ryan Hall, including the current site manager, Kim Clattenburg, nursing staff, caregivers, house-keeping and maintenance/tech personnel, recreation staff and volunteers, along with therapists, dieticians and administrative support workers, went well above and beyond the call of duty, on a daily basis, in their care of my dear friend, Janice. Indeed, I witnessed that same care being extended to the other clients in residence, as well. Your organization is to be truly commended on the high degree of professional competence and the ever-evident empathy of all your Ryan Hall employees.

It was during her final few days that the superior quality and caring of your Bridgewater personnel truly made an incredible difference to Jan, as well as to me. 

Kim Clattenburg stayed well past her regular working hours to support and advise Jan’s family and friends. The nursing staff and caregivers were nothing short of wonderful in their ongoing attempts to keep Janice (and me, for that matter) comfortable during that crucial time period. As a result of their collective efforts, when her time came, Jan passed away gently and peacefully in her sleep.

Because of their outstanding care and compassion for my dear friend, Doctor Janice Doull, I will be forever grateful to and appreciative of the exemplary staff at Ryan Hall.

Sincerely,

Dave McGrattan