Patient Stories

Adding Convenience & Compassion to Treatment

Suzanne Ampe had a hard November ending up at a Madison hospital with pneumonia for one week. Shortly after being discharged she was readmitted for another week. To combat this tough case of pneumonia, Ampe needed a daily course of IV antibiotics. Fortunately for the Stoughton resident, there was a closer option for her ongoing treatment.

“The nurses were great, I can’t say enough good things about them,” shared Ampe when discussing her nine weeks of IV treatment at the Stoughton Hospital Ambulatory Infusion Center (AIC). Ampe was thankful the staff was able to get her in and out as efficiently as possible, never keeping her waiting.

She adds, “the nurses were compassionate. They talk to you like they know you.”

Ampe is done with treatment but continues to come in weekly to have her PICC line bandage changed to prevent infection. When asked if she would recommend Stoughton Hospital, Ampe didn’t hesitate to say “yes, absolutely.”

Benefits of Transitional Care – Swing Bed

Ed Kwiecinski has been a Stoughton Health Swing Bed patient twice over the years. Initially coming from a larger hospital, he was skeptical but within his first day he could see how Stoughton Hospital was different. “I was welcomed from the first day, it was very genuine.”

“My care was fantastic. I couldn’t ask for any better.” He goes on to say that compared to his experience at a larger hospital, “swing bed was more personal and caring and made me feel like I was part of a big family.”

Kwiecinski further shares, “I was so comfortable, so pleased, I recommend it to anyone.”

Compassionate Care

“I had a phenomenal experience with my breast biopsy at Stoughton Health. I was very impressed with my care and the team that worked with me was wonderful. This was the best experience I’ve ever had and I’m not going to go anywhere else besides Stoughton Health because of all the people I have met!

I received fantastic, personalized care during my procedure. I didn’t feel anything, and the team was very quick. I didn’t even realize the biopsy was finished! This really reduced my stress level.

I’ve also been to your ER and all the people in that department are wonderful too!”

Julie B.

Krista Maynard

Life-Saving ER Care

Krista Maynard was enjoying time with her family in Illinois when she started feeling sick and was having intense abdominal pain. At first she thought it was something she ate but the pain from Sunday continued on the way home to Stoughton. By Wednesday she was in bed all day with continued pain and a fever. On Thursday she decided it was time to go the Stoughton Hospital’s ER.

The ER team immediately began evaluating Krista to determine the source of her discomfort. “I was really impressed how they sprung to action,” shares Maynard. “They worked as a team and were really on top of my care.”

After a number of tests, Maynard was shocked to learn she had a very serious kidney infection.
Dr. Davidson-Fiedler explained the treatment plan to Maynard and recommended she stay overnight for observation. “Dr. Davidson explained everything so clearly. Her bedside manner was awesome.” Had she waited longer for treatment, she would have developed sepsis. “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the ER team, they literally saved my life.”

Maynard ended up staying at Stoughton Hospital Thursday and Friday. Her experience on the Medical/Surgical floor was also positive. “The nursing staff was awesome…they were sweet, kind and chatted with me,” explains Maynard.

“I am thankful we have a hospital in our community and I didn’t have to drive miles to get great care.”

Choosing Stoughton Health

Susan is a long-time patient and fan of Stoughton Hospital. “Ten years ago I was at the hospital with a kidney stone and the nurses were so kind. They cared so much about my level of pain.”

“Every experience at Stoughton Hospital has been absolutely wonderful,” she shares. “Even my colonoscopy was a wonderful experience. That means a lot to me.”

She is an advocate for Stoughton Hospital telling her friends and family they should come to Stoughton Hospital. “No one could believe I got breakfast and a loaf of bread to take home after my colonoscopy,” Susan explains. “I try to get all of my friends to come to Stoughton Hospital for their mammograms.”

Susan talks about other healthcare settings where she has felt like a number. “You feel like you matter at Stoughton Hospital, because you do.”

Most recently, Susan has been at Stoughton Hospital for her mammogram. She was happy to learn that Stoughton Hospital is a leader in 3D mammography, which she feels is important technology for women. “The 3D mammogram can see things the older technology can’t and that’s important.”

Susan was very impressed with Katie, her mammography technician. “You can tell Katie really cares about her job. From the moment she called my name I felt welcomed. She had a big smile on her face when she came to get me.”

During the mammogram Katie explained what was happening every step of the way. She was very knowledgeable and at the end of her appointment showed Susan the difference between 2D and 3D images. “Katie was so kind, caring and competent.  She explained everything to me and I learned so much.  She was just awesome and fabulous.  It is true that exceptional care happens at Stoughton Hospital!”

When Katie walked Susan out she told her she made today a pleasure.

Susan received a letter asking her to come back for some additional images. Susan was grateful to be able to get in quickly for her second appointment. “Katie really made a scary experience as easy as possible for me.” When the new images showed the area of concern to be calcium deposits, “Katie gave me a big hug.”

“Everyone at Stoughton Hospital cares, are kind, and so thoughtful!  I could just cry happy tears!  I am so happy to have Stoughton Hospital so close to home!”

Susan – Stoughton

Road to Recovery with Physical Therapy

Richard Albright

Retired dentist Rich Albright fell this winter, hitting the back of his head. Afterward, he experienced an extreme tightness in his neck. His provider recommended two things: medication and physical therapy. The medication helped but didn’t solve the issue completely, so Albright chose to go to the Stoughton Health Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Clinic.

After just one session with his physical therapist Jennifer, he felt much better. “The massage really helped. She also gave me exercises with excellent instructions to do at home.” Albright has a few more visits scheduled with Jennifer and is optimistic about being pain-free.

Albright also shared how much Stoughton Health Physical Therapy helped him last year after dealing with knee pain for twenty years. After experiencing an injury to his knee, he found it more comfortable to walk with his foot pointed out. Physical Therapist Jenni suggested he correct the motion and point the foot forward when walking. After correcting his walk and doing the exercises prescribed by Jenni he no longer experienced knee pain.

“I would recommend Stoughton Health Rehabilitation to anyone who needs physical therapy. They are fantastic at what they do and will get you on the road to recovery,” shares Albright.

Kid Friendly Urgent Care

My son has been into the Stoughton Hospital Urgent Care three times this winter due to various ailments including RSV and follow up for a hamster bite. Regardless of how busy the ER has been on our visits, the doctors and nurses we have encountered have been nothing short of phenomenal. My son has no fear in coming here when necessary and, as parents, my husband and I have always felt listened too and respected. Please be sure to reach out to anyone he has seen at Stoughton Hospital’s UC/ER and let them know they are amazing and we are so grateful for their care.

Patient’s Mother Sonja