Connie Reitsma was determined to get better. A serious hamstring injury wasn’t going to keep her down for long so she decided to investigate physiotherapy to help with the healing process. Although it took her a couple of stops along the way, she was eventually referred to the Physiotherapy clinic at the Almonte General Hospital. Just when she thought things were starting to look up because she had her first appointment scheduled, she began experiencing severe dizziness, disorientation and nausea.
As if the leg injury wasn’t bad enough, Connie had developed Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a common cause of dizziness. While BPPV can occur in children, the older you are, the more likely it is that your dizziness is due to BPPV. About 50% of all dizziness in older people is due to BPPV.
As fortune would have it, BPPV can also be treated by a physiotherapist – enter Mary Davies. Mary has worked at the Physiotherapy Clinic for more than 20 years and has a vast amount of knowledge and experience accumulated during her career. Mary was assigned to work with Connie who couldn’t be happier with the results.
“Mary has been wonderful in helping me get better. She’s been patient and helpful. I think she really does a wonderful job,” said Connie. That’s why Connie and her husband Gerrit decided to nominate Mary for a Guardian Angel Award. Established by the AGH-FVM Foundation, the awards are a way for patients, residents, family members, staff and volunteers to recognize staff and volunteers who have touched their lives in an extraordinary way.
The nomination includes a donation (minimum $25) and once submitted, the staff member receives a Guardian Angel pin and public recognition for their exemplary care.
Connie presented Mary with the pin on Oct. 15 after Hospital President and CEO Mary Wilson Trider thanked her for doing such a wonderful job. Foundation Managing Director Al Roberts thanked Connie and Gerrit for making a donation through the Guardian Angel program.
For more information on nominating your Guardian Angel at AGH or FVM, please visit: www.almontehospitalfoundation.com