Getting Jim back on his feet
Jim Williamson, 77, of Randle has two new knees—and a strong respect for Morton Hospital’s staff from the front office person, to the nursing staff, to the rehab services staff. However, he didn’t come by that respect from his surgery experience—Morton Hospital doesn’t do orthopedic surgery. No, Jim came by it after the fact.
Jim has lived in Randle full time for the last 18 years. He first bought an unfinished cabin in 1990 with the idea that he’d live in it after he retired from his position as head of maintenance at a chemical plant. “I retired on August 1, 2000 and I’m still working on the cabin,” he said with a laugh.
Jim had three different physical therapists during his two hospitalizations—and post discharge at Morton Hospital. He named each one by name and told how accommodating they were to him and his needs. Referring to Chana Albracht, the physical therapist who worked with him most recently, he said, “She is really a top notch therapist.”
But Jim’s compliments don’t end with the Rehabilitation Services Department, they also stretch to those in the admitting office who coordinated the insurance coverage, to the nurses and the nurses’ aids. “Bless their hearts,” he said with a shake of his head. He told how nurse’s aid Sue Dunaway was at the hospital when he checked after his second surgery. “I had two suitcases with me and when I went to PT and came back, both were empty and everything was put away.
“The first time I was here, it was new to me. The second time, I knew what to expect,” he said. “If I had to ring the nurses bell, they were right there.”
Recommendations
“If I had to go back into a hospital, I definitely would come here,” Jim said. “If it was something (Morton Hospital) provided, I’d be here. Why stay in Tacoma or somewhere else when you can be 30 minutes from home?” he questioned.
“I don’t think people in this area really know how valuable you people are here,” Jim said. “You’re a true asset. I consider myself privileged to be among you.”