Stories of people who go above and beyond the call of duty for a
patient, a family, a visitor, a colleague. These stories are the
hallmark of excellence. Here's an example:
Tom, a Physical Therapist in Algonquin was treating a patient with
bilateral amputations. In the course of setting goals with this
patient, the patient mentioned that due to his current disability he had
been unable to dine at a restaurant in over two years. Prior to
discharging this patient, Tom met the patient and his spouse for lunch
at Governor's Public House, a popular restaurant on Randall Road in Lake
in the Hills. Tom trained the patient in getting in and out of the
booth as well as using the bathroom. This was a life changing
experience for this patient as he is now comfortable dining out
independently.
We want to learn about the everyday heroes at Sherman -- like Tom.

- Anonymous writes:
I would like to take this time to thank you, and the great staff in ICU. I was admitted with pneumonia and I was scared to death. Too many times acts of greatness, kindness and compassion go unnoticed. This is why I am writing you.
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Your entire staff of nurses are incredible, they not only took excellent care of me, but they went above and beyond to make sure that I was taken care of physically and mentally.
They comforted me and kept me calm through one of the most trying times of my life. Marie (Briggs) and Mary (O'Kelley) and others became my friends and I owe them my life. Please make sure that these professional nurses get the praise they deserve for a job well done.
You have a great staff and thank you again.
- Anonymous writes:
I would like to take this time to thank you, and the great staff in ICU. I was admitted with pneumonia and I was scared to death. Too many times acts of greatness, kindness and compassion go unnoticed. This is why I am writing you.
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Your entire staff of nurses are incredible, they not only took excellent care of me, but they went above and beyond to make sure that I was taken care of physically and mentally.
They comforted me and kept me calm through one of the most trying times of my life. Marie (Briggs) and Mary (O'Kelley) and others became my friends and I owe them my life. Please make sure that these professional nurses get the praise they deserve for a job well done.
You have a great staff and thank you again.
- Anonymous writes:
To the Wonderful staff of 3 West [Cancer Care Team], I stayed for 9 days, and I can't thank you enough for your caring and consideration while all the tests were being performed and most of all for working to solve and ease the pain!
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It is now under control and treatment is in full swing. I'm hoping the tumor is in full retreat. You are to me, a most beautiful garden of caring professionals! Thank you.
- Anonymous writes:
To the Wonderful staff of 3 West [Cancer Care Team], I stayed for 9 days, and I can't thank you enough for your caring and consideration while all the tests were being performed and most of all for working to solve and ease the pain!
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It is now under control and treatment is in full swing. I'm hoping the tumor is in full retreat. You are to me, a most beautiful garden of caring professionals! Thank you.
- Anonymous writes:
On October 22, 2008 – my son, was delivered at your hospital. Please allow me to take this opportunity to express to you what a truly wonderful experience it was to have this momentous occasion occur at your facility and with the aid of your staff.
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As a 5+ year resident of Elgin (and neighbor to the hospital) I have had reason to engage your facilities in the past and always to satisfaction. But I was not expecting to be so thoroughly impressed with the comprehensiveness of the staff and hospital in a sustained situation.
You should know that the entire staff delivered extraordinary service with a level of compassion and empathy grounded in a certainty of professional competence that was, in my opinion, above and beyond what was required. And I do mean the entire staff: from the registration office to the housekeeping personnel, from the nursing staff to the porters and the kitchen – all exceptional in interacting with their customer. In particular, please be advised of what a tremendous resource you have in your lactation consultant department. Both Karen and Jill were literal Godsends in our eyes! We wanted to pack them up and take them home with us – that’s how great at their occupation they are. And obviously, during our extended stay, we had a chance to be attended to by many of the nursing staff, both in pre and post delivery. Great – every single one of them. So confident and at ease with performing their duties while still being desirous of insuring my wife’s comfort. Let me please point out Kim, who was the nurse that was with us when Parker was actually born. I really do not believe we could have done it without her. She was a guide and a comfort to my wife during the last stages of the delivery as well as assisting the midwife. Again, just truly awesome the level of engagement your staff has in performing their duties. Lastly, I can only compare this experience to the birth of my first son 15 years ago that occurred in the premier children’s hospital of a major urban metropolis. Your staff, facilities, and execution are leagues beyond what I experienced before.
Lastly, as someone who toils away at the mid-management level – I was also impressed at what an effective job the senior management has done in establishing a coherent, cohesive and comprehensive message. The desire to have feedback on performance for the purposes of improving services could not have been more clear. As someone who daily experiences the various internecine conflicts of a mid to large size operation, it was refreshing to see a whole organization buy in to one theme and one message. So, kudos to the management as well.
Again, just let me assure you of what a great asset you have with your staff. All of them professionals from top to bottom. I could not have been more pleased with the experience we had and I am quite proud to know that Sherman Hospital is my neighbor.
- Anonymous writes:
I am extremely grateful to Sherman Hospital for the efficient care and genuine concern for my health.
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Thanks to your thorough examination and testing my doctor operated on me and truly saved my life by finding a pre-cancerous tumor. You all understood my families’ needs and were so very kind. It was truly a 10 performance. God Bless you all!
- Anonymous writes:
On November 28, 2008 my husband passed away at Sherman Hospital from Cancer. He spent a lot of time at Sherman, sometimes weeks at a time. I just have to tell you how wonderful everyone treated my husband. When he became ill he needed all kinds of outpatient testing and emergency room care.
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From the moment we walked in the doors of Sherman Hospital my husband was treated with such care and kindness by everyone.
Joe spent a lot of time on 3 west and I was there everyday and watched all the great care he received. Everyone who came into his room had such compassion; what a wonderful group of people. When I went home at night I never worried about the care he received. It was like everyone scooped him up in there arms and did whatever they could to make sure he was comfortable.
There are a few people I would like to mention. Beth the manager on 3 west; she has a wonderful heart and gave me big hugs when I needed them. Keri and Katie who guide me down all the paths I had to travel; they were always there for me. They are two wonderful gals. All the nurses and PCT’s on all the shifts on 3 west are just the best.
Two people come to mind that I would like to thank. One is nurse Nancy who took care of my Joe like he was a member of her own family. They were not only there for the patients but also for family members. I would also like to mention a PCT and her name is Barb. Barb always made sure Joe had his bath and his hair was washed and he was clean shaven. It always made Joe feel so much better. She’s an angel. The 3 West group were like a bunch of angels who swooped down, took hold of my husband and me and helped us through a horrible time in our life. I cannot say enough good about them.
Joe also spent some time on 4 North. I cannot express enough thanks to them also. There is a PCT, her name is Debbie. Debbie and my Joe shared many laughs together; she lit up the room and made my Joe smile. I want to thank her for all the wonderful care she gave my Joe. Ferdie and Edgar are two great guys that took good care of Joe also. Nurse Mary has a wonderful heart and was so kind to Joe; another great nurse.
My thanks to everyone at Sherman from housekeeping to the transporters to the wonderful people in food and nutrition who always made sure Joe had whatever he needed. There is a host who’s name is Maria who would just poke her head in to see if Joe needed anything. If Joe was sleeping and Maria saw he needed another health shake, she took the time to make it and bring it to him so he would have it when he woke up. He appreciated that so much. Troy, in the kitchen (a cook) made Joe the best grill cheese sandwich he said he ever had (go figure, grill cheese). I suppose because it was made with kindness.
If I missed anyone please forgive me. So many touched my Joe’s life and I thank each and every one of you. What a wonderful bunch of people that work at Sherman Hospital.
- Anonymous writes:
I’m writing to let you know that the nursing staff that attended to me from October 11-21, were excellent. They are very sweet; always comforting when me when I was upset or scared.
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Other times, they were happy to see me doing well. Their encouragement and love was what helped me to get well again. I enjoyed their sense of humor.
They are why I always choose Sherman Hospital over others I’ve been to in the past. I love all the nurses. They are number 1, along with all the other staff that work with them. The nurses watch over me day and night…they are my angels!
- Anonymous writes:
I believe your hospital is not only great for cardiac care but also great for other medical services. I was treated like a VIP in your hospital and I am sure your hospital treats every patient the same.
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The front desk nurse, Alma from labor and delivery was very nice and kind, she assigned the best room to let me rest. Nurses Sharon, Sarah and Denise were there to take care of me through the labor and delivery process. I also have to mention Dr. Rachel Kulsak who made the whole process very smooth.
After delivery, I came down to the fourth floor. Lia assigned me to the most quiet room there, to let me rest. Nurses Amber and Hope took care of me mostly. They were excellent and very patient in explaining my questions.
I believe your hospital is not only great for cardiac care but also great for other medical services. I was treated like a VIP in your hospital and I am sure your hospital treats every patient the same. I also live close to Good Shepherd Hospital and St. Alexius Hospital, but I feel lucky that I made the right choice.
- Randal M. writes:
Our son was born May 15th, 2008 at Sherman Hospital and was admitted to the Special Care Unit for six days.
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Our son was born May 15th, 2008 at Sherman Hospital and was admitted to the Special Care Unit for six days.
The nursing staff that we interacted with were outstanding -- taking the time to explain what they were doing with him and why, offering words of encouragement, and caring for us as much as they cared for our son. I especially want to thank Joan, Carey, Julie, Julie,and Chris. You guys are STARS!
For labor and delivery and postpartum care, Liza and Lindy were STARS too. They were very attentive to Mom's needs throughout her stay and good coaches. It's the little things that count and you were both outstanding. The card you sent with the hand written note made Mom cry with joy!
And lastly, Dr. Kulsak. Thanks for your help bringing our son into the world, your energy and enthusiasm for your patients is refreshing.
- John B. writes:
Thank God for not only skill of the surgeon, Dr. Scott
Mox, but the skill, care, and compassion of the entire Sherman Outpatient
Surgical Team.
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In early March, I had arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery performed at
Sherman Hospital. The surgery turned out to be more complicated than
originally planned. Thank God for not only skill of the surgeon, Dr. Scott
Mox, but the skill, care, and compassion of the entire Sherman Outpatient
Surgical Team.
This is the third arthroscopic joint surgery I have had over
the last 5 years, all of them at Sherman. Thanks to everyone at Sherman
Hospital, for the consistently-superior quality of service rendered. Though
I hope I never need another surgery, it is extremely comforting to know
that I can count on Sherman Hospital for the very best care!
- Joan K. writes:
Later in the week, Dr. Stepanek called just to check on how I was
doing. Really, that was the icing on the cake.
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On April 20th, having a severe migraine for a few days I went to the
Immediate Care Center on Royal Blvd and was seen by Dr. Stepanek.
He examined me, prescribed medication and I went home. I left however,
feeling very reassured about the kind of care available in Elgin. Every
person from the receptionist to the nurse to the doctor treated me with
great care and respect.
Only six days later my asthma exacerbated and again I went to Royal Blvd
as my home nebulizer treatments were not working. Again, I was impressed
with the kindness and very thorough treatment I received from every
professional who helped me. Dr. Camodeca began by making me feel safe
and comfortable. Everyone was extremely nice to me and made sure that
each procedure was done with the minimum of pain and discomfort.
Later in the week, Dr. Stepanek called just to check on how I was
doing. Really, that was the icing on the cake. I felt so wonderfully
cared for and so appreciative of the kindness shown to me, and so
overjoyed! I could go on and on about how grateful I felt.
Thank you to the doctors, nurses and support staff at the Royal Blvd
facility. You made a portion of my transition to the Elgin area so much
smoother. You are wonderful!
- Willy O. writes:
I know not everyone in the workaday world has his best face on on Monday morning, but these folks sure did.
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I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you what a friendly and
efficient staff you have. I finally switched practices from a specialist
I'd been seeing based at Delnor to a new doc at Sherman, and I went in
this morning for an X-ray and bloodwork. From Isabel in registration to
Lee in phlebotomy to the woman in radiology whose name now escapes me,
everyone was extraordinarily upbeat, helpful and courteous. And they got
me in and out in less than an hour.
I know not everyone in the workaday world has his best face on on
Monday morning, but these folks sure did. You should be proud.
- Connie A. writes:
He wanted to come back to Sherman because of the people!!!
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Last week I was speaking with a patient who lives in Schaumburg. He
had been admitted by Dr. Maheshwari of the electrophysiology lab. Among
other things, he was to be initiated on a new medication for his Atrial
Fib. When doing his education about his new medication, he told me he
really liked Sherman Hospital. Then, he went on to say that his
cardiologist had asked him to go to St. Alexis next time he needed
monitoring with regard to his new med or had any more Arrythymia
problems. The patient very enthusiastically told me that he had told
his cardiologist, "No! I want to go back to Sherman! Everyone is so
nice there, and my care has been so excellent!"
Then he went on to complement the staff of the E.P. Lab in
particular. And again, he emphasized that everybody is so nice at
Sherman. Overall, he was so very positive about all of his experiences
at Sherman Hospital. And he also stated that he assumed care would be
equally good at St. Alexius, but he wanted to come back to Sherman
because of the people!
- Debbie T. writes:
Thank you again for the wonderful treatment that we received from Dr. Khan and the staff in Crystal Lake.
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Please accept my most heartfelt gratitude towards the staff at your
facility in Crystal Lake. We chose to visit the Crystal Lake health
care facility for treatment at the recommendation of our neighbor. Two
of my children have now been treated for injuries by your staff in
Crystal Lake and I have been impressed with the level of service and
care on both occasions.
Thank you again for the wonderful treatment that we received from Dr.
Khan and the staff in Crystal Lake. Keep up the good work!
- Jesus M. writes:
All in all a pleasant experience, as hospitals go, from a person who is really not a good patient.
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My stay at Sherman Hospital was minimal -- Saturday a.m. to Sunday
p.m.
I came in through the emergency room with an unknown illness, later
determined to be Bells Palsy. My treatment in the emergency room was
swift and courteous. My illness was diagnosed and I was sent up to my
room in a speedy fashion.
My hospital stay was as pleasant as possible. Nurses, aides and
cleaning people always greeted me with a smile and any questions I had
were promptly answered.
My compliments to the "chef" -- the food was good. Much, much better
than expected!
Tests were taken quickly and courteously -- any questions I had were
promptly answered. Considering I came in on a Saturday, I was
surprised!
All in all a pleasant experience, as hospitals go, from a person who
is really not a good patient. Keep up the good work!
- Mary Ann P. writes:
God bless all your staff, doctors and volunteers who make such a difference in patient's and their family's lives.
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I have had 14 ESIs, a spinal cord stimular implanted, 3 battery
exchanges and a large lyphoma removed at your hospital over the years, plus
numerous tests. I've complained only once in 9 years of annual surgeries
I've had there. This time, I'd really love to tell you about the great
experience I received at Same Day Surgery.
Diane M. and Angie were my pre-operative nurses who took great care of me. I am a diabetic and an
extremely difficult IV stick. In fact, the last four IVs took 4 - 5
sticks each to get them inserted. No one likes that; I even had to have an
anestheseologist insert it one time. This was a totally different
experience.
Again, as usual, I explained my situation, however I had asked
for Marlene (a Day Surgery nurse who has helped me over 9 years) when I
came in. She must have told Diane about me and my history, and Diane had
Angie 'stick' me. They worked as a well-oiled team. This is the first time
in well over a decade that it took only ONE TRY to succeed inserting
the IV!
The surgery went very smoothly, very comfortably, and Diane B. and
Linda, my surgical nurses (Linda has been my nurse several times before and
always recognizes me and treats me very well), took excellent care
of me. Your team is well-trained, patient-centric and caring. I was the
last patient of the day and never did I feel rushed or in anyway
different because I was it for the day.
Dr. Barclay is a miracle worker. I've been her patient for 9 years, and would probably be on a
pain-pump and bed-ridden if it wasn't for her and her knowledge,
compassion and skill. She is a very major asset to your hospital and has
made a significant difference in my life over these many years.
God bless all your staff, doctors and volunteers who make such a difference in
patient's and their family's lives. Best wishes for the New Year.