Our Voices 

At Duncan Regional Hospital we make it our mission to provide the best care for every patient every day. The words of our patients say it best. Their stories are really the stories of Duncan Regional Hospital.

Here are some of our patient had to say about DRH. Take a moment to get acquainted with our patient's voices and you will gain an insight into our facility and to the commitment we make to quality and compassionate care.

To Drs. Herndon and Huddleston, and 2nd floor staff of Duncan Regional Hospital:

My dad, Herman Hays, reported he hadn't been feeling well for awhile.  My sister picked me up at the Houston airport and she and I drove into Duncan not knowing what to expect upon seeing our dad.  

Early Monday morning my grandson roused me from sleep and said "Papa is sick".  My dad was mildly disoriented, tremulous, and short of breath.  I phoned Dr. Herndon's office and was told to bring my dad in immediately.  On arriving to Dr. Herndon's office, we were quickly ushered in.  Dr. Herndon's nurse seemed to know my dad and knew something was definitely amiss.  I cannot recall Dr. Herndon's nurse's name, but I wish to say your bedside manner is exemplary and you are a gem, quickly putting my dad at ease.  When Dr. Herndon arrived to the exam room, he listened to every concern my dad had as well as my own.  My dad's oxygen saturation could not be raised above 89%.  Dr. Herndon realized I live out of town and set up diagnostic tests so we could know something before I had to go back to Connecticut. A CT scan revealed a pulmonary embolus.  Dr. Herndon phoned and asked we get my dad to the hospital for admission. Dr. Herndon would make all the arrangements. 

DRH admissions staff were courteous and professional.  Once admitted to the 2nd floor, nurses and CNAs set about asking necessary questions and expedited the task of getting my father into hospital garb and into bed.  The staff's professionalism and kindness put my dad at ease and my sister and I breathed an internal sigh of relief.  During questioning by staff, my dad was allowed to complete each expressed thought without interruption or judgement from staff.  My dad was made to feel safe by his caregivers- safe to express discomfort without judgement-safe to ask questions without fear of feeling less intelligent because he didn't know something- and safe in knowing he was being well cared for by highly competent and compassionate people.  Fear of the unknown is valid and trust is often a fragile thing.  2nd floor staff consistently kept my dad comfortable, moving at his pace and listening to his concerns.  Dr. Huddleston, my dad enjoyed your daily visits and thinks your being bald contributed to your rapport with him (my dad has been bald since he was 20).

Every request my dad or my dad's family expressed was dealt with understanding and kindness.  My dad is an almost 79 year old widower living alone with his best friend, Sammi Jo (a 3 year old, 20 lb shih tzu).  When asked if Sammi could visit my dad, staff readily agreed Sammi needed to see my dad as much as my dad needed to see Sammi.  Sammi visited the hospital every day!

My brothers, sister, aunts, and uncles are appreciative of the quality care my dad received the 6 days he was hospitalized at Duncan Regional.  DRH staff and MDs truly epitomize the meaning and understand the value of customer service.  I don't know every one's name who cared for my dad, but please know this thanks goes out to you whether your was mentioned in this missive or not.  You are truly a wonderful group of caregivers and we know my dad was well-cared for. Kudos to you and DRH!

Terry Hays
Chrystal Hays Giumentaro
David Hays
Mellany Hays Roach
Russell Hays

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