Outstanding Care Close to Home: Don Wells Shares His Experience at Bluffton Regional Medical Center
When Don Wells started experiencing chills and a high fever, he knew something wasn't right.
"The night before I started getting chills. Had a fever of about 103," Wells recalled. "I just went and went to bed about 9:30. For me, that's about four hours early, maybe five."
By the next morning, he was feeling even worse. He told his wife, Elaine, that he needed to get to the Emergency Room at Bluffton Regional Medical Center (BRMC).
"I just don't feel right," he remembered telling her.
Once at BRMC, doctors discovered Wells had a serious urinary tract infection (UTI). They were concerned the infection could develop into sepsis, a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.
Sepsis occurs when the body's response to an infection begins damaging its own tissues and organs. It can develop quickly and lead to organ failure, septic shock or even death if not treated promptly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 1.7 million adults in the United States develop sepsis each year and at least 350,000 adults who develop sepsis die during their hospitalization or are discharged to hospice.
With his infection serious enough to require hospitalization, Wells agreed to stay at BRMC for treatment.
"Oh, it was how I was feeling," Wells said. "Elaine had already told me, she goes, 'Well, you may need to stay down here for a little while.' And I agreed with her 100%."
Wells spent the next four days at BRMC receiving treatment to fight the infection. While the medical care helped him recover, it was the attention and kindness of the hospital staff that really stood out.
"Excellent nurses. You couldn't get any better," Wells said.
He recalled nurses regularly checking on him, making sure he was comfortable and taking time to talk. Those conversations covered everything from cars to politics and helped make his hospital stay a little easier.
"They was in all the time checking on me, wondering if I needed anything," Wells recalled. "They'd sit down and talk to me for a little while. It wasn't like they was in a big, big rush."
Wells said the nurses seemed genuinely interested in him as a person, not just another patient.
"They're actually interested in what you have to say. And that makes a lot of difference," he said. "The personalities they have, just fantastic. You couldn't ask for anything better."
A Bluffton-area resident for 34 years, Wells appreciates having a hospital so close to home. He has visited BRMC several times over the years and says the quality of care has always impressed him.
"Just to say it's excellent care is kind of an understatement," Wells said. "They are outstanding in what they do."
He believes BRMC offers patients something special: quality medical care with the friendly, personal attention you'd expect in a smaller community.
"You got big city care, but the small town environment, and that's fantastic," Wells said. "You get the best of both worlds."
Wells also has some advice for anyone who isn't sure whether their symptoms are serious enough for an Emergency Room visit.
"I'm going to the E.R. to make sure nothing real serious is going on," he said. "And if it is, they offer good care."
Looking back, Wells is thankful he made the decision to seek help and grateful for the people who took care of him.
"I could recommend Bluffton Regional to anybody and I will," he said.
For Wells, knowing outstanding care is available just a mile from home provides peace of mind.
"Come on down here, folks. They're great. They treat you good."
When an unexpected illness or injury happens, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. The Emergency Room at Bluffton Regional Medical Center is here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing quality care close to home.
Bluffton Regional Medical Center
303 S Main St
Bluffton, IN 46714
Phone: (260) 824-3210
Website: www.blufftonregional.com
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
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