CHESTERTOWN — Dr. Steven Lucas and registered nurse Agnes Galiano, team members of the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown’s Emergency Department, have been honored as “Everyday Heroes.”
Cindy Genther of Rock Hall nominated the duo through a contribution to the University of Maryland Chester River Health Foundation for the exceptional care she received when treated for stroke symptoms in the hospital’s Emergency Department.
Chester River Health Foundation is the fundraising arm of UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, which is a member organization of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and the University of Maryland Medical System.
In a news release, Genther recounted the following: “Dr. Lucas met me in the ambulance bay to evaluate me and determine if I should stay or immediately be taken to another facility. He determined that I should stay at Chestertown for continued evaluation. Nurse Agnes provided constant monitoring. Dr. Lucas checked back every few minutes to be sure I was stable. Eventually I was told I would be transferred to a more acute care facility and was asked for my preference. I wanted to stay on the Delmarva Peninsula and the team found me a bed at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton.”
Genther added: “The nurses, doctors and staff at Easton also were exceptional, highly skilled professionals with a pleasant, caring attitude. The doctors told me I was not a typical candidate for a stroke because I exercise regularly, eat right and have no pre-existing health conditions.”
She said extensive tests revealed the cause of her stroke to be a rare genetic blood disorder that causes clots.
Genther, a Realtor, said she now has firsthand experience to tell her clients and fellow real estate agents that “emergency and acute health care services on the Shore don’t get any better than this.”
The Everyday Heroes program is an opportunity for patients and community members to honor and thank health care team members for excellent care through a donation to the Chester River Health Foundation.
Any hospital team member can be honored as an Everyday Hero — from doctors and nurses to social workers, food services staff and environmental services team members or a UM Chester River Hospital Center Auxiliary volunteer.
For more information, contact Deb Lauser, development specialist, at 410-810-5661 or dlauser@umm.edu.
