**Swann 4 Surgical Unit 1, Winter Haven Hospital Review**
I’ve been a C5 quadriplegic for 24 years, with over 20 hospital stays across facilities like Lakeland Regional, Tampa General, Miami Jackson Memorial, Craig Hospital in Colorado, and more. My time at Craig Hospital, one of the best spinal cord injury rehab centers in the world, taught me and my family crucial survival skills, emphasizing that most regular hospitals do not understand the specific needs of quadriplegics. This training was essential because a quadriplegic’s life expectancy is significantly affected by the quality of their rehab, which is why Craig Hospital has been pivotal in my survival.
Over the years, I’ve faced numerous challenges in hospitals that lacked the knowledge or willingness to manage my condition effectively. Autonomic dysreflexia, a severe condition causing dangerously high blood pressure spikes, is one of the most serious issues I face. Unfortunately, many hospitals fail to comprehend how quickly this can become life-threatening. Most of the time, I’ve had to manage this condition myself because the staff either didn't listen or didn't understand my 24 years of experience.
However, my recent stay at Winter Haven Hospital was a refreshing and remarkable exception. For the first time, the medical team not only understood the severity of autonomic dysreflexia but took my input seriously. Doctors such as Dr. David, Dr Nakkar and Dr. Patel were especially attentive. In contrast to my experiences at other hospitals where doctors are often dismissive or stick rigidly to their protocols, they listened intently to my concerns and adjusted their treatment plans based on my input. This level of collaboration is something I’ve rarely, if ever, experienced before. They didn’t come into my room with an air of arrogance; instead, they valued my 24 years of knowledge in managing this condition. This made a world of difference in preventing the spikes in blood pressure that could have quickly turned life-threatening.
Additionally, the daily care at Winter Haven Hospital was unparalleled. For example, my catheter care was exceptional. At most hospitals, I’ve had to ask someone to clean my catheter, and it’s often neglected. Here, not only was my catheter checked and cleaned daily, but sometimes it was done twice a day, without me having to ask. This level of attentiveness and understanding was new to me. It’s small details like these that make a significant impact on the well-being of someone with a condition as complex as mine.
The nursing staff was equally outstanding. Nurses like **Kettly Moise** and **Judi Zewdi** took care of me for the majority of my stay, and they went above and beyond their duties. Kettly, always ensured I was comfortable, often staying after her shift ended just to administer medications on time, so I wouldn’t have to wait. Judi’s cheerful demeanor and willingness to assist—whether it was her task or not—made my days much brighter. Even when Judi wasn’t my assigned nurse, she would stop by to check in, a gesture that I’ve rarely seen in any hospital.
Another nurse who made a huge difference was **Toccara Oyewusi**, who was consistently professional, kind, and responsive to my needs. Similarly, **Melissa Macumber**, though new nurse in training, demonstrated remarkable compassion and eagerness to learn and provide the best care possible. Her bedside manner was exceptional, and I could see she has a bright future in nursing. **Karla Gomez**, **Mollie Canfield**, and **Rachel Curry** were also highly attentive, ensuring that I never felt like a burden, even when asking for help with the most basic tasks.
The tech team, including **Nadia Washington**, **Melissa**, and **Robin Oatman**, played an instrumental role in ensuring my care went smoothly. Their consistent attention to my needs and ability to anticipate what was necessary contributed greatly to my comfort and well-being. Nadia’s and Melissa's sense of humor and kindness in particular stood out, making them both of them my favorites among all the staff.
What truly sets Winter Haven Hospital apart is the way the entire team collaborates to ensure patient care. When nurses were busy, even the unit secretary, **Cindy Silis**, would respond to the call light. I experienced almost no wait times during my entire three-week stay—at most, I waited two minutes, which is unheard of in most hospitals. Cindy’s responsiveness and eagerness to assist, even in non-traditional roles, made an immense difference in reducing stress. The **cleaning staff**, especially Lola, were also incredibly friendly and professional, contributing to the overall positive environment of the unit.
Another aspect that stood out at Winter Haven was the hospital culture. The phrase “that’s not my job” simply didn’t exist here. **Janis Oliver** and **Ashley Garrett**, the managing nurses, regularly stopped by and were not above doing tasks usually delegated to others, such as administering basic care or even bringing me coffee. Their hands-on approach and accessibility were incredibly reassuring, and they made sure I was well-cared for at every level.
Even the **turn team**, **Amarie** and **Lindsay**, Among others team members played a crucial role in my care. They were always prompt and efficient in helping me avoid pressure sores, an issue that can lead to severe complications for quadriplegics. Their dedication and precision were much appreciated. Considering my recent stay at Tampa General Hospital resulted in a huge pressure wound, the very reason I'm in Winter Haven Hospital, highlights the difference between the two.
The doctors, **Dr. David**, **Dr Nakker** and **Dr. Patel**, stand out for their willingness to listen and adapt their care based on my feedback. This is an area where most hospitals have failed me in the past. They didn’t treat me as just another patient but as someone with valuable experience regarding my own condition. Their flexibility in adjusting their treatment approach significantly reduced my stress and contributed to the overall success of my stay.
Winter Haven Hospital’s Swan 4 Surgical Unit is truly exceptional in its level of care, collaboration, and compassion. This is the first hospital in which I felt my condition was not only understood but managed with the utmost competence. For someone with a complex disability like mine, that is a rare and invaluable gift. I can honestly say I did not encounter one person, not one nurse, tech, doctor, or any member of their team that was not great. For the staff members who provided care for me while here, I did not mention by name, it was not due to your lack of care or skill. It was just a simple fact that I could not remember or find your name. For the Baycare or Winter Haven Hospital Management that reviews this, please make sure every single person who was involved in my stay and care here gets the exact same recognition because they all deserve it whether mentioned or not.
Sincerely, Cliff Powell