Patient Testimonials
Primary Care
Complete Care at The Driggs Health Clinic
After having lab tests during our local health fair, I made an appointment with Dr. Horrocks to discuss my elevated blood sugar levels. I was given an insulin resistance test and subsequently was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. My next stop was to visit with Lisa Grutzmacher, RN and diabetic education director. With her personal counseling and positive support, Ive learned how to manage and improve my condition. I've already lost eight pounds! I anticipate that my next insulin resistance test will show normal blood sugars.
As a side benefit, Dr. Horrocks realized that I suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially dangerous disorder. After 90 days of actively treating OSA, I haven't felt this good in years! My wife sleeps better now that I don't snore and I'm sure the guys at hunting camp will appreciate it too. I feel very fortunate to be cared for locally. Professional, talented and friendly people in our own small community it doesn't get any better than that.
-Andy Heffron
Driggs Health Clinic
Compassionate Family Care Right Here at Home
My family has lived in this valley for 15 years. Both of our children were born in Teton Valley Hospital, and both times I had serious complications during delivery. Both times, Dr. Larry Curtis literally saved my life. I found out later that his sister died the morning my first child was born, and the hospital was full of patients that day. Because he was the only physician, he stayed on duty. Although he was suffering heartache and personal loss, none of the patients missed out on any care. I realize that Dr. Curtis has had many occasions where his family may have needed him, but his professional responsibilities as a doctor had to come first. Over the years, our family has been stitched up by Dr. Horrocks and Dr. Wolfe. There have been tonsillectomies, blood draws, flu....you name it! Every time, we've had fabulous service from great doctors and great nurses who really care about us.
We are blessed to have a hospital facility and such caring staff in our little Valley!
-Nell Hanson
Primary Care Physicians
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Home Care Services
Teton Valley Hospital Serves Family Throughout Lives
Vannie: Last December, George slipped on some ice and broke his hip. He reached for me as he was falling and I fell and crushed my wrist.
George: After surgery, we had home health nurses visit us every other day for about two months. We feel very lucky to have a good hospital and good doctors here.
Vannie: And the nurses are very good. We've had exceptional care. Look at my wrist. It feels just fine.
George: Three of our children were born at the hospital.
Vannie: Our twin daughters and a son were born there. We have always had great care.
-George and Vannie Jensen
Home Care Services
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Surgical Services
Teton Valley Hospital a Healing Environment
If you have to spend ten days in a hospital you'll be lucky to spend them at Teton Valley Hospital. I had completed a 360 degree ski jump and landed unprepared for the impact. I broke my pelvis, back and scapula.
The most positive healing environment imaginable enabled me to walk out the door ten days later. Everyone deserves mention: orthopaedist Dr. Bitner, Lis Gammelin, PA-C, all of the nurses, the physical and occupational therapists and the cooks and housekeeping staff. Even my tiniest wishes were taken seriously and acted on immediately. The cooks got concerned about my progress if I did not eat all my food and changed the diet just to please me."
-Michael Bredal
Surgical Services
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Emergency Services
Hospital Stay Turns Patient into Hospital Foundation Board Member
"My family and I have lived in Teton Valley since 1992 and we have used the hospital throughout those years for life's everyday events; bad cases of the flu, X-rays on banged up bones, etc. It was not until late 2005 when I entered the Driggs Clinics doors that I would become intimately aware of the important role of Teton Valley Hospital and their incredible staff in the everyday lives of our citizens. I had pneumonia, I had it bad. Dr. Larry Curtis wheeled me down to my new living quarters, the nurses checked me in, and the healing had begun.
I spent the next several days being taken care of, medicines on time, nurses checking on me around the clock, healthy meals as my strength returned, Doctors made multiple daily visits to keep tabs on me. Simply put, it was the best medical care I have ever received in my life. In appreciation for that great care and to make sure that it will be available for others when their time comes, I am honored to now serve on the Teton Valley Hospital Foundation. With my fellow directors, I'm helping to raise money for important medical equipment and planning for the future of our hospital. I consider it a worthwhile payback of appreciation for the great care I was given when a hospital became my hospital. "
-Tom Hickey
Teton Valley Hospital Foundation Director
Emergency Services
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Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics
Top-notch Orthopaedic Surgery Here at Home
I've seen some of the world's best orthopedic surgeons and I know from personal experience that Teton Valley Hospital is lucky to have Dr. Mo Brown. As an alpine ski racer from a young age, I've suffered numerous injuries over the years. I first injured my shoulder in the 60s while on the race circuit, but it didn't hurt enough at that time for me to justify surgery. Over the years, I added a great deal of wear and tear to the same shoulder through more skiing, rock climbing, and working as an outdoor educator.
When it was time to choose an orthopedic surgeon, I chose Mo. I'd heard good things about him and I always prefer to give local providers a chance. I was able to have my shoulder surgery arthroscopically, without a large incision, and it was comforting to be in a hospital in which the nurses give their full attention to each patient. Although Mo is obviously a great surgeon, he was personable and sincerely concerned about my experience. I could tell that he viewed me not only as a patient, but as a fellow community member.
-Jan Borstelmann
Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics
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Teton Valley Hospital Services
"If I have to be in a hospital, I want it to be here"
Five years ago, I became very ill and the cause seemed to elude my doctors. Finally I had an MRI at Teton Valley Hospital and it revealed a staph infection down my entire spine. I was quickly taken to the intensive care unit at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. I developed a series of complications associated with my staph infection and my doctor there tried to prepare my husband for the potential of my death.
After 5 1/2 weeks in a medically induced coma, I began the road to recovery. But to truly recover, I knew I needed to go home to Teton Valley Hospital. My doctor at EIRMC coordinated with Dr. Curtis to make sure I would get the care I needed in Teton Valley. The minute I was wheeled into Teton Valley Hospital, I felt relieved. I spent several weeks here and received care by many nurses, each of which treated me like a family member. Every person- from the cook to the housekeepers - took the time to connect with me as an individual and make sure I was comfortable. The highlight of my stay, if you can have a highlight during a hospital stay, was enjoying a delicious cake that the cooks made for my 50th wedding anniversary. That never would have happened in a big hospital.
Just this past year, I spent a week at Teton Valley Hospital for pneumonia. I had high expectations of the care I would receive, and they were met in every way. I have friends in other larger towns who can't find the kind of care I have available here in our small community. If I have to be hospitalized, I want to be here, at Teton Valley Hospital where I can receive personalized care.
-Alisha Rodrigues
December 12, 2007
Teton Valley Hospital Services
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