DIRNE: Not just for the uninsured

Thank you to the Dirne Community Health Care Center for your exceptional patient care services. It all began when my pastor at Lake City Community Church asked for volunteer doctors, nurses, EMTs, hair stylists and anyone else to partner with Dirne for an off-site Health Connection health-fair. As a Registered Nurse I helped with triage and connected clients to the appropriate physicians.

It was lunch time, so I went down the hallway to check the exam rooms and make sure they were empty and we did not forget anyone. I looked into a room and found Dr. Gayle Smith working with an elderly woman and her son. I offered to assist her and Dr. Smith told me she would appreciate the help. As I watched her interact with this mother and son, I found her to be respectful and very thorough in her exam.

When I was in RN school my instructors taught us that we not only treat a patient's physical needs, but their spiritual and emotional needs as well. I see very little of this kind of health care these days. It was so refreshing to witness a physician attending a holistic approach, and making sure to address their overall well-being - not just their "blood pressure."

Once the clients left, I told her how impressed I was with her compassion and that if I did not already have health insurance I would love to be one of her patients. Dr. Smith thanked me and surprised me with her response. She said, "I can see you even though you are insured. In fact, we need more insured clients to keep the doors open, just like any other doctor's office. You help us to keep helping those less fortunate."

I was surprised because I thought Dirne was only for the uninsured, the impoverished, and those that had no where else to go. When my next yearly physical was due, I took Dr. Smith's suggestion, and I scheduled my appointment with her at Dirne. I have to say that I was treated with a friendly smile by everyone throughout my entire visit and left for home knowing I had received excellent quality care by highly capable and caring people. I was so impressed I became a regular volunteer! My husband has joined me to help Dirne treat the uninsured, and is now a client receiving the exceptional care of Dr. Calderwood.

Thank you again Dirne and doctors Smith and Caldwell for the high quality care you provide my family.

LORI McCLURE

Hayden