Grateful Sedalia woman thanks Bothwell’s emergency team for life-saving care

A Sedalia woman recently returned to Bothwell Regional Health Center’s Emergency Department (ED) with a bouquet of flowers and a grateful heart for the nurse she says helped save her husband’s life.

Joni Hughes’ husband, Steve, came to the ED late on a Saturday night with heart issues and was stabilized and transferred to another facility early the next morning. It was a terrifying night, and Joni said she’ll never forget the nurse who cared for them during those critical hours.

“Liz was an angel,” she said. “Her care was precious, and I wanted her to know how much that meant to me.”

Joni also credited Dr. Nathan George, the emergency physician working that night, for his quick action and attentive care. Steve, who is well known through his job at Bothwell Medical Equipment providing home oxygen equipment, is now recovering.

“Thanks to Dr. George and the others who cared for him, my husband is alive,” Joni said.

Joni’s words and gesture moved several staff members to tears and was a powerful reminder that behind every emergency is a human story. Mike Shipp, ED director said his team is trained for high-pressure, life-or-death situations.

“Their clinical skills care for and save patients, though it’s their compassion that often stays with patients and families the most,” he said. “The compassionate and skilled care that nurses, physicians and staff provide, especially in the middle of the night in moments of fear, makes all the difference. I’m really proud of all of them and grateful that Joni recognized them this way.”