June 1, 2009

Dr. Mr Charmel:

I wanted to inform you of the valuable services provided by Carrie O'Malley while my mother-in-law, P------ R------, was receiving care at Griffin. Shortly after being admitted, she was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer and received radiation at your new Center for Cancer Care. (While I was there) I saw a brochure and business card identifying Carrie and the services she provided as a patient navigator and called her. She returned my call promptly and I found her very supportive and knowledgeable.

I am a physical therapist and I realize that positions like Carrie's can sometimes be difficult to substantiate in difficult financial times as they are usually not reimbursable. It's important that you know that because of Carrie's assistance, my mother-in-law's length of stay was reduced by at least two days. She facilitated two different consults, including to the Hospice liaison, which helped pave the way for "Petie" to be discharged home faster with the proper care. We would not have been able to navigate the system quickly without her, and I will always be grateful for her assistance. Although P------ "Petie" R------ died seven weeks after her second discharge, we are comforted by the fact that she died in he own home on her own terms, which is more than many families can say.

Sincerely,
Brenda C. Rapuano, PT