Samantha Battis
Life can be complicated and full of nuance. Healthcare can, too.
As mom and primary caregiver to her adult son with disabilities, Samantha Battis is no stranger to situations that require compassion and a thoughtful approach.
In June, Samantha experienced a health crisis and couldn’t avoid the inevitable: She needed to be admitted to the hospital. Initially, her son stayed at home while she was admitted to receive treatment at Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Crisis struck at 2 a.m. when she received a text from her son saying he wasn’t feeling well.
“As primary caregiver for my son, his needs fall on me,” Samantha said.
Her care team immediately jumped into action, implementing an emergency plan. Two nurses, Jess and Noela, arranged for an ambulance to pick up Samantha’s son from their home and bring him to the hospital where the Frisbie Memorial team made it possible for Samantha’s son to stay in her room once she was evaluated. This way, she could both be treated and care for her son.
“Extenuating circumstances for patients exist but are rarely honored or recognized,” Samantha shared. “If your staff had not acted so swiftly to solve my dilemma, driven by empathy and offering accommodations, I would have left the hospital and faced my health consequences after the fact. Your staff didn’t leave me with that decision to make.”
Samantha said she felt welcomed from the moment she walked through the doors of Frisbie Memorial Hospital.
“From the ER department to radiology, every single staff member went out of their way to provide excellent care and optimal problem-solving, all with a smile and without judgement,” Samantha said. “The ambulance staff was amazing with my non-verbal son — who was alone. They made him feel relaxed and comfortable during a very stressful, intense time.”
As part of her treatment, Samantha’s care team considered all of her needs, which included those of her son.
“I truly can’t thank you enough. In the disability community, care like we received from each of your staff doesn’t seem to exist anymore,” Samantha shared. “This mom, who was very sick and caught between my own health and the care for my son, is so grateful I was able to do both.”
Samantha is grateful for the lifesaving treatment, creative problem-solving and empathy exhibited by the colleagues at Frisbie Memorial Hospital.
Frisbie Memorial Hospital’s emergency room doctors are available 24/7 in Rochester, New Hampshire.
