When the nurse becomes the patient

Peg Pasker, of Lake Delhi, recently suffered from stomach pains and reflux. After several months of struggling, it was determined that she had a hiatal hernia that required surgery. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.

Though she lived more than an hour away from Waverly, Peg's provider referred her to Dr. J. Matt Glascock at Waverly Health Center (WHC). Dr. Glascock is a surgeon who specializes in advanced laparoscopic surgery.

"I liked Dr. Glascock from the beginning," Peg recalled. "He is very personable and explains everything so well." As a retired registered nurse of 38 years, Peg credits the staff at WHC for always being attentive, professional and knowledgeable.

Peg said everyone she came into contact with including nurses, housekeeping, and dietary, took great care of her. Even Peg's husband, Ben, was cared for while he stayed with Peg during her recovery. She especially appreciated an overnight nurse taking the time to sit on her bed, hold her hand and talk with her when she was feeling down. "That meant so much to me," she said.

"It is remarkable that a surgery of this complexity can be performed in a hospital our size," said Dr. Glascock. "I credit our patient-focused administration and highly dedicated staff and surgical team. I could not do what I do without their support."

With hernia complications behind her, Peg is thankful for Dr. Glascock and the team at WHC. Not only did the surgery provide much needed relief to Peg, she was also taken care of the way she would have wanted to be as a nurse herself.