Barb Laska, a longtime Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center volunteer and auxiliary member, has always felt, in her heart, that she was assisting a great place with a great mission. But it wasn’t until she was a patient there that she realized just how special this place and its people really are.

“It was the sickest I’ve ever been,” recalls Barb. A ruptured appendix and spreading infection required emergency surgery. Anesthetist John Hust, was a member of her surgery team. “John was absolutely outstanding. He was in control, calm, and cool. His soothing presence helped me relax and eased my tension. He is a real asset to this hospital.”

Dr. Phil Schwend, D.O., general surgeon at Wabasha Clinic-part of Lake City Medical Center – Mayo Health System, performed Barb’s surgery. Barb recalls his kindness, compassion, and attentiveness. “Not that I really remember…but from what I was told, I almost didn’t make it through the surgery. I owe my life to Dr. Schwend and the staff at Saint Elizabeth’s.”

A seven-day hospital stay followed her surgery. While Barb says every nurse on every shift took great care of her, Mary Ann Pfeilsticker deserves a special mention. She was Barb’s primary nurse for the majority of her hospital stay. Mary Ann is a gold mine. She is so genuine, kind, and comforting. Thinking back, Barb has trouble finding the words to describe the care she provided. Tears welling, she professes. “I start to cry when I think about Mary Ann and what she did for me. I’m a very private person and these nurses; they see you at your worst – your very worst - and make you feel okay about it. The entire staff was just wonderful! They are jewels – absolute jewels. I really think the care they give speeds up your recovery. They make you want to get better.”

Barb jokes that during her stay, she was reaping the rewards of her auxiliary membership. The truth is the staff was completely unaware of her affiliation with the hospital. “They give everyone the same ‘royal red carpet treatment’ no matter who you are. There is no social scale. They live and breathe their mission statement to improve the health and well-being of all people, especially the poor, in the communities we serve.”

“If this had happened in a bigger city, there is no way I would have received the physical and emotional attention I was given. I used to work in a state hospital and I’ve been a patient in other hospitals prior to my move to Wabasha. By far, it was the best care I’ve ever received.” And she’s not alone. In sharing her story, Barb has heard the same sentiments from former Saint Elizabeth patients and residents. They speak of the excellent care, the attention they received, and the responsiveness of the entire staff.

“If you’re gonna get sick or have surgery, this is the place to be. Saint Elizabeth’s really treats you well! What makes it even better is the fact that the staff is so humble. The employees don’t realize how much their care impacts those they serve.”

Saint Elizabeth’s is currently undergoing a major surgery expansion and renovation project. Because of Barb’s positive experience and intense desire to give back with her time, talents, and treasures, she initiated a motion requesting that Saint Elizabeth’s Auxiliary pledge $50,000 towards the project. She is also an active Guest Services volunteer and willingly assists with other special duties and projects. When she’s not at Saint Elizabeth’s, she’s meeting Wabasha newcomers through her role with Welcome Services, and always has a few nice words to share about “her” local health care providers.