Heartfelt Stories – All the Comforts of Home: David’s Story

David Lang, seated and smiling, is flanked by two caring MCH staff members, Emily Shaw (CNA) and Katelynn Kelleher (RN), in an outdoor setting at Monadnock Community Hospital.
Heartfelt Stories - All the Comforts of Home: David's Story
Finding Home and Heartfelt Care

Heartfelt Stories

At Monadnock Community Hospital, we are proud to share our Heartfelt Stories featuring inspiring testimonials from our patients, employees, volunteers, donors, and community members. Each story reflects the exceptional care, support, and compassion that define our commitment to our community. Join us in celebrating these remarkable journeys and the difference compassionate care can make.

A Family's Journey with Monadnock Community Hospital

It’s been said that home is where the heart is. If you ask David Lang of Jaffrey, he’ll tell you it’s also at Monadnock Community Hospital.

David’s wife Pamela had been battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) when she suddenly lost consciousness at home. In severe respiratory distress, she was rushed to MCH and put on life support. After a week in intensive care, she started rehab with the hope of becoming sufficiently ambulatory to return home.

Pamela showed some improvement, but her oxygen level was quite low due to the extent of lung deterioration. Eventually, it became obvious that her life expectancy could be measured in days or even hours.

“The Hospital had allowed me to sleep in an adjoining bed for more than two weeks rather than putting Pam in a separate Hospice unit,” recalls David. “They also provided meals to me, a service above and beyond what I would have expected.”

Aware of Pamela’s wish to spend her final days at home, MCH arranged for her to return home under the guidance of a home hospice program. “After we arrived home, she had a good meal, watched some TV, went to bed, and never woke up,” says David. “She died next to me in bed, a peaceful ending to a difficult disease.”

David says he is forever grateful to MCH for their efforts during his wife’s illness. “The doctors, nurses, and support staff could not have been more responsive and caring. I hope the community realizes what a significant asset we have and continues to give MCH the support it needs in these challenging times.”

“The doctors, nurses, and support staff could not have been more responsive and caring.” — David Lang, Jaffrey

Pictured left to right: David Lang; Emily Shaw, CNA; and Katelynn Kelleher, RN

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