Generations Of Care

The following story was written for Myrtue's Health Matters Fall 2024 Newsletter.

The story of Jill Ferry, PA-C, at Myrtue Medical Center, is one of dedication and a deeply personal impact on generations of the Schmitz/Davis family.

For Debbie Davis, Jill’s support has been invaluable during some of the family’s most challenging moments, from facing a rare genetic disease in her daughter to helping navigate the aging process of her parents. Jill’s compassionate care even extended to Debbie’s grandmother before she passed away.

Debbie points to Jill’s steady support and friendship as the cornerstone of her family’s healthcare journey, emphasizing the top-notch care provided by Myrtue Medical Center.

“Jill has been right there for us — she has become a friend,” Debbie said.

Between the high-quality facilities at Myrtue Medical Center and Jill’s dedication, Debbie feels confident that her family is well cared for within the Shelby County community.

“Jill is very kind and caring,” said Debbie. “She gave Mom exactly what she needed during all of the stages of life she was in.”

Jill’s approach to care reflects the collaborative and comprehensive nature of Myrtue as a whole. The hospital’s coordination across departments and providers has made the treatment and care of Debbie’s family as easy and supportive as possible. Debbie also praised the Hospice team, who went above and beyond with their dedication and personalized approach.

One moment that stands out to Debbie is when the Myrtue Hospice team arranged for a music therapist to play guitar for her mother in her final days. Given her mother’s extensive background in music —having played piano and served as an organist in her church for 38 years — this gesture deeply resonated with the family.

“This thoughtful gesture of incorporating music into her final days not only honored her lifelong passion but also provided emotional support to the whole family,” Debbie shared.

The comprehensive resources available at Myrtue, from advanced medical equipment to compassionate healthcare professionals, have positively impacted Debbie’s daughter, mother, and father. With surgeries, hospice care, primary care, and emergency services all available in Harlan, Debbie’s family was able to avoid long trips to the city. The expansion of the Surgery + Specialty Clinic meant they could access specialized care locally.

“We get great care with that hometown feel,” Debbie said.

For Debbie, the quality of care was unmatched in every situation. The continuity of care between facilities, including detailed record-keeping of her family’s medical history and quick accessibility of information, has been particularly reassuring. For her daughter Tasha, who has a rare genetic condition, the medical center’s attentiveness offers peace of mind. Debbie’s gratitude extends beyond medical treatment.

“The personal connections truly make a difference. The staff’s recognition and remembrance of patients, even outside the hospital setting, is the personalized care that defines Myrtue Medical Center. They run into you at the grocery store and remember your name,” Debbie said. “You just get to know them, and it means so much. These small, yet significant, gestures create a positive impact.”

These kind and courteous actions are just one of the many reasons Debbie is thankful to have Myrtue Medical Center as part of her community.