When a patient experiencing homelessness needed urgent hernia repair surgery, Eric Rivers demonstrated the compassion and dedication that defines our Street Medicine Program. The patient, who had been unhoused with his beloved dogs for over a year following a house fire, faced a critical barrier: he had nowhere to recover post-surgery and no one to care for his companions. Understanding that quality healthcare extends beyond medical procedures, Eric coordinated with our VHP Street Medicine team to arrange temporary housing through our respite program. When the patient developed post-operative complications requiring overnight hospitalization, Eric went far beyond his clinical duties—he stayed overnight at the respite facility to personally care for the patient’s dogs. For over 36 hours, Eric remained at the respite center, ensuring continuity of care while sacrificing time with his own family, including his wife, six-month-old baby, and dog. His actions enabled a surgery that would have otherwise been impossible, allowing the patient to maintain his independence and continue the physical activities essential to his survival and wellbeing. Eric’s commitment exemplifies our organization’s mission to provide whole-person care regardless of circumstances. His compassion, clinical expertise, and unwavering dedication to patient advocacy make him an invaluable member of our street medicine team and a true champion for our community’s most vulnerable members. PAWS & PURPOSE: COLLEAGUE STEPS UP FOR A PATIENT’S BELOVED PETS COLLEAGUE HIGHLIGHT Eric Rivers , RN: CLINICAL LEAD, VHP STREET MEDICINE
19
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator