Ann Hamat was an independent woman. At Humber River Hospital, her children believed that it gave Ann comfort to know that they could see she was being well cared for.

“When our mother’s health declined, we were grateful for the care she was able to receive at Humber,” says Dr. Rick Hamat. “I have been a paediatrician at Humber River Hospital for 30 years, but this still felt like new territory for me.”

Ann Hamat was an independent woman. She never wanted to impose on anyone, even when she was living with non-treatable cancer. When Ann took a turn for the worse, her family brought her to the Apotex Emergency Department.

“Under the circumstances, we had a really good experience,” says Ann’s daughter Elaine.

“My mom’s care team was wonderful,” says Dr. Hamat. “They all brought different experiences to the team and were comfortable working with oncology patients.”

Ann was admitted to the Hospital as an inpatient. Her family was able to spend time with her in the spacious room she was given. Ann used her Integrated Bedside Terminal (IBT) to Skype with her grandson, a concert pianist in Berlin. She was his number one fan and would often be found front row at his concerts. In her Hospital room, she was able to stream his concerts online and watch Broadway musicals on her IBT.

“For years I’ve believed that we provide the highest level of care at Humber River Hospital,” says Dr. Hamat. “Being on the other side of healthcare while my mom was a patient confirmed that for me.”

When her family stayed over, they used the pull-out chair in her room. And when they couldn’t be there, they always knew she was in great hands. Even though she was at the end of her life, they could see she was comfortable. And as an independent woman, her children believed that it gave Ann comfort to know that they could see she was being well cared for.

In the end, Ann was transferred to another Hospital, but the family recalls their experience at Humber fondly.

“For years I’ve believed that we provide the highest level of care at Humber River Hospital,” says Dr. Hamat. “Being on the other side of healthcare while my mom was a patient confirmed that for me.”