Patient Experience is key focus at Western Connecticut Orthopedic Surgical Center

Meet Western Connecticut Orthopedic Surgical Center (WCOSC) Patients 

For decades, word of mouth advice has been important in the health care field, where people advise family and friends on their person experiences, both good and bad, about practitioners, procedures, and results.  That communication has been a key influence for many years on how people choose their care. So when the Western Connecticut Orthopedic Surgical Center’s (WCOSC) Total Joint patients stepped forward to talk about WCOSC, their voices were especially audible and noteworthy.

Opened in September of 2014, WCOSC is the first outpatient center of its kind in the region, offering patients a state-of-the-art facility, a highly trained and qualified staff, access to top surgeons, and, most importantly, the ability to go home to recover right after total joint surgery.  “Our surgical center is specifically designed to meet the needs of patients who want to recuperate in their own homes,” says administrator Diane Heelan. 

Today's new healthcare model demands shorter hospital stays and cost-conscious care.  For patients who meet the qualifications to have total joint surgery on an outpatient basis, WCOSC is an important new offering in the Danbury area.

The following patients were all part of the total joint replacement program at WCOSC, one of the only centers in our area providing this type of care.

Phil Ruckel had a total hip replacement at WCOSC in January and was amazed at the personal approach of the entire team at the center.  “I was most impressed that all of my questions were answered prior to surgery,” says Mr. Ruckel, a Brookfield resident. “The nurses, staff and my surgeon, total joint specialist Dr. John Dunleavy, motivated me with positive, encouraging,attitude and an attentive style that built my own confidence which I believe really contributed to my quicker than expected progress."

“WCOSC’s staff set up my home care through the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA) which has also been a godsend," he continues. "Their Occupational Therapist came to the house the week before my surgery and evaluated what changes I would need to make in the house to make my recuperation easier.  Small daily things, like getting in and out of the bathtub, or getting my socks on or off, were planned out and practiced. Then, the visiting nurse arrived at my home about an hour after I did following my surgery.  That was such a comfort.  From that moment, I was on my way.”

Danbury resident, Bill Dempsey, a total shoulder replacement patient of Dr. Phillip Mulieri’s, has recovered from more medical emergencies than he would like to mention.  “In 2001, I fell from a tree and broke 20 bones.  I am more knowledgeable than most people about healing from orthopedic trauma,” continued Mr. Dempsey.  “I absolutely loved going home after this replacement surgery at WCOSC.  The center’s staff makes you feel at home from the minute they are introduced and begin to plan out your surgery."

However, one of the most significant comments Mr. Dempsey shared was about post-surgical medication. “After my fall from the tree, I went through an enormous amount of surgery, spent many nights in the hospital, and was on a crazy amount of pain medication.  Having my recent shoulder replacement done on an outpatient basis, allowed me to have very minimal medication, and I felt so much better almost immediately after my surgery. I am a huge fan of the practice, these doctors, and now of the surgical center.  I won’t go anywhere else,” raves Mr. Dempsey.

Gary Furtak, of New Fairfield, was the very first total joint surgical patient at the center.  As a landscaper, Mr. Furtak depends on his musculoskeletal system to handle a wide range of tasks, counting on his muscle strength to use the larger equipment needed for his job. He refers to his full knee replacement, performed by Dr. Robert Deveney, as one of his smoothest medical experiences ever. “If I had to rate my experience at WCOSC, out of 5 I would give it a 5+,” says Mr. Furtak. “I am overwhelmed with the attention I received at WCOSC. The nurses, staff and Dr. Deveney’s office not only prepared me extremely well prior to surgery, they have responded promptly to any question I have had since.” 

Mr. Furtak’s wife, Marilyn, has been a nurse for over 31 years and was equally impressed with the attention, information and follow up care. She explains, “Gary was cleared to return to work in 28 days, and I attribute his speedy recovery not only to Dr. Deveney’s skill level, but to the support system provided by the nursing staff, immediate post-surgical home visits by the RVNA, follow up phone calls and subsequent therapy with David Jewell of Danbury Orthopedics Physical Therapy.” Mr. Furtak, who is becoming emotional about his experience, says with a tear in his eye, “I wouldn’t have changed anything.”

Police officer Robin Montgomery underwent a right total shoulder with Dr. Ross Henshaw in February in order to continue his active lifestyle. "I didn’t hesitate as I have utmost confidence in Dr. Henshaw, and was delighted to learn that I could do the surgery on an outpatient basis at the new state-of-the-art surgical center,” says Mr. Montgomery.  He adds, “At every turn, the staff has responded to what I needed. I can’t recommend them enough.”