When Pam Aubin found she would need unexpected surgery at Backus in June, she was understandably concerned. She also didn't have much time to think about it. As the Norwich Public Schools Superintendent, with oversight of 14 schools, she had a calendar full of meetings and projects. She was busy working right up until the last minute.

She recalled previous hospitalizations at Backus years ago, when she gave birth to her three children, the oldest of whom is 31.

Her most recent experience showed her how much healthcare has changed in intervening decades. What she found in the Dr. Frederick S. Eadie Birthing Center was a compassionate, reassuring staff in a private, restful environment.

She was incredibly impressed. She wrote a letter to the hospital, praising staff members for their excellent care and kindness.

"The nurses, Dr. John Bodin and the entire staff struck me as being very reassuring, going above and beyond,' said Ms. Aubin. "They related to me as an individual — in the form of advice, a hand on my shoulder and many other ways.'

Ms. Aubin said it is clear the staff at Backus take great pride in not only offering the latest technology and procedures, but also treating patients with the care and respect they yearn for during uncertain times. She is convinced that Backus is a special place, and would recommend it to anyone.

"Everyone was equally kind and caring. It wasn't just one or two individuals,' Ms. Aubin said. "Whether it was the anesthesiologist, being prepped for surgery, in the operating room, coming out, in the recovery room... Service was terrific and everyone was very helpful. It was a very humanizing experience.'