JMCGH staff, former patients gather for Heart Recovery Reunion

JACKSON, Tenn. — It was a special day at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital as former patients were able to return for a special event.

This was the first time since Covid that the hospital has been able to have this event. Multiple former cardiac patients were able to meet each other as well as the team that helped them get back to health. We spoke to one of them about what today means to them.

“Today is very important to me because of the Impella that was inserted in. I’m convinced that it saved my life basically. I just wanted to come back and meet the teams, the people that are here, and Dr. Wright,” said Scott Knight, former patient.

For those that work and the hospital and see patients everyday, it is good to take a step away and speak with those you have helped. Dr. Wright spoke more on why this is a nice time.

“Well this is the ‘why’ you know? I think a lot of times, as surgeons, we spend a lot of time worrying about the potential problems and complications. That’s kind of how we were trained. We don’t spend enough time to celebrate those successes and talking to our patients, and thanking them for entrusting us with their lives,” said Dr. Ted Wright, cardiothoracic surgeon.

The ‘Impella’ that Scott mentioned earlier is a device that can help pump blood for the heart. It has helped so many people and continues to do so today.

“It provides a margin of safety in very complex patients. It’s been a wonderful adjunct for us,” said Dr. Knight.

Dr. Wright said the Impella device helped Scott’s condition tremendously, and technology like this will continue to help others. Dr. Wright also mentioned that he looks forward to many more of these events in the future.

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