WOW March Award Winner – TJ Lowery, RRT, RCP

The WOW Patient Experience Initiative recognizes team members who engage with patients/families, visitors and employees in exceptional ways, providing a superior level of commitment and reflecting the values of Wood County Hospital (WCH). TJ Lowery, RRT, RCP, was selected as the March WOW Patient Experience award winner for going above and beyond for a patient who had been in the ICU and Med/Surg for 14 days. TJ noticed that the patient always had his Bible near him. The patient’s Bible was falling apart and the cover and pages were no longer attached to the spine.

TJ made it a point to ask around to see if any hospital Bibles were available to give to the patient. As he asked around, he was not having any luck. The patient was being discharged soon and TJ really wanted to find a way to get him a Bible. Phone calls were made to local organizations to see if they might be able to help. After explaining the situation and the hospital staff’s desire to help this patient, St. Thomas More Parish graciously stated they would deliver a Bible to the hospital. Once delivered, TJ presented the new Bible to the patient. The patient was extremely grateful and even got a little teary-eyed. With the patient’s permission, a rubber band was placed around the very worn and sentimental Bible to keep. TJ’s strong desire to help his patient was evident. TJ was on a mission to accomplish his goal so the patient could continue his faith, prayers and apparent desire to read his Bible without fear of losing pages.

TJ has been a Respiratory Therapist with Wood County Hospital for 3 years. He cares for patients with acute and chronic respiratory diseases and illnesses. In his role, TJ shared the most rewarding part of his job is being able to help his patients breathe easier, be a comfort to them and make them smile if he can. For patients at the end of life, he has, at times, been the only person right at their side as they take their very last breath and feels it is an honor to be with them in their final moments.

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