ST. LOUIS, MO – A traveler experiencing a medical emergency during a layover in St. Louis received swift and compassionate care at SSM Health DePaul Hospital, allowing him to continue his journey home to California.
Keith Kennedy was traveling with his wife following a vacation when he began experiencing severe urinary retention, a condition related to his enlarged prostate. The pain quickly intensified during a layover at St. Louis’ airport.
“I told my wife that I needed to seek medical attention as of the pain I was in,” Kennedy said. He initially hoped for a swift stabilization to resume travel, but paramedics persistent an emergency room visit was necessary.
Fortunately, SSM Health DePaul Hospital – st.Louis was a short, seven-minute drive away.
Arriving in an unfamiliar city while in distress increased Kennedy’s anxiety.However, he was met by a team of healthcare professionals, from the intake nurse to attending physician So Youn Kim-Shepherd, APRN-CNP, who provided urgent, empathetic, and precise care. Kennedy noted their understanding of both his medical needs and his desire to return home, and praised their efficient coordination of his treatment.
Kennedy described the hospital staff as “a concert of professionals,” emphasizing they treated him as an individual, not just a patient. Their efforts successfully relieved his pain and enabled him to continue his travels.
A husband, father, and grandfather, Kennedy expressed profound gratitude for the care he received.
“In these arduous days when people question science and medicine,” Kennedy said,”I remove my hat and say,’Thank you’ for all that you do.”
SSM Health DePaul Hospital – St. Louis reports Kennedy is now recovering at home, surrounded by loved ones.
