Kevin Coleman: His small act of kindness made a big impression

posted September 1st, 2009

This was a small deed that impressed not only the patient, but many of the RN staff.

Kevin Coleman, M.D., at Durham Regional Hospital, received a Random Act of Kindness Award. His nominator, Jay Hodshon said:

“Dr. Coleman was meeting with his patient. Her breakfast came without milk. The patient asked Dr. Coleman to 'get my milk from the windowsill.' Dr. Coleman threw out her milk, which was from the previous evening, and went to the RN station fridge to get his patient a new carton of milk. This was a small deed that impressed not only the patient, but many of the RN staff.”

Teresa VanMetre said: "On the story of Dr. Coleman, I also have a testimony to his kindness and dedication to his patients. He was taking care of this little lady who had come in for a stroke. After several attempts to feed her and failed swallowing studies, he decided to place an NG tube for tempory tube feeds. As his nurse, I attempted several times without sucess. He came in the room with me and held the patient's hand and comforted her while I again attempted the NG tube. I have watched this doctor many times extend a kind and caring hand to all his patients. Thanks to Dr. Kevin Coleman for all his kind care to our patients here at Durham Regional. Makes me proud to be a nurse here!"