For families who want to stay with loved ones through illness

For families who want to stay with loved ones through illness

New Hospitality Suite is a big hit

When a close family member was a patient in a hospital, have you ever thought that it would be convenient to stay in the room next door instead of staying in a motel or running back and forth from home to sleep and eat?

This is exactly what Horley and Jessie Priddle thought when Mrs. Priddle was admitted to Culpeper Memorial Hospital in September.

The retired Fairfax, Virginia, couple had been on a bus trip to Montpelier when Mrs. Priddle fell in a museum in Orange and broke her hip.

The Orange County Rescue Squad brought Mrs. Priddle to CMH. and Mr. Priddle checked into a local motel. After returning to Northern Virginia for his car, Mr. Priddle learned of the CMH Hospitality Suite from the staff nurses, and the couple moved in for the duration of their 12-day stay.

Recently redecorated, the Hospitality Suite has two bedrooms, private baths, and a central foyer where people can meet or have meals. Designed specifically for families who want to stay together, the suite was ideal for the Priddles.

The Hospitality Suite "makes it nice for us,” said the Priddles. “We have room to move around.”

Another feature of the Hospitality Suite is a gourmet menu, including scallops, beef tenderloin, chicken cordon blue, and stuffed filet of sole. The Priddles sampled this menu and found the regular fare to their liking as well.

“We were astonished by the quality of the food and diversity of diet,” commented Mrs. Priddle, a world traveler.

An upcoming trip to Holland was canceled because of Mrs. Priddle’s accident, but broken bones have not always prevented her traveling.

Last year while visiting China, Mrs. Priddle fractured her ankle. After treatment, she continued the three-week trip even though no crutches were available in China. The tour guide carried her on his back to see the sights. Highlights of the trip were both ends of the Great Wall of China and the ancient capitol of Siam.

Stories of far places delighted many CMH staff members who cared for the former English teacher to Capitol page boys in Washington and her husband who was in the newspaper and printing business.

To the staff who assisted them when they were leaving CMH, Mrs. Priddle said, "You have been very good to us.” Mr. Priddle joined in, “We have received wonderful treatment.”

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