Gertrude Bruce of Williamsville donates quilts to ALMH patients

[March 29, 2013]  Gertrude Bruce of Williamsville has had several major surgeries, including at the Mayo Clinic. During her hospital stays she found that the design of a hospital gown left her with an appreciation of something to cover her legs, and she thought it would be nice to be able to take it home. She chose to make quilts for patients at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital and has donated them in honor of her physician, Dennis Carroll, M.D.

Although Mrs. Bruce's eyesight is failing, she is happy to be able to continue her love of quilting. Her daughter often brings her to ALMH to deliver the quilts for patients in obstetrics, surgery and acute care.

Michelle Green, acute care manager at the hospital, said that in her unit the quilts are given to pediatric patients.

"Pediatric patients can be scared of the clinical staff and the unfamiliar setting," said Green. "Giving them a quilt makes the hospital feel more like home. It also gives them something to snuggle with and puts them at ease."

Gertrude Bruce and her family members have great appreciation for ALMH. They have been treated in the surgery and rehabilitation departments and have great admiration for their ALMH caregivers and therapists.

ALMH is a 25-bed critical-access hospital located at 200 Stahlhut Drive in Lincoln. For more information about the hospital, call 217-732-2161 or visit www.almh.org.