Gifting imagination to counter patient loneliness

Steven Stockton, patient care assistant at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, knew his patient was in pain and felt lonely. The patient mentioned to Stockton that she liked books, especially fiction.

Hoping to comfort his patient, Stockton came up with the idea to give a fiction book to his patient to help her feel more connected.

That night Stockton, a self-proclaimed history buff, scoured his bookshelves for literature created from imagination.

The next day happened to be a day off work, but he came in anyway, carrying five fiction books. Stockton displayed the books in front of the patient. She was so surprised by his gesture, she cried tears of joy. Stockton let her choose her favorite book to keep.

“She ended up picking Wicked,” Stockton said.

He donated the rest of the books to a 7^th floor family room for other patients and families to read and enjoy.

“I know there’s a lot of sadness on our floor in inpatient oncology, so just anything to help patients or patients’ families,” Stockton said.

When Stockton returned to work on Monday, the patient had been discharged.

“I just wanted to help her out. She was in a bad spot. It just felt like the right thing to do,” he said. “I recognize everyone that works in the field, especially the 7^th floor because it’s pretty tough sometimes. Not every patient has a good outcome and the nurses provide outstanding care and the techs do a great job. I think they do outstanding work every day.”

Matthew Kennedy, patient care assistant, submitted a Celebrating You recognition for Stockton.

“Steven came into work on his day off to bring a patient books to read while she was in the hospital, being thoughtful and kind to all patients, even coming in on his day off to provide great warm care to a patient in need.”