Local Care Makes a Difference
On June 12, Scott Shepard underwent a total shoulder replacement. One week later, during a follow-up visit, a physician assistant noticed swelling in his arm and became concerned it could be a blood clot. She recommended he go to the emergency department, which led Scott and his wife to Arroyo Grande Community Hospital.
Arriving in the early morning, Scott was seen quickly by welcoming hospital staff. Within minutes, he was escorted into a room, vitals taken, and an ultrasound underway. The test ruled out a clot, but what Scott remembered most wasn’t the result, it was the way Tom, the ultrasound technician, carried himself. “You could just tell he thoroughly enjoyed his work… I love to see that he was passionate about what he did.” Scott made a special note to express how he felt when Tom gave him his undivided attention and did not treat him as just another number while going about his day.
Midway through Scott’s visit, Sarah, a nurse on staff, was going through routine checks and noticed his heart rate was elevated and there were signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Though he’d had mild AFib in the past, it was serious that day and the nurse spotted it. Sarah insisted he follow up with a cardiologist before leaving, and Scott recalls, “She was really concerned about my AFib heart rate situation… she really emphasized the seriousness of the situation and stressed the importance of following up with my cardiologist.”
This outright passion for their work and attention to the little details that extended beyond the immediate reason for his visit, was something Scott said he truly appreciated. By the time Dr. Armstrong rounded before discharge, Scott already felt he’d been cared for as a whole person, not just a patient chart.
On his overall experience, Scott shared, “The thing that stuck out with me is that the people there were genuine. They cared about you. And it wasn’t like, ‘Okay, next.’” That level of commitment to the well-being of each patient’s unique needs is something Arroyo Grande Community Hospital prides itself on. We want each of our patients, as Scott was, to be deeply impressed by the thorough attention, kindness, and care received at every step.
This wasn’t Scott’s first visit with Arroyo Grande Community Hospital. In 2016, he underwent hip replacement surgery here, and over the years, both he and his family have visited for various medical needs. Having that continuity and trust matters deeply to him.
He emphasizes that a hospital near home isn’t just convenient; it can literally be life-saving when timing is critical. Scott explains, “Having a hospital in your community that you trust — one that cares enough to keep upgrading — gives you confidence. When people donate, it’s not just equipment, it's pride and self-reliance.”
Donations also allow Arroyo Grande Community Hospital to maintain state-of-the-art equipment and retain patients locally, rather than requiring them to travel far for care. “If we can donate and stay up with the state-of-the-art equipment, and keep the people here… instead of having to go out of town, it’s just a good feeling,” Scott says.
Scott generously participated in this interview because he felt the need to highlight how meaningful good care can be.
His story serves as a potent reminder: gratitude from patients isn’t just affirmation of good work; it helps build trust, encourages others to seek care, and strengthens the bonds between hospital and community.
If you’ve ever considered supporting Arroyo Grande Community Hospital through a donation or volunteer effort, stories like Scott’s show exactly why it matters. Your gift helps sustain not only advanced equipment and excellent staff, it helps preserve a place where patients are seen, heard, and treated with dignity.