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LINDA WEST Even the leader of the pack sometimes needs a little TLC. In the case of Linda West, Emergency Room Director at Labette Health, however, the need was for a lot of care, immediately. Being in ER at Labette Health has been part of Linda's regular routine for most of her life – she's worked at the facility for more than 37 years and been Director the last 20. In April of 1988, just a couple of years after taking charge, Linda unintentionally gave her department the ultimate test when she suffered a heart attack while at a social gathering. The tables turned on her quickly as she became a critical patient, with her life literally placed in her staff’s hands. And her team passed that test with flying colors. "In ER a temporary pacemaker was placed, a clot buster drug started, and I was Life Flighted to St. Luke's in Kansas City. I owe my life to the ER staff and physicians at Labette Health." Thanks to the immediate quality care she received, Linda made a full recovery. Now, 18 years later, she's still in ER, but doing what she likes best, seeing to the care of others. In addition to supervising the department during this time, Linda has also developed the Labette Health Occupational Medical Program. With complete recovery, Linda still gets to enjoy her favorite hobbies and continue her very active lifestyle. She gardens, attends antique auctions, takes the grandkids to Branson to camp out and go fishing, and attends sporting events including at least two NASCAR races somewhere in the US every year. Although her opinion might seem prejudiced at first since she is in charge, Linda highly recommends the Labette Health ER Department –– from the personal experience of a critical care patient. “They have state of the art equipment and a very well trained staff. All have been certified in adult and pediatric life support. I owe my life to the ER Staff and physicians at Labette Health.”
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