When Keith Osborn reflects on his experience at Crawford County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), one word rises above the rest: care. Following a complication after knee surgery performed at another facility, Keith found himself navigating unexpected pain, uncertainty, and fear. What he found at CCMH, however, was a team that listened, acted quickly, and treated him as more than just a patient.
“I felt like they really cared about me and my wife,” Keith shared. “Everyone has been so kind.”
Keith’s journey underscores the powerful impact of personalized care at a critical access hospital—where time, attention, and compassion can truly make a difference.
Listening That Made the Difference
Keith’s turning point began with a phone call to CCMH Physical Therapist Jamie Gross. Concerned about knee and calf pain and unusual swelling following surgery, Keith reached out prior to his post-operative appointment. That conversation proved to be critical.
“Keith called prior to his post op appointment, with concerns of knee and calf pain and unusual swelling that he was experiencing after a knee surgery at a different hospital. I was able to listen to him describe his pain – as he had called his surgeon and was told it was typical for knee pain. The concerning part was the calf pain. I recommended that he try to get an appointment with a medical provider as soon as possible or pay a visit to the emergency room. He was found to have blood clots, which complicated his rehab. We were able to have him back in Skilled Care and get to see the progress that he has made since,” said Gross
That recommendation led Keith to receive immediate medical attention, where blood clots were identified—an intervention Keith firmly believes changed the course of his recovery.
“I believe they saved my life,” he said.
A Team-Based Approach to Healing
Once admitted to CCMH Skilled Care, Keith experienced what coordinated, whole-person care truly looks like. From diagnostics to rehabilitation, every department worked together to support his recovery—both physically and emotionally.
“Keith was able to have a large group of providers assist his care throughout the hospital, from the radiology team to the ER provider, to skilled care here – incorporating providers, nurses, a social worker and the rehab team, all working to ensure that he could return home safely,” said Gross.
Keith noticed that dedication firsthand. Doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and support staff consistently checked in—not just on his medical status, but on how he was doing as a person.
“Jamie knows her patients – she took time for me,” Keith shared.
Care That Treats the Whole Person
For Jamie, Keith’s experience reflects the heart of rehabilitation care—and the advantage of a critical access hospital like CCMH.
“I feel blessed to be a PT that Keith felt comfortable calling in to ask those questions about his concerns. So many times, if we just listen to the patient, they’ll tell us the answer. I was able to do that and help him get to the appropriate care channels so that he did not have an adverse consequence of his blood clots.”
That ability to listen, slow down, and truly know patients is something CCMH values deeply.
“Here at CCMH, we’re lucky because we can take the time that we need to address our patient’s concerns, and we can make sure their care is adequate so that they feel comfortable with the care that they’re getting. We’re able to take the time and make sure that their care is not just as a patient – but we’re able to make sure that they’re taken care of as a whole person.”
Getting Back to What Matters Most
Today, Keith is continuing his recovery—back at home and regaining independence. For Jamie, watching that progress is the most meaningful part of her role.
“The best part of being a physical therapist is being able to help our patients get back to where they want to be. Being able to watch him go from a state where he was not okay and looking for help, to now recovering and getting back in his house, and being able to do the things that he wants – that’s why we’re physical therapists,” shared Jamie.
Keith’s story is a powerful reminder that high-quality healthcare isn’t defined by size—it’s defined by people. At CCMH, care means listening closely, acting quickly, and treating every patient with dignity, compassion, and genuine concern.
