Melissa Collins

A Grateful Patient’s Journey with SNMH

When Melissa Collins moved to Grass Valley in 2019, she had no idea just how much she would come to rely on Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital (SNMH). Over the past six years, she has visited nearly every department—X-ray, mammography, bone density screenings, surgery, infusion therapy, and even the Emergency Room. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: exceptional care and kindness from the SNMH team.

Melissa’s journey began six years ago with a skiing accident that led to an unexpected diagnosis—osteoporosis. Since then, she has been diligent about bone density screenings and receives an annual infusion to help strengthen her bones. She describes the Infusion Center as a place of compassion and professionalism, where kindness is felt at every step—from scheduling the appointment to receiving the injection. After her first infusion, a nurse from the center even called her that evening to check in. That level of personalized care left a lasting impression.

In 2020, during the height of COVID-19, Melissa underwent a hysterectomy at the SNMH Surgery Center. Due to pandemic restrictions, her husband couldn’t be by her side, but the surgical team provided unwavering support. "They did a great job," she recalls, appreciating the skilled care that helped her feel safe and comforted during such a vulnerable time.

Most recently, a kitchen accident landed Melissa in the Emergency Room after she sliced her finger open. Expecting a long wait, she was amazed when she was in and out in just 30 minutes. The efficiency and attentiveness of the ER team reinforced her gratitude for having a trusted hospital right in her own community.

Through every experience, Melissa has only had positive encounters at SNMH. She feels incredibly lucky to have such a caring and dedicated healthcare team so close to home. "We are truly fortunate to have SNMH as a resource in our community," she says. "The people who work there genuinely care, and that makes all the difference."

At Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, we are honored to be part of Melissa’s healthcare journey—and the journeys of so many others in our community. Her story is a testament to the compassion, dedication, and excellence that define SNMH.