For Eric Evans, two life-threatening heart emergencies over 16 years changed the way he views healthcare in Brownwood. After surviving a 2010 heart attack, the Brownwood resident faced another cardiac emergency in March 2024 that led to open-heart surgery in Abilene.
Evans says the care he received before and after that surgery showed him the value of having advanced medical services close to home. His experience began at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood, where doctors stabilized him before he was transferred by ambulance to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene for bypass surgery.
“I say with a smile on my face how proud I am of what Hendrick Health is for this community,” Evans said. “The doctors in Brownwood did what they did and put my heart back into rhythm.”
A different hospital experience
The 2024 emergency also gave Evans a point of comparison with the hospital he remembered from his first heart attack. That earlier experience occurred years before Hendrick Health acquired the Brownwood facility in 2020.
“It was then that I began to realize, ‘OK, this isn't the same hospital I experienced when I had my other issues,’” he said. “Hendrick Health has brought something that's really special to our community.”
After the bypass procedure in Abilene, Evans returned to Brownwood to continue his recovery. He said the level of care available locally exceeded his expectations.
“What we have in Brownwood, and the level of care we have at Hendrick, is not normal,” Evans said.
Jill Evans describes compassionate care
Eric’s wife, Jill, also experienced care at Hendrick during a separate medical issue. She recalled that her surgeon prayed with her before performing gallbladder surgery, an interaction she said brought reassurance during a difficult moment.
“When these physicians actually pray over you, there's a peace and calmness that comes with that,” Jill said.
The couple said their experiences left them especially appreciative of the people providing healthcare in Brownwood and of the services available through Hendrick Health.
“We use those words: care and compassion. But when you see it played out, we are so proud to have Hendrick with us in Brownwood,” Jill said.