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St. Francis employee receives 2019 Speak-up! Award

Courtesy photo Dale Werner, RTR, at OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group received the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award for the fourth quarter of 2019 and was also chosen as the annual 2019 Speak-up! Award recipient.

ESCANABA — Dale Werner, RTR, at OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group received the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award for fourth quarter of 2019 and was also chosen as the annual 2019 Speak-up! Award recipient.

Werner, a registered technologist in the radiography department, prevented potential patient harm by thoroughly investigating a patient’s medical history and raising concerns before completing a requested procedure. He spoke up to the attending physician, and the patient’s care plan was adjusted, ensuring the patient’s safety was protected while delivering high-quality care.

“It is an unfortunate reality that errors occur in every healthcare organization,” said Dave Lord, president of OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group. “One of the many ways we lower risk of errors is to create a just culture, where employees feel comfortable to speak up when they become aware of a potential risk.”

The award acknowledges individuals or teams in MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) member hospitals who raise concerns about healthcare quality and safety and prevent potential harm to patients or staff.

“All members of the healthcare team need to know that they are supported when they raise an issue, and it’s going to be heard and addressed,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “An individual, whether it be a nurse or physician or tech, could be the last step of intervention between the patient and harm. Their ability to stop, ask questions and raise a concern is vital in keeping patients safe.” 

OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group has been serving the south central Upper Peninsula since 1884, caring for neighbors, friends and families from birth throughout the stages of life. Its caregivers combine skill, experience, compassion and state-of-the-art technology to provide patients and guests with the best possible experience each time they come for care. OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group is dedicated to raising the level of health in the communities it serves with education, collaboration with other health services and organizations, and the development of new services to meet the communities’ needs.

The Speak-up! Award was created in 2016 and has honored nearly 20 employees of Michigan hospitals to date. The award is presented quarterly, with one quarterly awardee recognized as an annual Speak-up! Award recipient.

Additional award finalists for the fourth quarter of 2019 include:

Dawn Zalewski, RN, Beaumont Hospital, Farmington Hills

Rachelle Dewyre, McLaren Northern Michigan, Petoskey

Rick Shumaker, Sparrow Health System, Lansing

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