ESCANABA — OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group recently recognized four honorees through its Grateful Patient program. The program includes the international DAISY Award, Sunflower Award, Honor a Caregiver Award and Team Award.

This quarter’s awards were presented to Melissa LeDuc, RN (DAISY Award); Sandy Guenette, hospital social worker, (Sunflower Award); M. Walter Baldauf, MD, (Honor a Caregiver Award), and the Ambulatory Care Unit (Team Award).

Melissa was the recipient of the DAISY Award, which recognizes nurses’ skillful and compassionate care. She is a nurse on 2 South, where patients are hospitalized for an acute illness or post-operative recovery. She was recognized for the exceptional care and compassion she brought to a patient. The patient’s family nominated LeDuc to recognize the great respect and compassion she provided, noting that her kindness would not be forgotten. Guenette is a social worker and part of the case management team. She was nominated by a patient’s family, who noted how she went above and beyond for their mother. The patient’s daughter shared their appreciation for the excellent and compassionate guidance Sandy offered the family, stating, “she makes you feel like you are her top priority and takes care of so many things for the family.”

The Honor a Caregiver Award recognizes physicians and advanced practice providers who demonstrate excellence, compassion and extraordinary care. Walter Baldauf, MD, practices internal medicine and pediatrics in Suite 203 with OSF St. Francis Medical Group in Escanaba. Dr. Baldauf was nominated by a patient who was transferred to him for primary care. The patient shared reluctance about initially establishing a relationship with a new provider. Yet, in the nomination, the patient expressed gratitude for the extra time spent and compassion demonstrated that helped to quickly establish trust and a valued relationship with a primary care provider.

The Team Award was presented to the Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU) at OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group, acknowledging the excellence and collaboration of an entire department or medical practice group. The ACU team was recognized for their strong teamwork that provides positive patient experiences. The nomination noted how it makes for a smooth and seamless process that helped the patient to feel supported, noting the excellent care received during a recent outpatient procedure.

“The work of our Mission Partners goes beyond providing health care to patients,” said Dave Lord, president, OSF St. Francis Hospital. “They’re often providing comfort, compassion and a listening ear. I see it each and every day and am proud to see the Sisters’ Mission in action. The nominations from patients act as a great reminder that staff from all departments and roles are making a positive impact on those we serve.”

If you would like to nominate an employee from OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group for special recognition of extraordinary care, please visit osfgratefulpatient.org.