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.

The fourth quarter awards were presented to Greg Veale, RN, (DAISY Award); Jeff Pepin, physical therapy assistant, (Sunflower Award); Rhian Dalgord, NP, (Honor a Caregiver Award); Christina Kramer, MD, (Honor a Caregiver Award); and the 2 South Unit (Team Award).

DAISY Award

Greg Veale was the recipient of the DAISY Award, which recognizes skillful and compassionate care from nurses. He is a nurse on 2 South, which is where patients are hospitalized for an acute illness or post-operative recovery. He was recognized for the exceptional care and compassion he brought to a patient. The patient who nominated him noted he “always recognized when I needed someone to talk to and brightened my room every time he walked in.”

Sunflower Award

Jeff Pepin is a physical therapy assistant in Rehabilitation. He was nominated by a patient for going above and beyond the call of duty. Upon learning his patient wasn’t able to make it to physical therapy after hurting her hip while picking up leaves in the yard, Jeff and his three sons went to the patient’s house on a Sunday morning to complete the yard cleanup. His wife, Heather, a fellow Mission Partner, also provided a dinner, and the patient shared how surprised she was for someone to do something so nice and unexpected.

Honor a Caregiver Awards

Rhian Dalgord was nominated by a couple who took their 3-year-old foster son to the Walk-In Clinic for care. They shared that they were one of the last patients of the day, yet despite having worked a long shift, Rhian was not only positive and friendly, but patient, professional and helpful in educating the new foster parents. The family left the clinic grateful for the fantastic care and support they received.

Dr. Christina Kramer was nominated by a patient’s mother who accompanied her adult daughter with disabilities to an appointment. Seeing an OB/GYN was a new experience for her daughter, who was anxious about the visit, and her mother was concerned about how her daughter would be received. Dr. Kramer was recognized for being kind, patient, informative and very respectful. She offered clear explanations and information throughout the appointment and involved the patient, not just the guardian, in every part of the visit. The mother shared she was inspired to “strive to treat everyone that I interact with during my day with the same respect, compassion and kindness that was shown to my daughter.”

Team Award

The 2 South team, which is the unit where patients are hospitalized for an acute illness or post-operative recovery, was recognized for the teamwork they continually demonstrate in creating positive patient experiences. The nomination noted the high level of professionalism and personal care provided. A patient shared, “I am very grateful for the loving care that I received, and the follow up care made me feel that my health and personal care [were] important to OSF.”

If you would like to nominate a Mission Partner (employee) from OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group for special recognition of extraordinary care, visit osfgratefulpatient.org