Gifford launched its Employee Recognition program recognizing and rewarding the amazing work that happens at Gifford Health Care every day with an exceptional team. There were 47 nominations for the three awards highlighting the impact each person has on the care provided; with nominations coming from patients, patient families, and colleagues.
Judy Santamore, director of Gifford’s Adult Day program was presented with the DAISY award. Santamore has dedicated her forty-plus-year career to caring for our elderly population. The values and care she brings to her role positively impacts not only the person, but their family. As noted by her nomination, “Judy’s standard practice is to welcome each participant and get to know them as she discovers their interests and seeks to incorporate these interests into activities specifically for them.” As Ursula Margazano, Vice President of Senior Services, shared, “As we all age, we can only hope there is a Judy for us.”
The BEE award, which stands for Be Exceptional Every day, recognizes all of the work that occurs sometimes behind the scenes, but makes a huge impact in the lives of many. This award recognizes staff that are not licensed nurses or providers. Bobbisue Champney, medical secretary at the Chelsea Health Center was awarded the first BEE award. A patient submitted the nomination noting, “We (my husband and I) both get extreme anxiety when going to the doctor, her calm and soothing demeanor as we check in helps to alleviate much of that. She goes above and beyond with every interaction and deserves to be acknowledged for it.”
Pediatrician, Dr. Courtney Riley, received the HIVE award, healthcare providers impacting the lives of vulnerable people every day is awarded to Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. The nomination shared, “Dr. Riley always goes above and beyond to take care of our children. I feel so blessed to have my daughter have her as her pediatrician. She always makes sure that my daughter feels heard and comfortable, and her health is always top priority. Gifford is by far a much better place with her on staff!”
President and CEO, Dan Bennett closed the event sharing, “We recognize the exceptional care, compassion and connection our Gifford team display with patients, their families and peers. We see dedication and empathy that is unmatched in other organizations and encourage nominations of this new quarterly employee recognition program.”
Nomination forms are available throughout all Gifford’s locations and online at www.giffordhealthcare.org.
