Baxter Health’s Acute Rehabilitation team has earned the prestigious DAISY Team Award for their exceptional care of a patient overcoming significant medical challenges.
The recognition stems from the team’s work with a 79-year-old patient who underwent a total laryngectomy and later hip surgery. The patient, who breathes through a stoma in her neck and relies on an electrolarynx to communicate, faced immense difficulty expressing her needs due to limited arm mobility and speech impairment.
In her award nomination, the patient credited two specific staff members, Shanelle and Alison, for their efforts to ensure her well-being during recovery. The patient said the staff members learned to interpret her facial expressions and hand gestures, helping to bridge the communication gap. They also provided safe transfers and ensured colleagues understood her specific dietary and communication needs.
"Shanelle’s presence brought comfort, safety, and humanity to my care," the patient wrote, adding that Alison’s kindness extended to her family, helping to foster trust and understanding during her recovery process.
The DAISY Award is part of an international initiative aimed at honoring nurses and healthcare teams who deliver compassionate, high-quality care. The Team Award, given to groups rather than individuals, acknowledges healthcare staff who work together to provide extraordinary support for patients and families.
FNBC sponsors the DAISY Award program at Baxter Health, helping to spotlight the efforts of outstanding medical professionals in the community.