There’s nothing worse than having critical information that can save someone else from harm and doing nothing about it. That’s why, when two Lakeland Health Nurses recently stepped up and spoke out, they were not only applauded, they were duly rewarded.
Two nurses from Lakeland were honored this week on Wednesday, August 22nd with the Michigan Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center Speak-up! Award. That award recognizes healthcare professionals and hospital staff who choose to speak up to prevent patient or staff harm in Michigan hospitals.
Crystal Watson, RN, and Lori Engler, RN, are the first recipients of the award at Lakeland Hospital Niles and the first dual recipients of the award. Watson and Engler received the award for speaking up about a medication that was ordered incorrectly and voicing concern to their colleagues. Their actions changed the course of care and protected the patient from harm.
Dr. Loren Hamel, President & CEO at Lakeland says, “Every day, errors occur in health care in every organization.” However, he notes, “The only way we can help lower that risk is to be alert when something is not going well and say something about it.”
Lakeland Health and its team of more than 4,000 healthcare professionals serve southwest Michigan with primary and specialty care. Overall, the hospital encourages a culture of teamwork, respect, accountability, inspiration, trust, and safety.
Crystal Watson says, “Our work environment is non-threatening, and we all feel comfortable approaching the providers because they welcome our suggestions and comments.”
Fostering a culture of speaking up is critical because it ensures safe care.
Sam Watson, MSA, CPPS, is Senior Vice President of Patient Safety & Quality for the MHA Keystone Center. He says, “It is the assurance of staff that they’re supported when they raise an issue and it’s going to be heard and addressed.” He adds. “An individual, whether it be a nurse or physician, could be the last step of intervention between the patient and harm and their ability to stop, ask and raise a concern is vital in keeping patients safe.”
Both nurses noted that they felt compelled to speak up to help and be advocates for their patients.
Engler points out, “Sometimes we must be the voice of the patient,” adding, “If there is a question of safety, it’s our job to speak up and question the situation to keep them safe.”
More information about the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including award criteria and a nomination form, are available online at www.mha.org
In the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market are (left to right): Loren B. Hamel, MD, President & CEO, Lakeland Health; Crystal Watson, RN; Lori Engler, RN; Tammy Jerz, RN, Manager Patient Care Services, Obstetrics, Lakeland Health; Natalie Baggio, MBA, BSN, RN, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Executive, Lakeland Health; Sam Watson, MSA, CPPS, senior vice president of patient safety and quality, MHA Keystone Center
Lakeland Health is the non-profit, community-owned health system in Michigan’s Great Southwest, which includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, hospice, home care services, and physician practices. Lakeland was ranked as a Top 15 U.S. Health System by Truven Health Analytics in 2017.
The health system has more than 4,000 employees who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with more than 450 affiliated physicians and other providers. For more information, visit www.lakelandhealth.org.
