Great Catch winners help YNHH become a high reliability organization

Congratulations to these Great Catch winners for modeling HRO safety behaviors and taking action to improve patient safety.

Stephanie Ward, RN, Smilow Radiation Oncology, was recognized for attention to detail and escalating concerns during a follow-up call with a radiation therapy patient. The patient’s husband told Ward the patient was experiencing some increased fatigue and left-leg swelling. Ward notified the physician, who ordered an ultrasound. Ward again contacted the patient’s husband, who said the ultrasound was scheduled for later in the day. She advised the husband to take the patient to the Emergency Department, where a life-threatening condition was identified. The patient subsequently underwent an emergency procedure. 

Carolyn Thompson, RN, and Donna Angelo, RN, Smilow Rapid Evaluation Clinic, were jointly recognized for attention to detail and escalating concerns. During a follow-up call, Angelo noted that a COVID-positive patient was short of breath and having difficulty speaking. The patient also reported a low oxygen level. Thompson asked the patient’s husband to call 911, but he refused. She escalated her concerns to the APRN, who told Thompson and Angelo to call 911 on the patient’s behalf. They remained on the phone with the patient’s husband until paramedics arrived, by which time the patient's oxygen level had dropped significantly. She was transported to the ED and admitted to the ICU. Thanks to employees’ persistence and use of HRO behaviors, the patient received the care she needed.