Emergency Departments win Lantern Awards

Bridgeport Hospital’s Emergency Departments in both Bridgeport and Milford have been honored with Lantern Awards from the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). Established in 2011, the three-year award recognizes excellence in emergency departments.

This year, only 94 hospitals nationwide received the honor for demonstrating exceptional performance in key areas. This is the first time Bridgeport Hospital has won.

“This award honors our Emergency Departments that excel in leadership, clinical practice, education, community advocacy and research through outstanding and innovative performance,” said Mary Christoffersen, RN, DNP, Bridgeport Hospital chief nursing officer.

Applicants had to demonstrate how their departments showed a commitment to care and initiatives to improve nursing staff’s well-being.

“This honor highlights the incredible hard work, dedication and perseverance of our staff to provide high-quality patient care to the communities we serve,” said April Alfano, RN, director of Nursing, Emergency Services.

Bridgeport Hospital President Anne Diamond, DBA, JD, noted that Becker’s Hospital Review listed the hospital’s ED as the 35th busiest in the country.

“This award demonstrates that high volume coupled with the management of complex trauma and burn is possible while maintaining exceptional quality,” she said.

Awardees will be honored at the ENA’s annual conference in September.

Staff at Bridgeport Hospital’s Bridgeport (left photo) and Milford Campus EDs celebrated earning the Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award.