The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center celebrated Joni Hunter, MA, and Dorothy Zsenyuk, RN, at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group Nurse Midwives Feb. 8 as Speak-up! Award recipients.
The quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals demonstrating a commitment to the prevention of patient or staff harm.
Hunter and Zsenyuk were honored for their proactive intervention during a routine visit with an obstetrics patient managing chronic hypertension. Hunter, knowing the risks associated with hypertension and pregnancy, noticed that weekly screenings were not integrated into the patient’s medical plan.
After notifying Zsenyuk and reviewing the patient’s medical record together, the pair acted.
“Instances like this are a perfect example of why it is important to review all aspects of a patient’s experience and care, even during routine visits,” said Hunter. “I am proud to work alongside colleagues like Dorothy to ensure we are taking all precautions necessary for both the birthing person and baby.”
Zsenyuk and Hunter were able to connect with the patient’s midwife, which led to the patient receiving weekly laboratory tests and monitoring.
“Joni was an incredible advocate for our patient,” said Zsenyuk. “I am honored we were able to provide our patient and her midwife with the tools needed to make an informed decision about her care plan for the duration of her pregnancy.”
In addition to the weekly testing, the patient was referred to Maternal Fetal Medicine for a consult.
“Joni and Dorothy’s action are a direct reflection of the standards we hold ourselves to at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group,” said Cindy Elliott, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group president. “We are incredibly honored to have dedicated clinical staff like them working with our patients each and every day.”
Additional award finalists for the last quarter of 2023 include:
- Amanda Frescura, University of Michigan Health-West.
- Sydnie Gray, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group.
- Brooke Maguire, MyMichigan Hospital Midland.
“It’s an honor to celebrate Michigan healthcare workers who are setting the standard for excellent patient care,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “We’re fortunate to have people like Joni and Dorothy who intervened and led this patient to the preventative, life-saving care they needed.”
More information about the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, are available online.