The MHA Keystone Center presented Cheryl Kay, RN, at E.W. Sparrow Hospital with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, which celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals demonstrating a commitment to the prevention of patient or staff harm.
Kay was honored May 2 for advocating for her patient recovering from a cesarean section. The patient’s urine output was low and a rapid fluid infusion was ordered. However, Kay advocated to delay the infusion since the patient had preeclampsia. The patient did not receive the fluids and it was later discovered they had pulmonary edema, which could have been exacerbated had the infusion taken place.
“Caring for a mother so that she can care for her baby is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job,” said Kay. “I’m proud to be able to advocate for my patients to ensure their quickest and fullest recovery so they can confidently tend to their new baby.”
Launched in March 2016, the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award promotes a culture within healthcare organizations empowering staff to speak up about the quality or safety of patient care to foster continuous improvement and minimize institutional risk for both patients and providers.
“Team members like Cheryl consistently exemplify the high safety and quality standards we set for ourselves at Sparrow Health System,” said Paul Entler, D.O., Sparrow Health System’s Chief Clinical Officer. “She deserves to be recognized for acknowledging the complexity of her patient’s condition and ensuring all aspects were considered in their treatment plan.”
Additional award finalists for the second quarter of 2023 include:
- Erin Harbour – RNC.S., Mott Children’s Hospital.
- Susan Robinson – Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
- Sarah Allen – RN, Trinity Health Livonia Hospital.
“Establishing a culture that encourages staff to speak up is paramount to improving safety within Michigan hospitals,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “It is clear through Cheryl’s actions that the Sparrow Health System team is dedicated to advancing the quality of patient care, and we are thrilled to be celebrating her commitment.”
More information about the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, are available online.