Having the courage to speak up about conditions or concerns in your workplace can be terrifying, if not nerve-wracking. In the case of health care workers it can also be life-saving, and that’s why the Michigan Hospital Association’s Keystone Center takes time out to recognize the brave souls who do step up and Speak-Up.
In Michigan’s Great Southwest, we can all be thankful for a pair of Spectrum Health Lakeland Nurses who elected to Speak-up about issues of concern, and they have been recognized with the Annual Michigan Hospital Association Keystone Center Speak-up! Award and that organization’s Safety & Quality Symposium in the southeast Michigan community of Troy.
Spectrum Health Lakeland Nurses Lori Engler, RN, and Crystal Watson, RN, garnered the award and are shown in the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market as provided by Spectrum Health Lakeland.
The Speak-up! award was created in 2016 and celebrates individuals or teams within MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization member hospitals, who raise concerns about healthcare quality and safety, and prevent potential harm to patients or staff. The award is presented quarterly, with one quarterly awardee recognized as an annual Speak-up! Award recipient.
Dr. Loren Hamel is President of Spectrum Health Lakeland. He says, “Patient safety is a top priority in the work we do every day,” and adds, “By challenging what’s happening around us and having the courage to speak up, we are able to achieve a culture of zero harm. When we focus on the successes of team members like Lori and Crystal we can learn from one another and be more aware of opportunities to step in and save a life.”
Watson and Engler first received the quarterly award in August 2018 and were subsequently chosen as the annual award winners 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.
Engler says, “Patient safety is multilayered and requires vigilance from all team members to prevent harm,” and adds, “I am fortunate to work with a team who recognizes this and fosters an environment where we feel comfortable speaking up.”
Watson says, “Spectrum Health Lakeland is full of caring, experienced nurses,” and notes, “I am grateful that we are being recognized, as we truly are a team of patient advocates. Our physicians lead us in patient advocacy with compassionate care, which makes them approachable and open to concerns.”
Specifics on the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, are available online at www.mha.org.
