Around the Baptist system, Service First Champions show their true colors, particularly when emergency or difficult situations arise. Taking the lead, these team members meet adversity or obstacles with graceful smarts, always keeping the patient first in mind.
Emergency departments present ongoing, stressful situations. One grateful wife recalled her experience with Renee Stormant, the Service First winner at Baptist DeSoto, as she searched for her husband at the hospital.
“My husband came to the emergency department because he was in a great deal of pain. I was working, but he called to let me know he was here. I ran to the ED and asked Renee if she could help me find him. She took me there personally. She also took initiative, noticing his pain level. She got the provider and nurse to help him quickly. I am so thankful for the care and compassion she showed. She went above and beyond the call of duty!”
At Baptist North Mississippi, family member Denise Holmes met Chaplain Daryl Weathers when her aunt arrived at the emergency department in critical condition.
“Daryl comforted my Aunt Margaret when she came into the ER at Baptist North Mississippi in critical condition. He stayed with her and prayed with her and comforted her. He followed up with me even after my aunt was transported to Memphis by helicopter. When Daryl found out that my aunt had passed away, tears were in his eyes – “compassion” is the word for it – Chaplain Weathers truly cared about my Aunt Margaret.”
When Chelsea Ford, a pharmacy tech in the Outpatient Pharmacy at Baptist Golden Triangle, encounters a situation where self-pay patients can’t afford their medications, she doesn’t hesitate to find a solution. Her team member and social worker Alyce Beasley nominated Chelsea. Alyce recalls plenty of times that Chelsea has searched for discounts or coupons, but one instance stood out more than others. “Chelsea, on her own, went online to find all available assistance options to help a self-pay patient so they could afford their medication. She does this on a regular basis, without being asked,” Alyce said.
“It is very humbling to be selected as Service First Champion with the other outstanding nominees who I feel very much deserved the award,” Chelsea said.