Big Rapids Hospital

Compassionate care honored with DAISY and BEE Awards

BIG RAPIDS, Mich., August 18, 2022 – Two Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital care givers were recognized with DAISY and BEE Awards after being nominated by patients for their excellent and compassionate care during ceremonies August 16 and 17.

Alexis Hartzell, RN, an intensive care nurse, was nominated for a DAISY Award by a recent patient.

“She’s not just a fantastic nurse, she treats her patients like she was their family,” the nomination read. “When I was scared to possibly transfer to Grand Rapids, she helped me feel safe and not afraid. She talked to me and my son through everything that was happening while also keeping me calm. When I felt like I was going to die, she was there for me. She took such good care of me. There is no way that I can thank her enough. She was my angel when I felt alone. Alexis made sure I took my medicine, had my pain controlled and was comfortable.”

Matt Maleski, a medical assistant at Big Rapids Family Medicine, was nominated for a BEE Award by Rachel Gatehouse for his compassion in taking care of her young son, Oliver. Rachel and Oliver surprised Maleski and attended the award ceremony.

“Matt has been the nurse for my son’s check-ups as well as my own vaccine appointments,” Rachel said in her nomination. “He was creative in making ways to keep my kiddo engaged and comfortable with routine procedures (weight, etc.). He is calm, friendly and patient. Thank you, Matt, for helping us feel comfortable and safe here. It makes the patient experience relaxing instead of anxiety provoking. Great work!”

Both Hartzell and Maleski received flowers, pins and certificates during the ceremonies and Hartzell received a “healer’s touch” statue that is given to each DAISY Award recipient.

The DAISY award program was adopted from The DAISY Award, an international program established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. The Barnes family was deeply appreciative of the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for Patrick, so they created an award to say thank you to nurses everywhere.

Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals have expanded the recognition program to include the BEE Award, open to all clinical and non-clinical employees, in addition to nurses.

Nominations are open for any Spectrum Health employee who regularly goes above and beyond in creating a meaningful experience for patients. The awards are given based on nominations from patients, community members and colleagues.

Nomination forms can be found at any Spectrum Health facility or submitted online at: https://www.onlineregistrationcenter.com/brrcdaisybee.

 

 About Spectrum Health

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides care and coverage, comprising 31,000+ team members, 14 hospitals (including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital), a robust network of care facilities, teams of nationally recognized doctors and providers, and the nation’s third-largest provider-sponsored health plan, Priority Health, currently serving over 1 million members across the state of Michigan.

People are at the heart of everything we do. Locally governed and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we are focused on our mission: to improve health, inspire hope and save lives. Spectrum Health has a legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Through experience, innovation and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness.

Contact:
John Norton
Corporate Communications Manager
Office: 231.592.4387
Mobile: 231.580.1079
Email: john.norton@corewellhealth.org