The pandemic has kept us from celebrating many things in person over the past two years, and the single professional event that I missed most
was the annual SEVY Award held at Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. After the 2020 ceremony cancellation, I was thrilled to once again be one of only two vendor representatives to be invited to the 2021 celebration on October 20th.
What is the SEVY Award? In conjunction with Sterile Processing Week, Christ Hospital recognizes an individual who best represents the important
work being done in SPD. Started by Christ Hospital SPD Manager, Yves Theodule, SEVY stands for Service, Excellence, Value and You (‘Yves’ backwards).
To start, Yves Theodule thanked everyone for their exemplary work - diligently ensuring patient safety – especially through these trying days
of the deadly pandemic. He reminded us that while many people were able to stay home, SPD professionals braved the elements non-stop to keep patients healthy. A brief video came next, profiling the courage and persistence of Inky Johnson - a former college
football player who overcame his disability from a tragic injury that ended his athletic career – only to become a leading motivational speaker. Similarly, Yves praised his staff for rising above the adversity of COVID. He pointed out that the real reason
for coming to work is more than a paycheck – it is the importance of continuing to keep patients safe – even during a pandemic. And that is what the SEVY Award is all about – and in a larger sense, it is an award to be shared by everyone in SPD.
Next, Katie Sikora, Executive Director, Surgical and Endoscopy Services, came to the podium to praise and thank the SPD for their “dedication
through the pandemic” to saving lives. Then Dr. William Bayliss, Director of Medical Operations, Perioperative Services and Chief Medical Officer came next. Explaining that when his patients ask why he continues to work at Christ Hospital, he tells them that
it is because it has the best, most dedicated people - as exemplified by the SPD professionals in the room. He went on to say how he appreciates and respects the dedication and professional reliability of the SPD.
Finally, Lynne Hennessy, Chief Nursing Executive and VP of Nursing, spoke of how the SPD is her “favorite department”. This is due to the “joy
and happy attitude” that comes through because of their passion for making sure that patients are safe. Then came time to announce the SEVY Award winner. And for the first time, two people would be recognized!
In a surprise move, Yves announced that Katie Sikora, Executive Director Surgical and Endoscopy Services, was the first person in hospital leadership
to receive the SEVY Award. He praised Katie’s unwavering support of the SPD over the past several years. As she accepted the plaque, Katie said she was finding it hard to express her feelings of gratitude for the award. She explained that the SEVY is “really
about everybody else” in the room and that she was happy to be “here to support their efforts”.
And finally, Phaemy Alexis was announced as a 2021 SEVY Award winner. Phaemy was genuinely touched as she came forward to accept her award. She
thanked Yves as well as her supervisors, trainers and fellow staff members for being a “family” that “makes a difference in patient’s lives”. It turns out Phaemy is quite busy, pursuing a nursing degree at Malcolm X College while working in the SPD. She began
at Christ Hospital about 3 years ago after a stint as a CNA at a Manor Care Nursing Home. Speaking with Phaemy afterward, she mentioned again that she loved her SPD ``family” that worked together in a very positive environment. She mentioned how it was a “happy
day” for her when individual “trays are put together” as a team that will make sure that “no harm comes to the patient.”
Later, Katie Sikora noted the palpable “enthusiasm” she encounters when visiting the SPD. “If you are having a bad day, go there”. Also, as a
former OR Nurse, Katie is keenly appreciative of the crucial work of the SPD. She drew this analogy: “The SPD is like the foundation of a House of Cards. If quality work is not being done in the SPD, the House will collapse”. Simply put, surgeries will not
have a successful patient outcome without the crucial work done in SPD. Afterward, both SEVY winners were enthusiastically congratulated by those in attendance. It seemed everyone left the auditorium with a smile on their face – and somehow feeling a bit prouder
of being the very foundation of the hospital.
Larry Wenderski
Healthmark Sales Representative
