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On an early Wednesday morning, it was time once again for the annual
SEVY Award ceremony at Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. What is the SEVY Award, you may ask? SEVY (which stands for Service, Excellence, Value, and You) is an award that recognizes the SPD tech that best exemplifies the critical work being done
in the “Heart of the Hospital”. And since 2017, I have had the privilege to represent Healthmark as one of only three vendors invited to attend this event that celebrates the every-day heroes of Sterile Processing.
A sea of blue scrubs engulfed the hospital Conference Center room, as
SPD staff along with hospital administration supporters entered. Chatter filled the air in anticipation of the impending presentation. After a quick morning huddle, there was an invocation by SPD Educator, Vanessa Perry. Then SPD Manager, Yves Theodule began
the proceedings.
Yves began by introducing Mykeal Hood and Felecia Jackson, SPD Coordinators.
Both spoke about the crucial efforts of the team to keep patients safe. Mykeal (a former SEVY Award winner herself) noted that it was the 16th year of this award! Then Executive Director of Surgical and Endoscopy Services (and also a SEVY Ward winner) Katie
Sikora praised the group for their positive spirit and can-do attitude. Next, Hospital President and CEO, Moody Chisolm spoke, noting the SPD “team atmosphere” and their key role in patient safety. Then Dr. William Baylis, Director of Medical Operations and
Perioperative Services and Chief Medical Officer, emphatically noted his long-time working relationship and respect for the often overlooked work done in SPD.
After that, Yves introduced OR Director, Cassandra Ciavarella as well
as Infection Preventionists, Wafa Alhasan, and Tracy Haberkorn. HR Consultant Sofia Ramirez was also recognized as being in attendance to support the SPD team. And Gladys Dioro, SPD professional from Northwestern Medicine, attending in support of the SEVY
Award, was introduced. She inspired Yves to start his career in SPD!
Then Tom Gindorff, long-time V. Mueller representative, who initiated
the SEVY Award with Yves, began the keynote speech. Tom recalled how early in his career calling on the OR, he came to realize the vital role SPD played in patient outcomes. Indeed, their important work made SPD the “heart and soul” of the hospital.
Then it was time to present the SEVY Award. And, as was the case last
year, two winners were named: Dr. William Baylis and SPD tech, Christine Bardach! Comments of affirmation were heard more than once of “you deserve it” as enthusiastic applause filled the air when both names were announced – and presented with a commemorative
plaque.
Dr. Baylis, a long-time supporter of SPD, noted how SPD is the “Shining
Star and unsung hero of Surgical Services” and praised their role in keeping patients safe.
Afterward, Christine Bardach told me of her long-time connection to Christ
Hospital – she was born there! She pointed out how she loved the team atmosphere in SPD and how they work so well together – with little drama! Chris noted that patients don’t realize that a surgery involves much more than the surgeon. A whole team, working
behind the scenes to make sure that patients are safe, is required to make sure there is a positive outcome – and SPD is a key player on that team!
After enjoying a breakfast buffet to finish off the proceedings, I left
uplifted once again by this special event. What a nice way to be reminded that my hard working friends in SPD are indeed the “Heart of the Hospital”.
Larry Wenderski
Clinical Sales Representative
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