Patient Safety Awareness Week is March 10-16. This year's theme is "Safer Together," emphasizing the importance of safety among the entire team. As we end the week, we want to share the story of our first Care Guardians recipient, Food Service Aide Will Timbrook, whose actions demonstrated The Way We Care by embracing the spirit of ownership and advocating to ensure high-quality, safe care. The Care Guardians program aims to support a culture of continuous learning and provide an opportunity to proactively adjust our processes and practices to prevent harm.

On January 18, Will was taking a patient's food order when he noticed she was acting differently than when he last saw her. She had a blank, unfocused look and was flaccid and not moving. He immediately went to the charge nurse and reported his observations.

Will described the changes he noticed in the patient. The charge nurse immediately went into the room, which set into action our stroke protocols and transfer to the ICU. Will’s quick thinking and action made a significant impact on a positive patient outcome. His vigilance and dedication led him to notice a subtle change in patient behavior. His swift response in notifying the charge nurse and voicing his concerns underscores the importance of a collaborative healthcare team, where every member plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and responsive environment. Will’s actions highlight the significant impact our non-clinical staff can have in promoting patient well-being. Congratulations, Will, on this well-deserved recognition!