At EMMC, we always put the patient first, even our tiniest. Anne Corliss, credentials associate, for the EMMC Medical Staff, was one of the first volunteer “cuddlers” in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Continuing Care Nursery. Hour after hour she sits with our tiniest patients, holding them and soothing them with her presence.
As a regular cuddler, Anne saw that the nurses were struggling with changing the bedding in the bassinets and cribs, as the covers they used were a tight fit. Anne measured the mattresses and then spent time picking out baby friendly fabrics with bunnies, frogs, and little sayings on them. She made sure to double up on the soft fabric so the beds would be cushiony and warm. Anne got her local church involved and a group spent some time sewing with her. When all was said and done, Anne delivered more than 60 covers to the NICU –with “Property of NICU” printed on each one.
The nurses love the new covers – they just slip on the mattress like a pillow case and the nurses don’t have to spend extra time to tuck in the extra fabric to make them soft. The design is so unique, that Anne is investigating getting a patent on what she calls her Kozy Kuddler Kovers.
To Anne this was a simple act, filling a need she saw while volunteering in the NICU, and the babies now have more comfy beds to sleep in and the nurses’ jobs are easier. For her concern for our littlest patients and her creative solution Anne Corliss is awarded a Splash, EMMC’s highest service award, for going above and beyond in the delivery of our mission to care for patients, families, communities, and one another.
The Moral of the Story
1. A person's true wealth is the good he or she does in the world. – Mohammed
2. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. - Leo Buscaglia
3. An ocean wave crashing on the rocks does not intend to call attention to itself, but a splash of such power and beauty is worthy of notice.