The palliative care team at EMMC provides support and comfort to patients nearing the end of their life. These amazing employees assist the patient and their family with difficult decisions and allow them to control as much as they can during their final days.
In December, a patient with cardiac disease was gravely ill. The family and patient both understood the gravity of the situation. When the patient expressed a desire to rest at home during her final days, Nancy Aylward, Bea Russell, Jon Merchant, Cindy Charland, and Michelle Joyce worked tirelessly to make the patient’s final request become reality.
Knowing time was of the essence, they quickly made arrangements with Hospice and the ambulance company. They also trained the family on how to administer medications at home and how to provide support for their loved one. Even though each team member was told in one way or another, “this can’t be done,” they pressed on to give the patient what she desired most – to be at home in her own bed surrounded by those who loved her.
Through their perseverance and commitment to putting the patient first, the patient was able to be discharged quickly to her own home. This exceptional group of employees demonstrates our Caring Behaviors. By delivering excellent service to our patient and her family, they went above and beyond to make her final hours the very best they could be. For their enormous commitment and the support they provided, Nancy Aylward, Bea Russell, Jon Merchant, Cindy Charland, and Michelle Joyce have been awarded Splashes, EMMC’s highest honor.