MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

Last month MHMMC Biddeford/Sanford hosted its 30th Annual Golf Tournament at Dunegrass Golf Club in Old Orchard Beach. 138 golfers gathered on a blue bird day to hit the links, network with other area businesses and support their community hospital. MaineHealth Southern Region President, Britt Crewse, and MHMMC Biddeford/Sanford chief Operating Officer, Kathryn Cope, were there to thank sponsors and share why supporting community hospitals is so critical for the patients they serve. All funds raised through the tournament go directly into our Annual Giving Program, which supports the hospitals’ greatest areas of need, new patient care initiatives, workforce development, as well as provides crucial flexibility to meet the changing needs of health care. You can learn more about the golf tournament and MHMMC’s Annual Giving Program here: https://lnkd.in/eymnBxBV

The thoughtfulness and attention to detail shown by Makayla Winchester, RN, of MHMMC Portland’s P2C unit, has earned her a DAISY Award? for Extraordinary Nurses. Makayla’s nominator wrote after observing Makayla care for her mother for two weeks that she, “exemplifies the true spirit of compassionate and dedicated healthcare.” Makayla’s nominator noted that Makayla took time to comfort both her patient and the rest of the family and paid attention to her patient’s likes and dislikes. Her nominator went on to say: “Makayla’s attention to our feelings, willingness to listen and understand us, and proactive approach in addressing my mother’s needs are truly commendable. Makayla has made a significant difference in our lives, and we are deeply grateful for her tireless efforts and unwavering support.” The DAISY Award? for Extraordinary Nurses was created to recognize and honor the compassionate care nurses provide every day to the patients they serve. It is celebrated in over 5,400 healthcare facilities and nursing schools in 34 countries. Congratulations, Makayla!

Congratulations to the teams from Bean 5, Neuro ICU and Medical ICU who were awarded participation in the two-year Healthy Work Environment (HWE) National Collaborative with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)! Creating a healthy work environment enables nurses to provide the highest standards of compassionate patient care while being fulfilled at work. These teams will partner with AACN, workplace experts, implementation scientists and each other in this hands-on education, mentoring and co-learning program to implement the HWE standards in their departments. MHMMC is one of 44 organizations nationwide that was chosen to be involved in this program. Pictured are teams from these units taking part in the Healthy Work Environment pledge signing.

The above-and-beyond care and contagious positivity that Biddeford Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse Keryn Kelley, RN, provided to a patient and their family has earned her a DAISY Award? for Extraordinary Nurses. Keryn’s nominator stood at her mother’s side in the ICU for weeks. During that time, Keryn provided the patient and her family with positivity, compassion and humor in one of the most challenging times of their lives: “Keryn was everything we needed. Right away I knew [she] was someone that I could feel comfortable asking any question, always had my mom’s best interests in mind, and quickly felt like someone I had known for years. She was genuinely compassionate, considerate, and knowledgeable, but above that, she had a natural way of providing positive humor through an upbeat and optimistic (but also realistic) attitude that was so contagious. We will forever be grateful and thankful for Keryn!” The DAISY Award? for Extraordinary Nurses was created to recognize and honor the compassionate care nurses provide every day to the patients they serve. It is celebrated in over 5,400 healthcare facilities and nursing schools in 34 countries. Congratulations, Keryn! For more information, go to: https://bit.ly/3WnuPkA

Portland’s Environmental Services (EVS) team enjoying some much-deserved celebrations during EVS Week!

Ambulatory Surgical Care Secretary, Deb Fenderson’s positive attitude and patient support never waver. Deb’s commitment to patient well-being has earned her a PETAL Award, with her nominator sharing: “Deborah calls over 50 patients a day with the times of their Endo or Surgical procedures. She is always so professional and cheery during these calls. Deb often uses humor to put patients at ease and share a few laughs. If the patients have questions, she manages them very well, referring them to the proper departments and addressing them in a timely manner. When patients are upset, Deb works to soothe their distress and assist them in any way possible. Recently, one patient asked Deb to pray for him, which she promised she would, day and night. He also asked if she would be there in the morning to greet him. This seemed so important to him that Deb came in extra early so she could greet him. He was so relieved that she was there he gave her a big hug. Deb’s positive attitude is projected throughout the unit towards patients and staff making this unit a much better place to be in.” The PETAL Award recognizes, rewards and celebrates the special skills and compassionate care provided by our nursing support staff. Thank you, Deb, for your making our patients comfortable and prepared for their procedures. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!

When a patient was feeling sad during a recent stay on CFT 6 at MHMMC Portland, Amy Rainey, RN, went out of her way to improve the person’s stay. Her kindness has earned her a DAISY Award? for Extraordinary Nurses. The patient said that Amy helped with stretching when the patient was feeling muscle pain, and “more importantly, she talked to me and listened to me as I was feeling pretty low. I never felt like she had someplace better to be, even though I know she was busy!” The patient went on to explain that Amy made sure the patient could spend some time outside after learning it would brighten the person’s mood. Her nominator wrote: “This was not an easy task as I had IVs and other things hooked up to me plus she had to wheel me in a wheelchair. However, sitting in those Adirondack chairs and soaking up the sun was the highlight of my stay. I am so grateful that she found a way to make such a difficult situation better!” The DAISY Award? for Extraordinary Nurses was created to recognize and honor the compassionate care nurses provide every day to the patients they serve. It is celebrated in over 5,400 healthcare facilities and nursing schools in 34 countries. Congratulations, Amy!

Congratulations to Elaine Hartley who recently celebrated 35 years at MaineHealth! She started her career at Goodall Hospital in the Orthopedic office in 1989 and currently works on the Pre-Services Team as a Pre-Certification rep. Elaine brings years of experience along with a special dedication and commitment to our patients. Thank you, Elaine!

Congratulations to neuroscience patient navigator Sara Cox, CNRN, who participated in a panel discussion as part of the American Brain Tumor Association’s 2024 National Conference in Schaumburg, IL. The conference brings together more than a thousand patients, caregivers and survivors to learn about brain tumor research and treatment. Cox was part of an expert panel taking on a series of mock case studies that helped patients and families see how each part of their multi-disciplinary team contributes to their care. As a Neuro-Oncology Nurse Navigator, Cox helps coordinate patient care, and guides patients in both managing their symptoms and side effects and in understanding their disease, testing and treatment.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latino and Hispanic communities. Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 will is Sunday, September 15 through Tuesday, October 15. The month commemorates how those communities have influenced and contributed to American society at large. #HispanicHeritageMonth