Newsworthy

Stormont Vail Health is proud to recognize Koko Fuentes, Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the Stormont Vail Hospital Emergency Department (ED), as the first recipient of the Sunflower Award for Extraordinary Nursing Support Staff.

Koko went above and beyond during our visit to the Emergency Department. My mother-in-law, who has dementia, was having a very difficult day. Koko showed incredible patience and never left her side—not even when my mother-in-law became agitated or said unkind things. She was the only staff member who stayed with her the entire time while we waited for transportation.

It takes a very special person to remain calm, supportive, and compassionate in that kind of situation. Koko didn’t take anything personally—she just kept showing up with kindness. She truly deserves to be recognized for the care she gave my mother-in-law.

Koko’s dedication exemplifies the spirit of the Sunflower Award, which was launched in 2024 by the Workplace Experience Council to honor nursing support staff who go above and beyond in patient care. Her actions reflect the empathy, professionalism, and heart that define the care experience at Stormont Vail.