Newsworthy

As an integrated healthcare system, Stormont Vail Health is a network of clinics and services working together to improve the health of patients and communities across the state through coordinated, continuous care.

Recently, Alicia Criger, a clinical nurse manager at the Emporia Clinic, and Melissa Limqueco, a case manager RN at the Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, demonstrated what our integrated system can accomplish through teamwork. Together, they went above and beyond to help a patient injured far from home, including assisting with his return home.

Their actions show what we can accomplish by demonstrating our first tenet: “Together, we treat every patient, visitor, and team member with compassion and dignity.” For this reason, we proudly recognize Alicia and Melissa as our July Persons of the Moment!

Stormont Vail Health Hospital in Topeka received a patient transferred from Emporia after a severe injury in the 200-mile-long, Unbound Gravel bike race, in which nearly 5,000 cyclists competed. The man traveled from Maryland to attend the race. He had no family or friends in the area. He needed to return to Maryland, but he left his belongings at his hotel in Lebo.

Case Management contacted Alicia Criger, Emporia Clinic RN, about the predicament. She drove to Lebo after her shift to retrieve the man’s items from the hotel. Alicia noticed a travel bike case and asked the hotel staff about arrangements for his bike. Luckily, the race headquarters had already done so.

The next day, the courier picked up his belongings from the Emporia clinic and met Melissa Limqueco, a Case Manager, at the Topeka hospital. In the meantime, Melissa had diligently worked to help the patient organize a flight and accommodations to return home since he had a badly fractured hip, traveled alone, and brought multiple belongings like his travel bike.

Alicia and Melissa, demonstrating Stormont Vail’s Small Moments culture, worked together to provide the patient with the safest discharge plan given his unfortunate circumstances. Their collaboration and dedication to care embodied our commitment to patient experience and safety.

Alicia and Melissa, we appreciate your unwavering commitment to providing the attention, care, and support those in need deserve. Your dedication and compassion are truly inspiring. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition!

About the Person of the Moment Award

The Person of the Moment Award celebrates the unsung heroes across Stormont Vail and encourages us all to continue making a difference in our everyday work. To qualify, the nominee must perform a specific act, no matter how small, demonstrating behavior that aligns with our five tenets and creates a meaningful connection with a patient, visitor, or team member.

This award is open to all Stormont Vail Health team members, excluding directors and members of the Operating Committee. When the Operating Committee selects a Person of the Moment each month, it notifies the individual’s department and organizes a small recognition ceremony. Additionally, the year’s awardees receive more recognition during the annual awards banquet.