The 3-West team was nominated by their director for their genuine compassion in caring for an elderly patient and her husband during a difficult diagnosis.

The patient and her husband arrived at Saint Agnes after a long drive. Once admitted, the patient was brought up to 3-West where the team noticed that the husband seemed disoriented and required assistance. When the team attempted to have another family come pick up the husband, the patient refused and stated that she would walk out against medical advice if her husband were to leave.

“Thinking about what was best for the patient and family, department leadership and attending nurses concluded that the right thing to do for the patient was to allow her husband to stay with her. The team even took it one step further and placed a Nursing Assistant at the bedside to help keep the husband safe since the patient was unable to do so.”

In taking these additional actions, the team was able to provide the patient comfort and reassurance while keeping the couple safe and cared for.

Later in her stay, the patient received a cancer diagnosis that would require an immediate biopsy and surgery. At this time, the care team had a family member pick up the husband so they could prepare the patient for surgery.

Unfortunately, the patient had to undergo extensive surgery, and had a poor prognosis. She was transferred to the ICU not expected to survive. The heartbreaking report made the team confident that they had made the right decision in allowing the couple to stay together, as it was likely the last time they would have together.

“The collaboration and leadership shown by the 3-West team made a remarkable impact on this family during their time of need. The team’s actions during this difficult time exemplify why we do what we do each and every day. They demonstrate how we live our Core Values and carry out our Mission here at Saint Agnes.”