May 2026 Honoree
Medicine Specialty Clinics Blue Team
Eunju Cason, RN BSN • Ann Garrido, RN • Manuel Gutierrez, RN BSN • Desiree Salas, LPN • Ramonalisa Sablan, RN BSN • Pauline Bui, RN BSN
The Blue Team consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of care for Veterans and their families. Their collaborative approach, patient advocacy, and dedication to continuous improvement have resulted in meaningful changes that have enhanced both patient safety and the overall Veteran experience.
In the spring of 2025, the team identified valid concerns regarding delays in transferring patients from the American Lake clinics to emergency services. Recognizing that response times exceeding 30 minutes posed a risk to patient care, the team submitted JPRS reports to document these delays. While a new organizational process was being developed, the Blue Team proactively created a standardized workflow for emergency patient transfers and collaborated with the CPR Committee to ensure expectations were clear for clinic staff and VA operators alike.
In addition, the team recognized that SOP T-033 required revision and partnered with the CPR Committee to provide valuable input for its update. Their efforts contributed to the development of the facility-wide Emergency/Urgency Medical Response Support Algorithm implemented in November 2025. This work strengthened emergency response processes, provided clearer guidance for staff, and reinforced the VA's commitment to delivering timely, safe, and trusted care for Veterans.
The Blue Team also demonstrated exceptional advocacy when the elevators in Building 81 were out of service, creating barriers for Veterans attempting to attend appointments. They collaborated closely with HSM providers to develop alternative plans of care for Veterans who were unable to access upper floors, ensuring patients continued to receive the services they needed despite unforeseen circumstances.
Their commitment to patient-centered care extended beyond their own clinic. The team partnered with the Seattle Injection Clinic to improve continuity of care for Veterans who received treatment in Seattle but lived in the South Sound region. Through close collaboration with pharmacy, providers, and interdisciplinary team members, they successfully coordinated the transition of patients' care to the Blue Team, ensuring medications were available and treatment schedules remained uninterrupted.
To further strengthen communication and coordination, the team established a dedicated Microsoft Teams channel that includes representatives from all disciplines involved in the injection clinic process. This collaborative approach has improved communication, increased efficiency, and reinforced Veterans' confidence in their care throughout their treatment journey.
Above all, the Blue Team consistently places the Veteran at the center of every decision. They listen to what Veterans want, advocate for solutions that improve access and safety, and continually seek ways to enhance the patient experience. Their innovation, teamwork, and unwavering dedication exemplify the highest standards of compassionate, Veteran-centered care.
In the spring of 2025, the team identified valid concerns regarding delays in transferring patients from the American Lake clinics to emergency services. Recognizing that response times exceeding 30 minutes posed a risk to patient care, the team submitted JPRS reports to document these delays. While a new organizational process was being developed, the Blue Team proactively created a standardized workflow for emergency patient transfers and collaborated with the CPR Committee to ensure expectations were clear for clinic staff and VA operators alike.
In addition, the team recognized that SOP T-033 required revision and partnered with the CPR Committee to provide valuable input for its update. Their efforts contributed to the development of the facility-wide Emergency/Urgency Medical Response Support Algorithm implemented in November 2025. This work strengthened emergency response processes, provided clearer guidance for staff, and reinforced the VA's commitment to delivering timely, safe, and trusted care for Veterans.
The Blue Team also demonstrated exceptional advocacy when the elevators in Building 81 were out of service, creating barriers for Veterans attempting to attend appointments. They collaborated closely with HSM providers to develop alternative plans of care for Veterans who were unable to access upper floors, ensuring patients continued to receive the services they needed despite unforeseen circumstances.
Their commitment to patient-centered care extended beyond their own clinic. The team partnered with the Seattle Injection Clinic to improve continuity of care for Veterans who received treatment in Seattle but lived in the South Sound region. Through close collaboration with pharmacy, providers, and interdisciplinary team members, they successfully coordinated the transition of patients' care to the Blue Team, ensuring medications were available and treatment schedules remained uninterrupted.
To further strengthen communication and coordination, the team established a dedicated Microsoft Teams channel that includes representatives from all disciplines involved in the injection clinic process. This collaborative approach has improved communication, increased efficiency, and reinforced Veterans' confidence in their care throughout their treatment journey.
Above all, the Blue Team consistently places the Veteran at the center of every decision. They listen to what Veterans want, advocate for solutions that improve access and safety, and continually seek ways to enhance the patient experience. Their innovation, teamwork, and unwavering dedication exemplify the highest standards of compassionate, Veteran-centered care.
Thank you for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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