Thomas Timbreza went above and beyond for a 93-year-old patient admitted for chronic heart failure, who faced unique challenges with communication due to his inability to grip the standard call light. Rather than accept this limitation, Thomas saw an opportunity to innovate and improve the patient experience meaningfully. Collaborating with our engineering team, Thomas developed a modified call light system that allowed the patient to activate it by simply blowing into a tube. The setup included an external plastic catheter connected to a black tube housing the call light sensor. When the patient blew into the tube, the movement of the sensor triggered the call light system, enabling the patient to request assistance whenever needed independently.

I was profoundly moved during my rounds when the patient proudly demonstrated the setup to me. He shared, “I’m used to receiving great care from the nurses here, but this is beyond what I could have ever expected. It means so much to me.” Seeing the pride and gratitude in his eyes was a testament to Thomas's extraordinary impact. This story is even more powerful because when the patient was readmitted a few weeks later, another nurse and engineering ensured the same customized setup was provided again. This is the essence of patient experience—compassion in action, combined with ingenuity to deliver personalized solutions. Thomas didn’t just solve a problem; he created a lasting impression that elevated this patient’s care experience. His actions reflect the heart of nursing and the mission of Kaiser Permanente to provide exceptional, human-centered care. Thomas Timbreza’s dedication and innovation deserve to be celebrated.

Thank you, Thomas, for your incredible compassion, creativity, and commitment to improving the lives of your patients.