Laura Hauersperger always goes above and beyond for our patients, however this particular instance really stood out to me. We had a patient who we were tipped off by a family member that he wasn’t “doing well.” She called to triage this person to find out he had severe depression and anxiety, was not eating or doing daily hygiene needs, as well as had been drinking along other lines of self-neglect. She took the time with the patient and had him come in for a nurse visit and to see his doctor as they worked him in at the end of the day. He had not been leaving his home when prior would walk all over town and was very social. When he came to the office, he was in horrible shape with very concerning vital signs and overall appearance. She had taken the time to compassionately listen to him and allow him to trust her to get to the bottom of the issue, causing a relapse into alcoholism and self-neglect. He has since gotten on the right path and has the resources to get himself better. It is scary and sad to know that without Laura’s intervention, compassion, and concern for this patient. The outcome would have been much worse.

This is Laura’s second DAISY Award!