Thomas Welch was honored with the DAISY award for excellence in nursing,
The DAISY Award is an international recognition program started in memory of a patient whose family experienced first-hand the difference his nurses made in his care through their clinical expertise and compassionate care. The family created the DAISY award so patients, families and staff everywhere could express their gratitude and honor the special nurses who touched their lives.
Last month, Akron Children’s was honored to award 3 of our nurses with DAISY awards. Each DAISY award recipient is presented with a certificate, a pin and a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch” that depicts the unique relationship they have with their patients.
Below are excerpts from each nurse’s nomination.
Thomas Welch, Emergency Room
“My almost 3-year-old ended up in the ER after a dog bite to his face. We were immediately placed in a room to be seen by the suture team and that’s when we first met Thomas Welch. He was very calm and helped ease my son’s fear right away.
My son ended up needing an IV, intense wound cleaning and stitches. Thomas was extremely knowledgeable, compassionate and professional. The teamwork displayed by him and his colleague, Doug, was impeccable as they worked seamlessly together to get my son through the painful procedures as fast as possible.
Watching my child go through something like that was extremely difficult. Thomas kept me calm by explaining things thoroughly and educating me on how to care for my son’s wound once discharged.
After the painful part was over and we were getting ready for discharge, Thomas went above and beyond to help keep my son happy by getting him a popsicle and talking to him. Despite being very busy, he provided quality patient care that left an impact on both of us.
My son left the hospital not traumatized, but instead happily saying ‘goodbye’ with a huge smile to every person on his way out. I believe without the excellent care provided by Thomas, that wouldn’t have been possible. He truly is an exceptional nurse.”
Ben Pecchia receiving his DAISY award.
Ben Pecchia, Endocrinology
“My 11-year-old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 4 years old and the team at Akron Children’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology have been outstanding since day one. We moved from Utah to Ohio after her diagnosis and they ensured our care was transitioned seamlessly.
Over the past 6 years, they have worked with us to ensure my daughter receives the best possible care, the newest medical technology and make her days living with a lifelong chronic illness feel as normal as possible.
Most recently, we’ve been working with Ben Pecchia and Dr. Natinder Saini to get my daughter on a new closed loop insulin delivery system. They have helped every step of the way despite the hurdles we faced with our insurance company. Their communication is top notch and their willingness to go above and beyond for our daughter is something that never goes unnoticed.
There have been days that I don’t know how Ben juggles everything he’s working on with my daughter, and caring for all his other patients, but he does. He ensures you know your child is a top priority for him and the entire team, despite the multiple patients they see every day. I couldn’t imagine my daughter being cared for anywhere else. They make sure she can dance, cheer, and live a life just like any other 11-year-old, despite having diabetes.”
Kayla Blake
Kayla Blake, Transport
The below story from a paramedic student shows Kayla’s willingness to go above and beyond for those future health care professionals who learn with our team.
“Kayla Blake was working and asked if I wanted to tag along with her for my time. She was inclusive, kind, energetic and patient. She took the time to show me around, explain equipment and procedures, and even went out of her way to make sure I got to be included in watching a procedure with a patient who was in SVT (supraventricular tachycardia).
Even though the nurses in the ER are very busy, all the staff that morning were kind and accepting of me being there. As a student, having a mentor go out of their way to teach is irreplaceable.
One thing that really stuck out during my time with Kayla was her taking a moment to inform the emotional mother what was happening and what the plan was for her daughter. I could see some relief on the mother’s face after Kayla’s interaction with her.”
