Great Catch winners announced

Stanley Andrelczyk, maintenance mechanic, Facilities and Engineering, Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus, demonstrated exceptional vigilance when he identified a slow leak at an oxygen bulk storage tank during routine rounds. After noticing ice buildup on the piping, he quickly raised a concern, prompting emergency vendor service that resolved the issue and prevented further oxygen loss. By remaining observant, Andrelczyk helped protect a critical infrastructure system that supports patient care.

Samantha Zikaras, tech specialist, CT Scan, noticed that the schedule for administering premedication for a patient with a documented contrast allergy did not match the established protocol. Zikaras shared her concern with the provider, who corrected the schedule. Zikaras also followed up with the nurse to ensure the issue was addressed before the procedure. By practicing a questioning attitude, communicating concerns and advocating for the patient, Zikaras helped prevent harm and strengthened the reliability of a critical safety process.

Susan Woodworth, RN, L+M Outpatient Urology (holding trophy), was recognized for attention to detail, practicing and accepting a questioning attitude and communicating clearly. A patient who had been sent home after a voiding trial later called to report he was unable to urinate. Woodworth asked him to return to the office for assessment, and recognizing the potential for a more serious condition, recommended he go to the Emergency Department. The patient was reluctant, but Woodworth convinced him to go. In the ED, the patient was diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism and received the appropriate treatment.