PEACE recognition announced

Kathy Ferrantelli, clinical social worker, won the Patient Experience Award for Caring and Excellence (PEACE) after a generous act of kindness. Ferrantelli was working in the Bridgeport Hospital Clinic in winter when a patient came in dressed in lightweight clothing with no jacket. After the patient told Ferrantelli these were the only clothes they had available, Ferrantelli went to her office and got her own winter jacket and gave it to the patient, encouraging the patient to keep it. The patient was incredibly grateful for the unexpected act of kindness, which meant being seen, cared for and treated with dignity. 

Cassandra Simister, social worker, was recognized for her exceptional work with a child with autism, who was found wandering near the Bridgeport - Stratford town line. Police were unable to identify the child, who couldn’t communicate a name or how to reach family. With her calm, patient and thoughtful approach, Simister learned the child’s name and the mother’s first name. Simister searched Epic and identified a potential match. She connected with the child’s parents, who were not aware their child was missing.  Because of Simister’s persistence, critical thinking and ability to build trust in a very challenging moment, this child was safely and quickly reunited with family.

Tara Viola, PA, Surgery, was recognized for helping an attending physician from a service she does not cover. The physician needed help having a critical patient transferred to a tertiary center for a higher level of care. Viola called the center to initiate the transfer and helped further coordinate the transfer by visiting the ICU with the attending physician, speaking with ICU staff and notifying the on-call surgeon in case the patient needed emergent intervention. Viola went above and beyond to ensure everyone was on the same page, and the patient received timely, appropriate care. 

Veneta Slavova -Aleksandrova, RN, Medicine A & B, was recognized for dedication to her patients and colleagues. During critical staffing shortages due to illness, severe weather and the holidays this past winter, Slavova-Aleksandrova agreed to cover some shifts. Her normal 45-minute commute took five hours due to severe weather conditions and stopping to help push stranded cars out of the way. Upon arrival, she took a full patient assignment and completed her shift.