SGMC Health honored a dedicated group of clinical professionals at SGMC Health Smith Northview as the August Health System Heroes. The team of nurses and imaging specialists was recognized for their quick thinking, seamless communication, and compassionate care as they saved a patient from potential permanent harm.
When a patient experienced a sudden change in neurological status, the exceptional teamwork of nurses Kristal Mallory and Ashley Hiatt, CT Technologist Makensey Dixon, and MRI Technologists Ragan Duggan and Dei West ensured the patient received emergent care without delay. Mallory and Hiatt immediately recognized the change, promptly notified the provider, and initiated rapid response protocols. Hiatt then accompanied the patient to both CT and MRI, ensuring continuity of care throughout the process.
Dixon expedited the CT scan within minutes of the patient’s arrival, capturing high-quality images despite the need for rescanning due to movement, and immediately sent the results to radiology. Meanwhile, Duggan and West coordinated closely with the CT team to prepare for MRI, transitioning the patient seamlessly and completing imaging just minutes after CT. This swift and coordinated action revealed an abnormal finding, allowing the patient to be transferred to SGMC Health Main for more specialized care.
“This is a perfect example of how collaboration, communication, and dedication to patient well-being make all the difference,” said Don Luke, SGMC Health Smith Northview Campus Administrator. “Every team member involved demonstrated not only clinical excellence but also the compassion and urgency that define SGMC Health’s mission.”
The recognition highlights how their combined efforts, rooted in vigilance, skill, and teamwork, ensured timely diagnosis and treatment, ultimately protecting the patient from potentially life-altering consequences.
The group received a standing ovation from those in attendance.
SGMC Health participates in an array of recognition programs to honor employees who most exemplify the tagline, “Remarkable People, Extraordinary Care, Human Kindness.” To learn more, visit sgmc.org/recognition.