6/20/08

When Gateway Regional Medical Center (GRMC) asked former patients to nominate nurses who exceeded their expectations, the community responded with an incredible number of nominations. The Patient Choice Award recognizes the exceptional care, comfort and compassion offered by the nurses at GRMC, and honors one nurse in particular.

GRMC held the Patient Choice Awards as a part of National Nurse's Week, May 6-12. Matt Hampe, RN, will be presented the award at a luncheon on June 23 at noon, where he will be joined by the other nominees, GRMC's administration, Chief of Staff, Board Chairman, and the family who submitted the winning nomination. Why would GRMC ask former patients to be so involved in spotlighting an exceptional nurse, rather than making the choice internally?

"Sometimes it's just too hard to spot one nurse when there are so many nurses in our hospital doing such an incredible job caring for our patients," says Rita Hess, Chief Nursing Officer for GRMC. "That's why we asked patients to help us make the choice. They see the little things that matter so much on a very personal level."

Matt was nominated for the Patient Choice Award by a family of patients. Matt cared for three family members on multiple occasions in the past two years. Matt's nomination read, "Matt went above and beyond the call of duty on many occasions. His knowledge and expertise in dealing with patients has meant so much to us – when going through heart surgery, heart catheterizations, a pacemaker installation, treatment following heart attacks, stroke and congestive heart failure. These are all very serious conditions, and our family was upset and confused about what was going to happen next. Matt was very knowledgeable and thorough in explaining things to us. Last spring, when my mother had a stroke and was not able to respond correctly, I felt so much better leaving the hospital in the evening knowing that Matt was there on the shift. He just put forth a feeling of confidence that my family really needed."

"Gateway has a lot of good nurses. But, Matt just stands out above them all. He went many extra miles where my immediate family is concerned, and we strongly believe he should be acknowledged for the wonderful service he has provided to us." Matt and our other Patient Choice Award nominees deserve to be congratulated for their outstanding service and patient care.