Kadlec Regional Medical Center neonatologist Anthony Hadeed, MD, and Emergency Department nurse Laura Larson, RN, were named recipients of the 2009 Spirit of Planetree Award, recognizing the personal embodiment of Kadlec’s patient-centered approach to providing care. In conjunction with the 2009 Planetree Annual Conference held October 4-7, 2009, in Baltimore, Maryland; the award was presented by Planetree President Susan B. Frampton at a special ceremony attended by Planetree members from across the globe.
Founded in 1978 by a San Francisco patient who endured a traumatic healthcare experience, Planetree is an internationally-recognized not-for-profit organization that partners with health care providers around the globe to advance patient-centered approaches to care. Planetree has been at the forefront of the effort to personalize, humanize, and demystify the healthcare system for 30 years. With its model of patient-centered care being implemented in a diverse range of hospitals, continuing care facilities, outpatient clinics, and consumer health libraries across North America, Canada, Brazil, The Netherlands and Japan, Planetree is demonstrating that patient-centered care is not only an empowering philosophy, but a viable, vital, and cost-effective model of care.
As a Planetree affiliate, Kadlec is committing to the Planetree philosophy and implementing the Planetree model of patient-centered care. Guided by the model's 10 core components, each member collaborates with Planetree staff to develop a plan to implement initiatives and practices designed to enhance the patient experience while also supporting the professional and personal aspirations of their staff.
“Every day, in both their interactions with patients and fellow employees, Dr. Hadeed and Laura exemplify Planetree and patient-centered care,” said Lane Savitch, president, Kadlec Regional Medical Center. “It is only fitting that they be recognized with this prestigious national award. In recognizing them, Planetree and Kadlec are also paying tribute to the dedication and compassion demonstrated by all our caregivers, day in and day out.”
Dr. Hadeed has been a physician in Kadlec’s NICU since 1988 caring for thousands of critically ill babies. His personal touch is vital in helping families cope with incredibly stressful situations. The same goes for Larson, who commutes 120 miles a day to work in the Kadlec emergency department.
“The Spirit of Planetree Award Ceremony is always a highlight of our Annual Conference,” said Frampton. “At the heart of the Planetree model are the human interactions between patients and caregivers. With the Spirit of Planetree Award, we celebrate individuals like Dr. Hadeed and Laura who, in their compassion, empathy, and simple human kindness, are improving the patient experience, and that is most definitely worthy of recognition.”
The Kadlec recipients were two of more than 100 recipients of the 2009 Spirit of Planetree Award. Also recognized were 12 programs implemented at Planetree institutions across the world that represent extraordinary achievement in each of Planetree’s components of patient-centered care.
