It was standing room only in the Hospital's cafeteria as John Schleif, Henry Mayo's senior vice president and chief operating officer, presided over the hospital's Service Excellence Awards presentation.
Four Service Excellence Winners were honored in the presence of their families, friends and co-workers. At times, speakers and honorees could barely hold back their tears during the emotional ceremony. But it was all smiles and hugs at the end as the special accomplishments of these exceptional individuals were recognized.
Congratulations to our Service Excellence winners Doug Sprague, Colleen Krieger, RN, John Anderson, and Rashida Soni, MD. Thank you for all you do to make Henry Mayo Hospital the ideal healthcare environment for our community.
Rashida Soni, MD, Medical Director, Clinical and Pathology Laboratory
Dr. Rashida Soni recently provided a breast cancer awareness program for two community groups in the Santa Clarita Valley during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. The program focused on early detection and resulted in a deeper understanding of breast cancer and the importance of taking care of oneself.
"She was so exemplary in speaking in support of breast cancer awareness," said Diana Vose, Henry Mayo's Foundation president. "It's obvious that she's helped so many people already."
Dr. Soni is very thorough in her presentations and exceeds expectations by offering a high quality educational program to community residents.
In fact, following one of Dr. Soni's presentation, a Foundation board member was encouraged to schedule a mammogram appointment. "I believe Dr. Soni made a difference in the lives of those who took note of her important information and scheduled their mammograms post haste," the board member said.
Colleen Krieger, RN, Education
In her role as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) educator, Colleen Krieger is looked upon by co-workers as confident, knowledgeable and approachable. Krieger will go the extra mile to make sure that those attending her classes will have a thorough understanding of the subject matter and that their questions are answered.
When Cindy Enriquez, a student in one of Krieger's classes, had questions and needed a better understanding of some systems, Krieger offered to help by setting up special classes and study groups.
"Sometimes I was the only one there," Enriquez said. "One time she stayed past the last shuttle, no complaints, she just stayed. Colleen is an example to us all at Henry Mayo. She truly demonstrates our core values, integrity, trust and respect. She is a team worker all the way."
Enriquez noted that Krieger has helped others achieve their education goals by making herself available and approachable. "We spoke and we agree that Colleen deserves the Service Excellence award."
Doug Sprague, Radiology Supervisor
Doug Sprague is respected by staff physicians for his knowledge, and loved by his fellow co-workers for his work ethic and dedication. Patients have called him the best thing since sliced bread because he listens and always goes the extra mile to provide excellent service.
Recently, as Sprague was taking x-rays, he noticed the patient was in handcuffs. He was discrete in covering the cuffs, treating the patient with respect and dignity as he would any other patient, said Connie Hag, director of imaging/cardiology.
In addition to performing his daily functions and assignments, he is the lead for scheduling and timekeeping, and the go-to guy for PACS corrections. On his own initiative, Sprague is always willing to take the emergency coverage such as call, sick-outs or whatever is needed, saving the department hundreds of times, according to Hage.
"He is a star performer who deserves this award, Hage said."
Sprague is a morale booster and an excellent communicator. He sees the positive in situations and is always smiling. He solves problems daily and fills in where needed - or for the lost causes when nobody is available – before being asked.
On a recent occasion, the department's CT was not available, so Sprague was able to perform those duties for the waiting patients. Though not required, Sprague recently received his CT registry, a proud accomplishment, Hage said.
Sprague, who started at Henry Mayo in 1992 as a volunteer, then became a radiologic technologist in 1997, is married with two sons. Following in his father's footsteps, one is an RT 1.
John Anderson, Volunteer
John Anderson has never turned down a request to volunteer. He volunteers in the community at health screenings, on the units promoting attendance to Service Excellence award ceremonies, and for special assignments in the marketing department. He has volunteered in ER, pharmacy, marketing and served on the Hospital's Auxiliary board.
"No matter the assignment, John is always willing and ready to help at a moment's notice," said Bhavna Mistry, marketing specialist. "He always volunteers at community outreach events such as the heart health fairs. He also assists with the community tree lighting event, even checking that every light bulb works."
When another volunteer was unable to assist, Anderson even helped dismantle the tree and put the ornaments in storage. And then went on the help employees at the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center put away holiday decorations.
"Though Anderson is most recognizable for his Abraham Lincoln attire during the Service Excellence Awards ceremony, it's his behind-the-scenes participation that earns him this nomination."
