March 3, 2006

Excellence in action: Employee recognized for outstanding care

The MGH's worldwide reputation as a place where patients can always expect to receive the highest quality care would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of its employees and staff. Every day, MGHers go beyond the call of duty — in ways both large and small — to provide patients and visitors compassion, comfort and reassurance at an often stressful time in their lives. To honor these employees, Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH, has created the Excellence in Action awards, which is a program that recognizes MGHers — both clinicians and nonclinicians — for their continuous commitment to providing the best possible patient care. Above, from left, Frederick, Hylton and Slavin

Jennifer Hylton, an Operating Rooms assistant and a recent recipient of an Excellence in Action award, is one such employee. In November 2004, Albert A. Frederick, Jr., MD — who has a staff appointment at the MGH — was admitted to the hospital for a routine surgical procedure. While he was waiting to be taken into the surgical suite, Hylton engaged Frederick in a friendly conversation to ease his anxiety, during which she revealed that she originally was from Jamaica — a country he had visited a few years before on a scuba diving trip. Frederick told Hylton that while he was there, he had become very fond of a particular Jamaican steak sauce. A few days later, Hylton visited Frederick in his room with a special surprise to assist him in his recovery — four bottles of the same steak sauce that they had discussed.

"Jennifer impressed me as being extraordinarily caring and generous, and her present represented a spirit of giving that was very special," says Frederick. "The MGH is fortunate to have individuals like Jennifer who truly are committed to providing outstanding patient care."

Frederick is not the only person grateful for Hylton's kindness. A standing-room-only crowd of her colleagues and friends cheered as Slavin presented her with the Excellence in Action award at a ceremony held recently. Patients, visitors and employees can nominate an individual or department for an Excellence in Action award. To learn more about the awards or to nominate an employee, staff member or department for exceptional service and professionalism, contact Mary Cunningham at (617) 724-1004 or mccunningham@partners.org.