OSF St. Elizabeth announced their Sunflower Award winner on July 25. Clinical laboratory scientist Cynthia Sanderson received the award for outstanding skill and care.
“The Sunflower Award recognizes care team members outside of nursing for the extraordinary care they provide to those we serve,” V.P. and Chief Nursing Officer Heather Bomstad said.
Sanderson’s nomination stated, “On many occasions, Cynthia Sanderson would take care of a patient by testing the patient’s blood samples and preparing the needed blood products for an outpatient infusion. The lab works behind the scenes and may not see the patient face to face as the patient has left our hospital. One evening, Cynthia noticed this patient was admitted to the medical/surgical unit. Cynthia wanted to connect with the patient, so she went to see if the patient would mind a short visit from her. The patient and the patient’s daughter were receptive to having a visitor, and Cynthia explained who she was. Cynthia asked the patient if they could pray together and stated that after praying with the patient, the patient was appreciative and felt at ease.”
Sanderson has been with OSF for 30 years.
Patients, family members and OSF staff can nominate an individual for this award. For more information about the Sunflower and Daisy Awards or to submit a nomination, visit osfhealthcare.org.