Advocate South Suburban Hospital announces local MVP winners

Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, Ill., has honored six associates as MVP Value Leaders for the third quarter of 2012. The MVP (Mission, Values and Philosophy) Program recognizes associates, physicians and volunteers who go above and beyond in demonstrating Advocate Health Care's core values of Compassion, Excellence, Partnership, Equality and Stewardship.

Patricia Toepfer, a nurse clinician was recognized as an MVP Value Leader for the value of Compassion.  Toepfer saw a need for surgical patients to be able to softly cradle their abdomen post-operation when encouraged to cough or to take a deep breath. She took it upon herself to make “Cough Pillows” for the patients. Toepfer buys the fabric and stuffing and sews the pillows. Each pillow is embroidered with a get well wish. Toepfer is a shining example of a staff member that cares and provides personal comfort for each Advocate South Suburban Hospital patient.
      
Mike Lonigro, Director of the hospital laboratory, was recognized as the third-quarter Value Leader in the value of Excellence.  His leadership, organization, and attention to detail led to the successful launch of a hospital room remodeling and air handler construction project.  Lonigro has gone above and beyond the duties as leader by “rolling up his sleeves” and pitching in to do the dirty work as well.     

Associates from the Emergency Department were recognized as value leaders in the value of Partnership. Michael Koenig, Carmen Zoppetti, and Beth McKnabb worked in partnership to assure that extraordinary care was being delivered to the patients and families of Advocate South Suburban Hospital.  One evening the Emergency Room received a larger volume of patients than normal. Zoppetti noticed that there was a need for more help and cancelled her personal plans to stay on and work that evening. Koenig and McKnabb came in from home to offer their assistance. This team partnered not only to care for the patients, but to make sure that the needs of the families in the waiting room were also being addressed.  The professionalism and dedication of Zoppetti, Koenig and McKnabb made a positive impact and is an extraordinary example of the power of partnership.

Richard Gilliam, a biomedical technician was honored as the third-quarter Value Leader in the value of Stewardship. Gilliam responded to the call of a nuclear medicine camera failure. Upon his research he learned that the vendor of the camera would not repair the problem but would replace it at a significant cost. The other concern was that the vendor could not confirm when the repair would be done, therefore leaving patients without access to this equipment for their health care needs. Gilliam responded to the urgency of the patient need and was able to perform the repair himself.

 By living Advocate values, associates, physicians and volunteers fulfill the mission of caring for individuals, families, and communities. Through daily demonstrations of MVP, associates show how important they are to our care team. Advocate Health Care’s values are:

Compassion – Unselfishly care for others, responding to others’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Equality – Recognize and appreciate people for who they are. Treat all people with respect, integrity and dignity.

Excellence – Strive to do the best job possible. Pursue new ideas to improve care, service and quality.

Partnership – Take a team approach to benefit customers, other associates, patients and Advocate Health Care.

Stewardship – Solve problems rather than passing them on. Take responsibility for actions. Use time and resources wisely.