Sharp Coronado Caregivers Win National Awards

Ray Daniels, manager of Cardio-Pulmonary Services at Sharp Coronado Hospital, doesn’t list video production skills on his résumé. However, when his supervisor asked him to submit a video to this year’s Planetree Annual Conference contest, he rose to the occasion – spending 100 hours editing footage and ultimately helping the hospital bring home a national award.  

Ray’s vision was to produce a music video that highlighted how hospital staff members have implemented the Planetree model of care. Planetree is a coalition of more than 100 hospitals worldwide that is committed to personalizing, humanizing and demystifying the hospital experience for patients and their families.  

The video, inspired by the hit TV show “Glee” and the Journey song “Don’t Stop Believing,” featured Sharp Coronado-specific lyrics written by administrative assistant Louise Balesteri. The creative endeavor was one of six videos that earned recognition at the event.

“Each department does something special to enhance the hospital experience for patients, so in the video we were able to share a range of our services, from pet therapy and freshly baked cookies to aromatherapy and acupuncture,” Daniels said. “It was easy to showcase the passion people have for providing patient-centered care.”

Two other Sharp Coronado caregivers received awards as well. Dr. Michael Gibbs, chief of anesthesiology, earned the Physician Champion Award for improving communication with surgical patients before and after they receive anesthesia. Jan Kass, an advanced wound healing clinician, was recognized for her work in Haiti, helping earthquake victims recover from serious injuries and teaching local caregivers how to prevent infection.

“Being in Haiti gives you a perspective that can sometimes get lost when you are at the hospital every day or going about your daily life. The people there are absolutely wonderful,” Kass said. She will return for her fourth medical trip to the country in January.

Congratulations to the award winners for their commitment to patient-centered care.