Some frontline healthcare workers at Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) have been recognized for their commitment to improving patients’ experiences beyond just doing their jobs
Six employee-driven projects were recently awarded more than $26,000 in funding through NGHS’ Change Grants Program. This initiative, fueled by employee donations to the NGHS Foundation, supports innovative projects designed to enhance care and services for patients and their families.
The initiatives originated from staff members across various departments and locations within the health system.
“Our team members see opportunities to help patients every day,” Chris Bray, president and chief philanthropy officer with the NGHS Foundation, said. “These projects came directly from their experiences with patients and families, identifying meaningful ways to make healthcare more human.”
Tamika Johnson, a member of the medical oncology team, observed families who stayed alongside family members during all hours and extended treatments and who often struggled to afford meals.
To address the issue, Johnson developed a meal support program aimed at assisting families who face financial hardship during extended hospital stays, ensuring they had access to nutritious meals.
In a similar vein, Shannon Ellis from rehabilitation services recognized the impact of anxiety on patients undergoing recovery. She then proposed the use of fidget blankets — blankets designed with a variety of textures and interactive elements — to provide comfort and ease the anxiety of patients during rehabilitation processes.
“Working directly with patients, you notice the little things that could make their experience better,” Ellis said. “Sometimes it’s as simple as giving them something to do with their hands.”
Other staff-led initiatives include:
- A heart health program providing exercise tools and culturally appropriate cookbooks to seniors, submitted by Melissa Blasingame
This initiative focuses on promoting cardiovascular health among seniors by offering resources that support both physical activity and healthy eating, tailored to cultural preferences. - Comfort carts in emergency departments with practical items for waiting patients, submitted by Louise Robison
These carts are stocked with essential items such as snacks, blankets, and hygiene products to help alleviate the stress and discomfort of patients and their families during long waits in the emergency department. - Parenting education resources for families managing behavioral health challenges, submitted by Ann Shannon
This program offers practical tools, strategies, and support for parents navigating the complexities of raising children with behavioral health needs, empowering families to provide better care. - Charging stations in surgical waiting areas for family members, submitted by Dorothy Brookshire
Recognizing the long hours families spend in surgical waiting rooms, this initiative provides convenient charging stations for electronic devices to help ease the strain of waiting.
