C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital nurse recognized for speaking up for safety

Congratulations to Courtney Meagher, R.N., who recently earned a Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center Speak-up! Award.

The award celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals demonstrating a commitment to the prevention of patient or staff harm.

Meagher is being honored for her diligence in caring for a patient at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital who accidently removed their tracheostomy tube. While the patient’s oxygen saturation was 100%, Meagher was still concerned with the patient’s breathing after a difficult tube replacement and sought counsel from another nurse. After confirming the patient was breathing from their mouth rather than the tracheostomy tube, the team was able to place a new one in the appropriate position.

Meagher’s actions prevented potential harm and any further complications.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as a patient advocate,” said Meagher. “I am grateful to work in a system where I feel confident to question, validate and verify to ensure our patients are receiving the best care possible.”

Launched in March 2016, the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award promotes a culture within health care organizations empowering staff to speak up about the quality or safety of patient care to foster continuous improvement and minimize institutional risk for both patients and providers.

“Team members like Courtney allow us to lead the way in providing high quality specialized health care for children,” said Luanne Thomas Ewald, M.H.A., FACHE, chief operating officer for C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. “We are grateful to see her recognized for displaying HRO principles and high safety standards to ensure the highest quality care for our children.”

“It’s the steadfast approach of health care workers like Courtney that advance the safety and quality of Michigan hospitals,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “She is incredibly deserving of this recognition for her courage to speak up and seek validation for her patient.”

More information about the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, are available online.