WEST BEND, WI – June 21, 2016 – Gina Wilson, breast health clinician in the Women’s Health Department, has been recognized with Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin St. Joseph’s Hospital’s fourth quarter DAISY Award for her patient care and professionalism.
“From the day I first met Gina during my biopsy and following lumpectomy procedure, her calm voice and professionalism put my mind at ease” said the award nominator. “The diagnosis of breast cancer changes your life in an instant and she was there to hold my hand and answer my questions. I knew I would be okay. This was one of the many surgeries I’ve had and I don’t recall someone being as attentive or caring. She even sat with me in the waiting room. Gina is the best of the best.”
The DAISY Foundation, an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, recognizes nurses as unsung heroes of our society who deserve more recognition and honor than they receive. More than 1,000 hospitals throughout the United States participate in The DAISY Award program.
The DAISY Foundation provides each recipient with a sculpture, “A Healer’s Touch,” that is hand-carved for the foundation by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. The sculpture is made of Serpentine stone that comes from the mountains “where the most powerful shaman” live in Zimbabwe. The foundation chose this design not only because it depicts the relationship nurses have with their patients, but also because the Shona people hold their healers in a position of great importance to the community and feel about their healers the way The DAISY Foundation and St. Joseph’s Hospital feel about nurses.
At St. Joseph’s Hospital, Gina was honored at a recent ceremony at which she received a certificate, pin and the sculpture. Unit staff were also treated to Cinnabons in accordance with the DAISY tradition.
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin St. Joseph’s Hospital, founded in 1930 by local doctors, community leaders and the Sisters of the Divine Savior, is a full-service hospital serving residents of West Bend and Washington County. St. Joseph’s Hospital, specializing in women’s health and birthing services, cancer care, surgical procedures and rehabilitation services, is part of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health care network, which also includes Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee; Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls; and more than 30 primary and specialty care health centers and clinics.