BRADFORD, PA & OLEAN, NY – Caitlin Bachman and Katelyn Spears, RN, were announced as the Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS), parent company of Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), December Star Award winners.

The star award is offered monthly at BRMC and OGH to an employee who displays exceptional performance and inspires others to do the same. Members of the team are nominated for outstanding customer service, ongoing performance improvement, teamwork, communication, ownership/accountability, and excellence.  Employees are selected by patients as well as co-worker nominations.

The December Star Award winner for BRMC was Caitlin Bachman, lead CT tech, CT scanning.

“Caitlin has received several positive comments from patients and co-workers commenting on how she displayed a high level of patience while conducting a CT scan on an extremely nervous patient. She is also diligent with her work and recently played an integral role in finding a possible fracture on another patient which was communicated with the radiologist who was able to use another imaging exam to confirm the fracture,” said her nomination. “She is very compassionate, empathetic, and a huge patient advocate. Caitlin does her best to ensure the patient receives the correct study for the diagnosis and is a valued member of our imaging team.”

Katelyn Spears, RN, acute care 3A, was announced as the December OGH star award winner.

“Katelyn was recently recognized to have a positive impact on a patient’s experience which commented how she continuously went above and beyond caring for a patient’s family member who has severe dementia and underwent hip surgery. Katelyn stayed after her shift to ensure that the patient was safe. She is highly skilled, patient, cares, and goes above and beyond to communicate with knowledge and empathy,” said her nomination. “I am very thankful she was on the team of providers when my family member needed care.”

Other employees who were recognized and nominated for the November star award included Eileen Smith, EVS; Patricia Houghton, respiratory care. OGH nominees were: Bridget Flannery, acute care 3A; Conrad Gadson, EVS; Bonnie Lyman, acute care 3A; Lisa Sworts, RN, subacute rehab. All five nominations for the December Star Award at OGH were made by patients.

“These ceremonies are a great way to bring everyone together and recognize the hard work of team members from all levels of the organization. This month with having all our nominations for our Olean star award come from patient nominations is a testament to how our employees can positively affect the lives of others,” said Jill Owens, MD, president, UAHS. “No gesture is too small to help make a difference for one of our patients. These nominations exemplify the work we’re doing overall to improve quality of care and change the company culture throughout UAHS.”

Star award recipients received a Chamber of Commerce gift certificate, additional paid time off, certificate of recognition as well as the coveted star award parking spot.  All nominees were recognized for their hard work towards UAHS’ drive to five ¾ five-stars!