Red Bud, Illinois — Red Bud Regional Hospital (RBRH) presented its DAISY and BEE Awards to two outstanding staff members who demonstrated excellence in their roles. Just as the flower and bee depend on one another to thrive, every team member in healthcare plays a vital part in working together to deliver exceptional patient care.

Cassandra Lloyd, RN at Deaconess Illinois Clinic Family Practice Associates, was the recipient of The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. Her co-worker made the nomination by saying: “I have worked in the medical field for close to 40 years. Cassie is one of the best nurses I have ever worked with. She is compassionate, shows empathy, is kind and is understanding with our patients. She will assist with any issue without hesitating. She is extremely knowledgeable and never acts superior to any office staff. Our patients will call and ask for her specifically when they have an issue because they know she will find an answer.”

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes.  Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease.  The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. 

Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Doctor of Humane Letters (h.c) and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do.  The kind of work the nurses at Red Bud Regional Hospital and its affiliated clinics are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

Additionally, Emily Donnals, Ward Clerk of the Medical Surgical Unit, was the recipient of The BEE Award for Excellent Support Staff in non-nursing roles. Emily’s nomination read, “She consistently takes pride in her work, willingly picks up extra shifts, and maintains a high level of organization in her role as a ward clerk. Recently, she went above and beyond by completing the Activities Director’s course—an essential step that directly benefits the hospital patients and supports the needs of the facility. She is truly our go-to person for anything Med-Surg, always reliable, knowledgeable, and compassionate. Her commitment to excellence makes a daily impact on both staff and patients alike.”  

Jen Babb, Chief Nursing Officer at RBRH, shared, “Our BEE Awardee reminds us that excellent care is found in every act of service, kindness, and dedication – even behind-the-scenes. Just as bees play a vital role in helping flowers bloom, our support staff help our entire care team—and our patients—thrive. We are proud to recognize the BEE and DAISY recipients with these awards.”