RMH recognized five team members as 2012 Safety Champions for their dedication and commitment to strengthening the culture of patient safety at RMH.

Award recipients are:

• Frank Gordon, MD, Harrisonburg Physicians for Anesthesiology
• Alessa Hensley, Business Office
• Lydia Crumrine, Patient Care Technician, 5 West
• Lorrie Dovel, IV Tech, Pharmacy
• Mandy Crider, RN, 5 West

“Safety is a core value at RMH, and patient safety is the foundation for the care we provide,” said RMH President Jim Krauss. “Our safety champions exemplify this value, and we commend them for being role models for patient safety.”

The annual RMH Safety Champion recognition, launched in 2011, emphasizes RMH’s commitment to patient safety, noted Rebecca Jessie, director of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. Candidates were nominated by RMH staff and physicians for their outstanding contributions to patient safety.

Members of RMH’s Patient Safety First team evaluated the entries and selected five winners. The 2012 Safety Champions were announced and honored at a special reception in the hospital.

“We congratulate our 2012 Safety Champions, and all those who were nominated, for achieving this recognition,” Jesse said. “Together we are passionate about keeping our patients safe by ensuring we first do no harm. RMH Safety Champions make this statement their personal mission and move our organization forward through exemplary teamwork.”