Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) honored two clinical staff recently for their commitment to exceptional patient care and teamwork.
Kathleen Flemming, RN, was given the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for her work in labor and delivery at SVMC’s Women’s and Children’s Services. Lindsay Hoyt, an LNA in SVMC’s Medical-Surgical Unit received the hospital’s internal PETAL Award, given to staff who go above and beyond in their work.
The DAISY Award is an international recognition program honoring clinical excellence and outstanding compassionate care provided by nurses. Flemming was nominated by a patient for this prestigious recognition.
“She was supportive, took the time to listen to us, went well above and beyond the standard of care, and kept me going and in a positive mindset at times when I was mentally and physically exhausted,” wrote a patient who nominated Flemming. “She is obviously someone who loves her job and excels at what she does. She was meant to be a labor and delivery nurse.”
Lindsay Hoyt was nominated by her peers for SVMC’s PETAL Award, which recognized her being a crucial part of the team who puts patient care first and does so with a smile and a positive attitude.
“Her level of autonomy and ownership for good outcomes continues to amaze me. She jumps for call lights, she runs the halls stocking supplies,” wrote her nominator. “She sees trends in a patient’s clinical status and brings them to the nurses’ attention in real time.”
SVMC’s Vice President of Patient Services and Chief Nursing Officer Pamela Duchene, PhD, APRN, surprised both Flemming and Hoyt during their shifts last month, announcing their awards and celebrating with freshly-baked treats.
“We love a chance to celebrate excellent care and both Kathleen and Lindsay are so deserving of this recognition,” said Duchene. “It’s great care and teamwork like this that makes our community hospital so special.”
About Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
For more than a century, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) has delivered world-class care and comfort to every patient. Today, SVMC encompasses eight locations across Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts, including a 99-bed hospital and 23 primary and specialty care services. SVMC’s exceptional health teams possess expertise in everything from oncology to orthopedics. Our clinical strength has earned national attention, including six consecutive designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. Since joining Dartmouth Health in 2023, SVMC has expanded treatment options and services to keep patients closer to home for world-class care. As the largest employer in southwestern Vermont, SVMC is deeply invested in the region, engaging with the community through wellness initiatives, support of local nonprofit organizations and involvement in economic development. SVMC has robust volunteer leadership, at many levels, that help guide and govern the organization, ensuring SVMC continues to serve the patient and staff needs of today, and tomorrow.