(June 28, 2024) – The Kansas Hospital Association's Heart of Health Care Worker Award highlights hospital employees who have made a significant contribution to the betterment of their hospital. These individuals are nominated for this award because they routinely go above and beyond the call of duty.
Holly Peters' patients consider her part of their personal health care team. As a laboratory assistant for Coffey Health System, Peters has forged tight connections with the community. Her commitment to patient care and diagnosis is remarkable. Patients frequently ask for Peters, specifically when having labs done, because of her demeanor and ability to draw blood painlessly. What's not obvious to patients is her commitment to monitoring all orders and researching additional tests if needed.
Peters has a unique ability to meet patients on an emotional level. If a patient is anxious, Peters offers comfort and calmly explains the test. She can make a distraught child laugh, a worried family member smile or a confused senior feel safe and heard. Every day, Peters turns what could be a negative patient experience into a tolerable one.
Peters shows the utmost respect and understanding of various departments throughout CHS. She races to the ER because she knows how crucial an initial baseline result is. She volunteers to visit the clinic to see patients for whom coming to the lab poses difficulty. In obstetrics, she consoles and educates new moms regarding tests performed on their newborns. Peters has built a strong rapport with providers through this dedication to her patients.
For 14 years, Peters has spearheaded Coffey Health System's annual community blood tests throughout their service area. She works with all five clinics, EMS, dietary, marketing, materials and billing, to coordinate this successful program. Just this year, 317 community members and CHS staff received discounted comprehensive panels and prostate screens. This is not part of her job description, but Peters understands the importance of being in the community and making people comfortable with the hospital staff.
Peters and other Heart of Health Care Worker Award nominees will be recognized during the KHA Awards Luncheon at the 2024 KHA Annual Convention on Sept. 5, 2024, at Sheraton Overland Park/Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park.
--Shelby Stacy