Westlake Names Compassionate Caregiver

6/9/2011 12:00:00 AM

During the Westlake Hospital’s annual Service Award Celebration, one ten year employee was recognized for more than her years of service. Ele Santini, L.C.S.W., Social Worker, won Westlake Hospital’s first-ever Compassionate Caregiver Award. Nominated by several employees, Santini was honored for her work as a social worker, her caring nature as a friend and her compassion for everyone she encounters.

“It doesn’t matter who Ele is trying to help, a troubled teenager, a patient with dementia, a new mom or a family member coping with a patient who has traumatically injured, she always demonstrates the same level of compassion and dedication,” remarks Nancy Eggert, RN, House Manager.

In April, Westlake employees and physicians were asked to nominate members of the Westlake Hospital family who communicate sensitively with the patient and their loved ones, by listening carefully, displaying empathy and instilling a sense of hope. The Compassionate Caregiver Committee sought out stories about employees who respect the patient’s values, culture, choices and decisions and understand the significance of the patient’s family and community. They asked employees to nominate the compassionate caregiver whose endless display of compassion for patients inspire others.

“Ele has the ability to promote the compassionate response in such a way that others want to join in helping out,” say Janet Lundblad, Coordinator, Spiritual Services. “Her enthusiastic and positive attitude engages her colleagues to want to give of their time, skills and money for the greater good.”

A natural caregiver, Santini was honored for her unique ability to organize annual drives to supply winter clothing for neighborhood children, food drives, personal care items for nearby PADS clients, and book bags filled with school supplies for children in District 89 schools.  She was honored for her dedication to strengthening Westlake’s relationships with the communities, not because she can, but because she wants to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Saniti was also honored for her extreme loyalty to her co-workers. One colleague’s nomination told a story about true compassion and unbelievable friendship.  While recovering from surgery at home, Saniti opened a “Perfect Dinner” account for him, asking other Westlake Hospital family/team members to contribute, so that he could always have a hot, home cooked meal to help get him back on his feet. She even personally cooked and delivered a few meals for him.

“I personally am blessed to have someone like Ele helping in my recovery,” remarks her co-worker. “There is not a day that goes by that she does not stop and make sure I am feeling alright and offer any assistance.”

Day after day, Santini comes to work at Westlake Hospital to serve patients and members of the community with diligence, a sense of humor and professional expertise. She comes to work to respond with compassion to the needs of people she meets.  Her compassionate spirit helps to instill hope and makes it fun to serve as a community in the community.

“I am grateful for the work that Ele does for our community and for her inspiration to make Westlake a better community partner,” says Pat Shehorn, Westlake Chief Executive Officer. “Her vision of what can be done and her passion for helping others is what Westlake is all about. She is Westlake and I am proud to have her as part of our family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mtQyI47MAc

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                                                                                                                       Westlake Hospital has been serving Melrose Park and the surrounding communities for over 80 years. Our hospital is committed to being the leading resource in the community for health and healthcare through the development of life-long relationships focused on excellent quality, exceptional service and compassionate care.

Westlake Hospital is part of the Vanguard Health Systems that operates health care facilities in four primary urban markets with a strategy to develop locally branded comprehensive networks that bridge the best of the non-profit tradition of community, mission and service with expanded access to capital, organizational flexibility and economies of scale to enhance patient and community care.