Memorial Hospital Celebrates Patient Safety Week by Honoring Peer Nominated Patient Safety Advocates
- Memorial Hospital
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Memorial Hospital recognized Patient Safety Awareness Week, held March 8–14 and led by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). This annual observance serves as an opportunity for healthcare providers, patients, and families to reflect on progress, learn from one another, and renew commitments to reducing preventable harm and strengthening the culture of safety.
This year’s national theme, “Team Up for Patient Safety”, highlights the power of collaboration: within care teams, between departments and organizations, and in partnership with patients and families. The “Patient safety is everyone’s responsibility and together, we continue to build a culture where every patient, visitor, and staff member feels protected and supported,” said Martha Wingerter, Director Safety, Risk Management & Professional Services.
In celebration of Patient Safety Week, Memorial Hospital employees were invited to nominate peers who exemplify extraordinary dedication to safety. Fourteen employees across the health system were recognized as Patient Safety Advocates, reflecting the diverse roles and teamwork required to protect patients every day.
Below are the 2026 honorees and the words of praise shared by their colleagues:
2026 Patient Safety Advocate Honorees
Amanda Johnson
“Patient safety is always Amanda's priority. She regularly assesses processes and procedures to make improvements as needed to ensure a safe and overall positive experience for our patients.”
Amy Kirkland
“Amy is the night shift fall champion for the new FALLS T.I.P.S. program on Med‑Surg. This includes monthly chart audits to ensure compliance. As the night shift supervisor, Amy fully supports patient safety.”
Angie Schoenbeck
“Angie is the day shift fall champion for the new FALLS T.I.P.S. program on Med‑Surg, completing monthly chart audits to ensure staff compliance. As the day shift supervisor, Angie fully supports patient safety.”
Brittany Casarez
“As weekend House Supervisor, Brittany encourages staff to use SafetyZone to report safety events, helping to build a stronger safety culture.”
Chris Goetz
“Chris is dedicated to fall prevention on Med‑Surg. Any safety concerns are promptly brought to management’s attention. Chris is extremely passionate about patient safety. Her commitment to excellence makes a meaningful impact every day.”
Laurie Treece
“Laurie has been a safety champion on MSU for many years. She goes above and beyond when it comes to patient safety. She recently caught an error on an admission that resulted in a ‘good catch’ on MSU. Her eye for detail and use of appropriate patient identifiers do not go unnoticed.”
Leah Freytag
“Leah demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, proactively identifies potential safety concerns, and speaks up to ensure best practices are followed. Through thorough assessments, clear handoffs, and collaboration with team members, she keeps safety at the forefront. Leah encourages open dialogue, supports coworkers, and leads by example—truly reflecting the spirit of Patient Safety Awareness Week.”
Marci Klein
“Marci is the ‘go‑to’ ER nurse for many coworkers. She has great knowledge of ER policies and procedures and is always willing to help or answer questions. She is reliable, collaborative, and a trusted partner during critical situations.”
Mariah Bargman
“Mariah always makes patient safety a priority! Working behind the scenes, she ensures appropriate signage and publications are deployed across the website, Facebook, and throughout the hospital. Whether masking guidance, visitor restrictions, or department relocations, Mariah uses creativity and communication skills to keep patients informed and safe.”
Maribeth Golding
“Maribeth consistently supports safe staffing 24/7 on MSU, ER, and ICU. She goes above and beyond when staffing needs arise—planned or unexpected. Safe staffing is always a priority for Maribeth.”
Ryan Petrowske
“Ryan keeps the grounds safe during inclement weather and remains mindful of patients in work areas.”
Sara Harris
“Since joining MHC in September as Infection Control Nurse, Sara has quickly implemented initiatives that enhance patient safety. From Curos caps and fall‑prevention efforts to preparing for an ICAR survey, improving blood administration documentation, and assisting with ER safety measures, she has shown strong commitment to safety and quality improvement.”
Sarah Rathert
“Sarah has improved our fall prevention program by developing a new FALL T.I.P.S. program involving patients and families. She has collaborated on infection prevention initiatives, created a Suicide Prevention team, researched safety solutions, and is developing a new sitter pool. Sarah is also working to launch a Care Companion program to help reduce falls and meet patient needs promptly. She strives to maximize safety without increasing workload or cost.”
“Since beginning in September, Sarah has led several safety initiatives that have positively impacted the hospital. She oversees the FALL T.I.P.S. program, leads the Fall Prevention Committee, conducts mock tracers, and is developing an ER sitter pool to support behavioral health patient safety.”
Zach Dunker
“Since starting as OR and Infusion Nurse Manager in January 2026, Zach has implemented safety improvements in the OR with surgical smoke evacuators, in Infusion with disposable blood pressure cuffs, and in the community with the addition of Car Seat Safety checks.”
Memorial Hospital celebrates these dedicated team members for embodying the spirit of Patient Safety Awareness Week. Their vigilance, compassion, problem‑solving, and teamwork drive safer outcomes and support the hospital’s mission of providing high‑quality, patient‑centered care.
