Michael L. Brown, regional president and CEO, Presence Health Fox River Valley, presents Pamela Johnson, a nurse from Oswego, with the Presence Mercy Medical Center 2015 H.O.P. E. Award. CREDIT: Presence Mercy Medical Center.

Carol Thara, of Geneva, and Pamela Johnson, of Oswego, are headed to Chicago to be honored at the Presence Health H.O.P.E. Awards. Thara, a case manager, was selected to represent Presence Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin; and Johnson, an Emergency Department nurse, will represent Presence Mercy Medical Center in Aurora at the System Awards in November.

Presence Health launched the H.O.P.E. awards, an employee recognition program, to celebrate the health system’s values in action: Honesty, Oneness, People and Excellence.  The awards recognize employees who exemplify Presence Health Values through their daily work with patients, residents and colleagues, and also serve as respected role models in their communities.

In his nominating letter, Chaplain Ed Hunter wrote, “Carol advocates for our most vulnerable patients, serving with respect. She uses creativity and openness to the challenges in very difficult situations. Although quiet in her demeanor, she has a kind and loving heart that embraces everyone without distinction.”

Jacqueline Dostal, Regional Lead of Care Management for Presence Health Fox River Valley, says Thara has helped to build Presence Saint Joseph Hospital – Elgin into a better organization by setting a standard for excellence that her peers and managers can see and learn from. She calls Thara a “true servant leader.”

“Not only does Carol role-model all of the H.O.P.E. characteristics, she also creates an environment for our patients that truly enriches their lives and demonstrates caring. She walks them through some of the most difficult decisions of their lives with honesty and respect,” said Dostal.

Johnson was nominated by her peers for “striving for excellence in every interaction with every patient, family member, and team member she comes in contact with.”

When Johnson encountered two patients in the Emergency Department who were distraught after a house fire, she immediately went to her car and grabbed a handful of her own clothes to provide to the family who had lost everything. Then after work, she rushed to buy shoes and gift cards for the family as well.

“Pam is always working to exceed expectations and assist when needed. She lightens up the room with her smile and makes patients feel at ease by the manner in which she delivers care,” said Dawn Cech, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager, Emergency Department. “Pam is an example of excellence in the ED!”

“All of the nominees are incredibly dedicated professionals who truly personify the Presence Health Values,” said Michael L. Brown, Regional President and CEO, Presence Health Fox River Valley. “I am so pleased to celebrate these extraordinary individuals who make Presence Health Fox River Valley stand out as a leader in the communities we are privileged to serve.”

Thara and Johnson each received $500 cash recognition and will be honored with a plaque at the System celebration. They will join recipients selected from each of Presence Health’s 11 hospitals, Presence Medical Group, Presence Health Partners, System Services, Resurrection University, and three individuals selected from Presence Life Connections

About Presence Saint Joseph Hospital – Elgin

Presence Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin is known for providing leading-edge technologies and holistic care with compassion for the individual. We offer a comprehensive range of high quality preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic services including acute inpatient care, outpatient care, home health, and educational outreach programs. Recognized for advanced heart, orthopedics, stroke, cancer and rehabilitation services; Presence Saint Joseph is a part of Presence Health.

About Presence Mercy Medical Center

With family-friendly, patient-centered features like new private rooms and a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center, Presence Mercy Medical Center is positively impacting the health of Fox River Valley communities. Offering 293 licensed beds and more than 450 physicians, Presence Mercy provides advanced services in cardiology, cancer care, behavioral health, GI, diabetes care, orthopedics, and maternal/child health.

About Presence Health

Presence Health is the largest Catholic health system based in Illinois. With more than 150 sites of care, including 11 hospitals, Presence Health has more than 20,000 employees, 4,000 medical professionals and a revenue base of $2.5 billion.

Feature Photo Caption: Michael L. Brown, Regional President and CEO, Presence Health Fox River Valley (right) and Pat Spekowski, Chairman of the Presence Saint Joseph Hospital Community Leadership Board (right) present Carol Thara with the 2015 Presence Saint Joseph Hospital H.O.P.E. Credit: Presence Mercy Medical Center.