SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital was recently recognized for its commitment to organ and tissue donation, receiving the “Excellence in Tissue Donation” award from UW Health Organ and Tissue Donation.
Hospital leaders and caregivers accepted the honor during the UW Organ and Tissue Donation Award of Hope Celebration in late April. The annual gathering recognized 24 Wisconsin hospitals and care teams that met or exceeded performance goals for organ and tissue donation.
“This award reflects who we are at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital – a team deeply committed to honoring the generosity of donors and walking with families through some of the most difficult moments with compassion, respect and care,” says Tami Schattschneider, SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital VP Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer. “It speaks to the dedication of our caregivers and their partnership with UW Organ and Tissue Donation to ensure every opportunity to give the gift of life is handled with dignity and excellence.”
UW Organ and Tissue Donation is a federally designated organ procurement organization serving more than 100 hospitals in Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. Each spring, the organization presents four different awards to hospitals and staff for excellence in maximizing the gift of life during the previous year.
The Excellence in Tissue Donation Award is given to partner hospitals that achieve at least a 60% authorization rate from families when asked by care teams about organ donation. This metric recognizes the effective partnership between hospital and tissue bank staff in delivered coordinated, compassionate care and communication to families about tissue donation.
“Hospitals are critical partners in organ donation, providing compassionate care to donor heroes and unwavering support to their families,” according to Michael Anderson, executive director of UW Organ and Tissue Donation. “We applaud these hospitals and their dedicated care teams for honoring the generosity of donors and ensuring their gifts help save lives.”
