OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center Honors Karla Martinez-Santoyo with Sunflower Award

5/07/2025 - Ottawa, Illinois

OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center is pleased to announce that Karla Martinez-Santoyo, a patient care tech from the medical/surgical inpatient unit, recently received the Sunflower Award. Karla has been a valued Mission Partner with OSF HealthCare for nearly three years.

"Karla is certainly deserving of this recognition," said Heather Bomstad, vice president and chief nursing officer at OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center. "The Sunflower Award highlights the extraordinary impact our non-nursing team members have on patients, and Karla is a shining example of that commitment."

In a heartfelt nomination, a patient’s family member shared: "It was her first surgery, and she was very nervous. Afterward, she was in a lot of pain and discomfort. While there are many people to thank, Karla stood out for her exceptional care, kindness, and professionalism. Her dedication was inspiring and helped create a calm, easy-going, and reassuring environment. Despite the discomfort, she could still laugh, thanks to Karla. She truly made a difference during her stay at OSF. Karla is amazing and absolutely deserves to be recognized!"

OSF HealthCare encourages patients, family members, and fellow staff to recognize caregivers who have provided exceptional care and service by nominating them for an award to honor their dedication. For more information about the DAISY and Sunflower Awards or to submit a nomination, visit: https://www.osfhealthcare.org/saint-paul/guest/thank-caregiver/

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

JoEllyn Gahan
Public Relations & Communications Coordinator
(815) 539-7461