OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center is proud to recognize Lydia Hartman, an emergency department technician at the Center for Health, Streator Emergency Department, as a recipient of the Sunflower Award.
Lydia has been a Mission Partner for more than 13 years and is known for providing compassionate, respectful care to patients and families during some of their most challenging moments. The Sunflower Award honors non‑nursing Mission Partners who exemplify exceptional service and bring the OSF HealthCare Mission to life through their daily work.
Lydia was nominated by a grateful patient who shared how her kindness and respect made a meaningful difference during an emergency department visit.
“From the moment Lydia greeted me, she treated me with warmth, respect and understanding,” the patient shared. “I was nervous and vulnerable, but she encouraged me to seek care and truly listened to my concerns. She made sure my dignity and boundaries were respected throughout my visit and helped ease my fear and anxiety. It was the little things that stood out and made me feel cared for as a person.”
The patient went on to share that Lydia’s calm presence and thoughtful support helped create a sense of trust and comfort throughout the entire visit.
Maria Chicchelly, vice president and chief nursing officer of OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, said Lydia’s approach reflects the heart of compassionate care.
“Lydia consistently demonstrates what it means to provide care with kindness and respect,” Chicchelly said. “Her ability to meet patients where they are and offer comfort through genuine connection is exactly what the Sunflower Award celebrates.”
OSF HealthCare encourages patients, families and Mission Partners to recognize extraordinary caregivers by submitting nominations for the DAISY and Sunflower Awards. These programs honor individuals who bring the OSF HealthCare Mission to life through exceptional service.
For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit:
https://www.osfhealthcarefoundation.org/gratefulpatient/
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