Quality Care and Quick Action Helps Infant Patient
C.M.A. wins UF Health Physicians Biggest Catch Award
Every detail matters and every second counts when providing quality patient care. Ramona Newsome, C.M.A., a medical assistant at UF Health Pediatric Specialties, demonstrated this level of care with her sensitivity to an infant patient’s needs and her willingness to take immediate action.
Newsome observed swelling in the infant’s hands and feet. Recognizing the infant was in distress, she set up the patient in an exam room and immediately notified a physician. The team took an echocardiogram and a physician examined the infant, who was transported to the UF Health Shands Pediatric E.R. for treatment.
This example of our health system’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality patient care earned Newsome the UF Health Physicians Biggest Catch Award. This award is presented quarterly by the UF Health Physicians Clinical Quality and Safety Group to deserving providers and staff.
Newsome’s ability to automatically recognize a problem and communicate it to a physician plays a significant role for the unit and the safety of the patients.
“Her critical thinking skills are excellent, so she is a really great resource to the CHC clinic and pediatric specialties,” said Katherine Wheeler, BSHA, ACU manager for UF Health Pediatric Specialties at the Medical Plaza.
This isn’t the first time Newsome has been recognized for a Biggest Catch Award. Three years ago, she received the award for identifying an elevated heart rate in a 3-year-old patient. Due to her quick catch, that patient is happy and healthy now.
While she has been recognized for her attention to pediatric patients, Newsome shows the same genuine care for everyone.
“She’s an asset here,” Wheeler said. “She has the same compassion whether she’s dealing with an adult or pediatric patient.”
“She’s played a vital role with our team. She really knows the whole cardio team and she keeps that area moving,” said Brandi Parker, R.N., UF Health Pediatric Specialties supervisor for pediatric cardiology. “This award further shows what an awesome job she does.”
The UF Health Sebastian Ferrero Office of Clinical Quality and Patient Safety recognizes Great Catch Awards for UF Health Shands and UF College of Medicine hospital staff and UF Health Physicians recognizes Biggest Catch Awards to honor outpatient physician practice staff whose attention and response help avoid medical errors and contribute to patient safety.
