‘Bemmy’ ceremony celebrates top staff
Beaufort Memorial’s Express Care and Occupational Health department, which operates clinics in Bluffton, Okatie and Port Royal, received the top departmental honor at the health system’s fifth annual Bemmy Awards.
The department was recognized for its work providing walk-in urgent care, occupational health and employee health services across its three locations, as well as for the contributions of its physicians and advanced practice providers in expanding access to care throughout the region.
According to the department’s award nomination, the team was recognized for its leadership, adaptability and operational performance.
“This nomination is a testament to their leadership, adaptability and operational excellence,” the nomination stated. “One of the great strengths of the Express Care department is its people, supported by a strong, cohesive team that is steadfast in providing compassionate, high-quality care.”
The Bemmy Awards featured 11 categories recognizing staff members and departments across the community health system.
The runner-up for the department award was Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s mental health services department. The unit serves as the only inpatient mental health facility in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties and is also the sole psychiatric healthcare provider for the Beaufort County Detention Center, according to award information.
In addition to the department-wide recognition, Express Care provider Carri Knapp, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, received the Bemmy Award for Advanced Practice Provider of the Year. Award materials cited her positivity, willingness to go above and beyond for patients and colleagues, and a “heart full of passion.”
Another Express Care provider, Tammy Page, FNP-C, was named runner-up in the category. Page, who sees patients in Okatie, was recognized for her patient-centered approach, clinical excellence and leadership.
Patient Experience Champion awards were presented to the Emergency Department, Marshview Primary Care and Okatie Echo in Outpatient Imaging.
Mandy Michels, director of patient experience, was named Leader of the Year for efforts to improve patient experience across the health system. Ana Brown, director of patient access, was runner-up.
Krissy Oudinot, MSN, FNP-BC, of the Preoperative Assessment Clinic received the Zero Harm Award for her commitment to patient education and follow-up care. Pharmacist Jessica Williams was runner-up.
Bruce “Tripp” Yeager, a clerical specialist at Marshview Primary Care, earned Innovator of the Year honors for work improving efficiencies through the Phreesia patient engagement platform. Emergency room nurse Samara King was runner-up.
Security officer Delvon Denson was named Rookie of the Year for his attention to detail and influence on colleagues. Birthing center nurse Hannah Louw was runner-up.
