On May 9th, approximately 40 nurses who work in a variety of different roles including inpatient, operating room, outpatient, advance practice, performance improvement, employee health, physician liaison, clinical informatics, and nursing management celebrated at Shriners Hospitals for Children® in Springfield, Mass by sharing food and fellowship.  The evening program included an interesting and entertaining lecture on the “Evolution of Pediatric Orthopedics” by Dr. Peter Masso, Assistant Chief of Staff.

Additionally, six nurses who were selected as quarterly recipients of the Daisy Award, an award that recognizes the caring and compassionate care of nurses were recognized.   From this group, the Professional Nurse Practice Committee selected one individual winner for the annual award.  The individual selected was Michelle Salva, nursing educator.  Michelle was nominated by two different fellow nurses.  One wrote, “Michelle defines compassion in bedside nursing.  She approaches patients with knowledge and skill, while maintaining empathy for the patient and family…She listens without judgment, thinks before responding, and acts with sensitivity…..She is truly a gift to this organization.”    Another fellow nurse wrote, “Michelle is the poster child for the Daisy Award.    Michelle has the most patient, tolerant, compassionate approach to everything she does.”  Congratulations Michelle!

Submitted by: Cindy Kane, RN, MPA
Director of Patient Care Services/CNO

(ABC40/FOX6 Reporter, Tricia Taskey visited Shriners Hospitals for Children on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. The newscast is below.)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) –  Occupational Therapist Debi Latour spends her days helping children learn how to operate their artificial limbs and she’s had a life time of experience.  Her parents first brought her to Shriners Hospital in Springfield when she was 3-months old. Video coverage

(ABC40/FOX6 Reporter, Tricia Taskey visited Shriners Hospitals for Children on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. The newscast is below.)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) –14-year old Andreas Costandin is getting prepared for surgery on Wednesday.   Nurses shave his hair so doctors can put a halo in his head to stretch his spine, treating his severe Scoliosis. Video coverage

Charles (Chuck) R. Walczak, administrator of Shriners Hospitals for Children in Erie, Pennsylvania recently accepted the role as interim administrator at Shriners Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts. In his dual role, he will travel to Springfield several days a week.

Prior to joining Shriners Hospital in 2009, he was director of strategic planning for the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania (CHUP).  Walczak also spent three years as executive administrator for the Women’s Health Care Group of PA, in Oaks, and Academic Urology in Wayne, both large physician practices serving the Philadelphia region. Before moving to the Philadelphia area, Walczak spent 14 years at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, most recently as vice president of operations. 

Walczak earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management and a Masters of Business Administration, both from Penn State. He also holds a Certification in Leadership Development from Gannon University-Leadership Erie. 

Chuck and his wife, Anne-France Walczak, MD, have a nine year old daughter, Gabrielle.

Chuck had this to say, “I am excited about my assignment with Springfield. There are many excellent options/directions to consider for the future as we continue with the outstanding services we have been providing at this facility for the past 87 years.”

Over the past three years, Scott Rider and his band The Sunsetters create a new CD of original songs to raise money to support Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, Mass. The Sunsetters, formerly C-Side Zoo, perform at neighborhood picnics and backyard parties. Rider, a postal carrier from Agawam, Mass., sells CDs to family and friends and to date has donated $3,000 to the hospital. “Shriners Hospital has a unique and special environment,” said Rider. “I’m glad it is here for kids to get help when they need it.”

Contributed by Karen Motyka – Donor Relations