Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation recently presented the third annual Dr. Chris Aul Patient Safety & Quality Award to three deserving Cape Fear Valley Health team members who make patient safety and quality care a priority each and every day. This year the award was presented to two clinical staff, Pharmacist Emily Cooley and Dr. Peggy Robinson, and one nonclinical staff, Patient Relations Manager Cortnie Langston.

“The awards committee looks at each nomination for a dedication to continued delivery of essential services, a commitment to patient safety and following safety protocols, and unwavering efforts to deliver high quality patient care,” said Foundation Director Sabrina Brooks in a press release.

Emily Cooley is a Transitions of Care Pharmacist at Valley Pharmacy. Her nomination described her as an asset who frequently reaches out to doctors to request medications and constantly provides education to others.

“Emily works very closely with the Discharge Clinic to reinforce the continuum of care,” her nomination said. “Her work has been successful with ensuring that patients are getting the right medications and their discharge follow-up appointments.”

Dr. Peggy Robinson is a hospitalist at Betsy Johnson Hospital.  In her nomination, she was lauded for her unwavering commitment to improving patient care and ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare staff, especially those in the residency programs.

“Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Robinson plays a key role in helping residents navigate the complexities of the electronic health record system, particularly with the Epic system,” her nomination said. “She teaches residents important in-patient Epic tips that ensure orders are processed correctly and patients receive the care they need without delay. This guidance is vital to preventing errors and improving the efficiency of care delivery, which directly contributes to patient safety.”

Cortnie Langston was praised for her data-driven approach to process improvement and for constantly challenging herself while helping others and brightening their days.

“Cortnie is a true change agent and advocate for the betterment of patient safety and quality of care, day in and day out,” her nomination said. “She’s extremely passionate about bringing forth meaningful change in the world of healthcare and shows it in all the hard work she continues to put in.”

All nominees and recipients were recognized at the Patient Safety Week Leadership Assembly. Winners received a $500 prize to be used for continuing education or to support a patient safety initiative.