SGMC Health honors Inpatient Rehab Team
Published 4:57 pm Thursday, February 13, 2025
- Submitted photo: Pankaj Agrawal, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer; Jennifer Wade, Director of Rehabilitation Services; Health System Heroes Erin Sheppard and Connie Conner. Not pictured: Rob Jones
VALDOSTA — SGMC Health Inpatient Rehab team members Erin Sheppard, LPN, Connie Conner, RN, and Rob Jones, RN, are the latest recipients of the health system’s Safe Care Award.
According to the nomination, Sheppard was speaking with her patient when she noticed the individual suddenly stop talking mid-conversation. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, she quickly assessed the patient and identified the early signs of a stroke. Sheppard, along with charge nurse Connie Conner and staff nurse Rob Jones, immediately initiated the hospital’s stroke protocol, alerting Leslie Lamptey, MD, and coordinating a rapid response code.
The team took the patient to imaging and then to the intensive care unit, ensuring the patient received the necessary treatment within the critical one-hour window.
The Safe Care Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in advancing SGMC Health’s culture of safety and excellence.
“Erin, Connie, and Rob embody the collective responsibility we all share in keeping our patients safe,” said Pankaj Agrawal, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. “Their swift recognition of a life-threatening emergency and their coordinated response showcase the importance of vigilance, teamwork, and adherence to safety protocols. At SGMC Health, safety is everyone’s priority, and these individuals exemplify how every member of the team actively contributes to ensuring the well-being of our patients.”
Nominations for the Safe Care Award can be submitted by patients, family members, colleagues, or leaders. SGMC Health remains committed to fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement to provide the highest level of care for all patients.
To learn more, visit sgmc.org.
