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HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE IN SOUTH FLORIDA
BROWARD HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER CATHOLIC HOSPICE
Melody Leeds Silvia Martinez
Melody Leeds is the Palliative Acute We can honestly say there is more than one
Care Case Manager R.N. at Broward example we can give on how Silvia Martinez,
Health Medical Center. admissions manager at Catholic Hospice, has
Melody, a Certified Hospice and shown outstanding commitment as an employ-
Palliative Nurse (CHPN) and a certified ee, as a nurse and as a person.
End of Life Nursing Education Consor - For Silvia, what she does is not a job, it’s a
tium trainer (ELNEC), has been at passion. She gives more than 150% to what she
Broward Health Medical Center for the does, and it is clearly seen by everyone. She
past 6 years. truly contributes to the community with pas-
In her current role, Melody works with sion, care, intelligence, hard work and dedica-
interdisciplinary teams, patients and tion. We see that every interaction with her
families to identify care goals, ensure shows how she is a professional, devoted to her
respect for patient autonomy and provide job and specially devoted to the employees and
an extra layer of emotional support dur- her team. Silvia leads by example and jumps
ing hospitalization. into any task no matter how difficult it may be.
Prior to joining the Palliative team, Melody was a nurse in the Respiratory She is always there to assist with any challenges,
Care Unit at Broward Health Medical Center and at Kindred Hospital. provides information, and moral support when needed. Silvia exudes a positive atti-
She earned her Master of Science degree in Public Health from the tude and excellent leadership.
University of Miami; she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston Many times Silvia has been there for patients and families, as well employees and
University and her nursing degree from Miami Dade College. Prior to her co-workers all while putting forth all efforts needed to provide all of our patients
nursing career, Melody worked as marketing, public relations and event pro- the care that they need, especially under stress, but no matter what it is always done
duction executive. with compassion. Silvia is dedicated to her profession as a nurse and as a patient
Nursing was a lifelong dream for Melody. Her role as a caretaker for her advocate, always acting in the best interest of our patients. She is one of the most
family during their serious illnesses fueled her commitment to providing committed employees that we have ever had the experience to work with; Silvia
compassionate care for patients during their most vulnerable times. brings in so many assets to the department and company.
She is honored to serve at Broward Health Medical Center on the palliative
team.
Cover Story: When Hurricanes Strike,
VITAS Healthcare Rises to the Occasion
Continued from page 1
• Whether patients were evacuating stayed after the storm to ensure smooth
• Their location during the storm staff transition before heading home to
• Whether patients’ medical equipment take care of their families.
needed service
• Whether patients had enough food, In the calm after the storm
medication, oxygen tanks and other med- Hurricane Irma left a trail of destruction
ical supplies in its wake—millions without power for
Employees put in long hours to visit days, damaged homes, flooding, uprooted
patients, reassure them and make last- trees and more.
minute deliveries. VITAS leadership As people were allowed back on the
maintained constant communication roads, VITAS teams were back in action,
through phone support to ensure all visiting their patients, working with local
patients were evacuated, as needed. facilities to make sure patients were not
Programs arranged for transportation affected by power loss or generator fail-
and successfully moved complex and ures, and offering support.
ALF patients to IPUs since it was impos- The selflessness and professionalism
sible to provide continuous care. displayed by VITAS employees explains
Staff did not forget about referral why VITAS has such strong ties to the
sources and other community partners, communities we serve.
reaching out to them before and after the
storm to make sure they had the support Supporting impacted employees
they needed. Many VITAS employees were left with
damaged homes, loss of property and no
When Hurricane Irma power. Their company and their col-
came ashore leagues stepped up to assist them. VITAS
As winds started gusting and roads offered monetary assistance, while co-
became unsafe for employees to visits workers opened their homes, brought hot
patients, VITAS Care Connection Center food and helped in every way possible.
took over—a 24/7/365 link to clinicians, It was a trying time, but what emerged
medical advice, support and hands-on was the reaffirmation that VITAS is a
care. Additionally, a 24-hour VITAS emer- compassionate company staffed by pro-
gency line was set up to keep patients, fessionals who do whatever is needed to
their families and employees updated take care of patients, patients’ families
about the storm. and each other.
Some inpatient hospice unit staff
remained at their respective IPUs through Maureen Knips is Vice President of
the storm, at times losing power and rely- Operations, VITAS Healthcare. For more
ing on generators. They maintained their information about hospice and VITAS
composure, cared for their patients and Healthcare, visit VITAS.com
made sure their staff got needed rest. They or call 866-759-6695.
22 November 2017 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News
