Morgan Health Center receives Heart of Hospice Award
“The boss invites you to dine with him,” was the message atop of a colorful invitation inviting “all Morgan Health Center employees” to enjoy a noon-time lunch inside the Johnston facilities well-appointed main dining room.
In the middle of it all was Ken DeLisi, the administrator at Morgan Health Center, who congratulated two important employees – Luisa Franceschini and Irma Deleon – for achieving five years of service and caring for residents.
“This is in appreciation of all the hard work and dedication you give each day,” DiLisi told an applauding audience that would enjoy a bountiful buffet prepared by Ralph’s Catering. “Congratulations and thank you for all you do.”
DeLisi, who has been in the health care industry for 32 years, 27 of which he spent at the West Shore Health Center in West Warwick. West Shore, which is also owned and operated by Health Concepts, received a certificate for his work at Morgan during the past five years.
It was the same congratulatory certificate Franceschini and Deleon received for his tireless works and leadership at Morgan Health Center. As Morgan’s Activities Director Tammy Barone said while helping staffers arrange the luncheon “a wonderful time for our employees to receive the recognition they so richly deserve.”
What neither Barone, DeLisi or anyone inside Morgan Health Center knew was that the highly-respected Johnston-based facility was about to receive a prestigious award honoring each and every employee and not just for five years of service.
Sometime around 12:15 p.m., Ulysses McAlpine, RN, walked into the Morgan Health Center wearing a smile on his face. He quickly found DeLisi and extended his hand and said he had an important announcement.
McAlpine, who was accompanied by a half-dozen or so associates, then told the seemingly stunned employees that “Morgan Health Center has been selected as the 2017 recipient of the prestigious “Heart of Hospice Award” presented annually by Beacon Hospice, an Amedisys company.
Excitement echoed through the nearly full dining room as McAlpine – who is Beacon’s Clinical Hospice Liaison - presented the award to DeLisi as employees embraced and congratulate each other following the surprise announcement.
“I had no idea this was going to happen,” DeLisi said. “We are obviously all thrilled to be awarded this great honor. And, they even brought a cake.”
McAlpine, who wore a wide smile on his face throughout the presentation and visit, said: “Beacon Hospice recognizes Morgan Health Center for their dedication to improving end of life care for all residents.”
He later explained that the Heart of Hospice Award is an annual recognition given to a select few skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities in Rhode Island. It represents “Hospice Heart” that care givers provide for their patients and resident as they maneuver throughout their day.
“They are Beacons of light for each patient, resident and family,” McAlpine said. “It’s that extra ‘little something’ that catches our attention and is therefore nominated by our Hospice Liaison team members. This is a great recognition for those RNs, Health Aides, Social Workers and Administrators that really make a positive impact on their patients lives.”
