(l to r) Leslie Schroeder, Julie Rothfuss, Katie Blackwell, John Bonham, Susan Meeske, Josh Yost
Mary Lanning Healthcare Foundation hosted the fifth annual Oakeson Steiner Big Idea event, where five finalists presented their big ideas to improve patient care.
The five finalists — John Bonham, Materials Management; Shelby Miller, Diagnostic Imaging; Julie Rothfuss, Auxiliary; Ryan Williams, Inpatient Rehabilitation, and Brenda Bivens, Physical Therapy — were selected from a pool of applicants who submitted ideas for review. Each finalist presented an idea to judges Leslie Schroeder and Josh Yost from Oakeson Steiner, the local business that supported the Big Idea since it began.
Yost thanked all of the finalists for taking the time to present their ideas and mentioned the judges evaluated them based on their potential impact on patient care and employee safety.
After careful deliberation, the judges selected three winning ideas:
John Bonham: An electric transportation cart
- The Materials Management Department is consistently delivering hundreds of packages (most 40–70 pounds) a day all over the MLH campus. With more clinics moving on-site thanks to the opening of the MOB, the electric transportation cart will help staff safely and efficiently deliver supplies to MLH, the MOB and PAC2 daycare.
Shelby Miller: Ascend-N-Go wheelchair
- The Ascend-N-Go wheelchair is a versatile and safe transport option for the Diagnostic Imaging Department. It is radiolucent, meaning that it will not block X-rays or other imaging modalities. This allows for clear images of the patient's body without interference from the wheelchair. Not only is it safe for the patient, but also for staff who can easily assist the patient into a standing position without the need for a second staff person.
Julie Rothfuss: Three Stryker wheelchairs
- The Stryker wheelchair is lightweight and maneuverable, making it easy for staff and volunteers to transport patients. MLH currently has a number of Stryker wheelchairs but needs more since the opening of the new MOB, where patients sometimes are waiting at the entrance until a chair is located elsewhere.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support of Oakeson Steiner and the creativity of our employees," said Susan Meeske, MLH Foundation Chief Development Officer. "The Big Idea event is a wonderful opportunity to foster collaboration within our organization, and we are excited to see how these winning ideas will improve patient care and employee safety."
