Patty Ducharme went above and beyond with one of our patients. Patty frequently took care of this baby and got to know him and his family very well. She was always an advocate for him and what he needed. Patty was a key care taker for this little boy ever since she safely transported him to Dayton Children's.
She formed a professional relationship with the family and the child to make sure they received the best care possible. The parents were prepared that this little boy was not expected to survive past delivery. The family had some additional special needs that Patty worked to overcome, including coming in on her day off for very detailed discharge teaching. The family was very appreciative of her efforts and the baby was discharged.
The baby was readmitted twice to the NICU for seizures. On the last admission, after careful consideration the little boy was determined to be a DNR and he died within 12 hours, sooner than anyone anticipated.
Patty requested to be notified and offered to come in and be with the family in their time of need. She was called and came into the hospital that evening. She remained with the family to help calm them. During that time, the father had a seizure and Patty went to the ED with the father to be with him during this difficult time of need.
Patty displays true professionalism, compassionate care, advocacy, exemplary service, and ongoing commitment and dedication to Dayton Children's. She is a role model for others.