CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Parkridge Medical Center’s Director of Surgery, Connie Longley, was recognized at a special reception in Nashville as the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) Healthcare Hero for 2013. Connie, a 24-year veteran of Parkridge’s surgery department,was honored for her extraordinary service in providing care and arranging transport back to the United States for a co-worker’s daughter who had suffered a critical head injury in Mexico.
In September 2012, Parkridge Medical Center’s director of Day Surgery, Sande Shealy, received news that her daughter Haley, 24, had fallen and suffered a traumatic brain injury while vacationing in Cozumel, Mexico. Connie was with Sande when she received the news that her daughter was non-responsive at the Cozumel Medical Center. She stayed by Sande’s side, providing support as they attempted to locate resources and gain information about her daughter’s condition.
When it was determined that Sande did not have a passport that would allow her to travel to Mexico to be with her daughter, Connie immediately offered to fly there on her behalf. Less than 10 hours after receiving the initial news of the accident, and with very little sleep, Connie was on her way to Atlanta with Sande’s husband to catch a one-way flight to Cozumel.
Upon arriving in Mexico, Connie helped care for Haley at the hospital. She called the Shealy family regularly with updates, and gave emotional support and guidance as needed. A Life Flight to Chattanooga was set up for the next day, and Connie and Sande’s husband were both able to accompany Haley on the jet for the flight back to Tennessee. Today, Haley has completely recovered from her accident and is doing well.
“Connie’s actions were the most selfless that I have ever witnessed,” says Sande. “She went to my daughter’s side without hesitation or complaint. I am forever grateful to her for what she did for my family – she is truly a healthcare hero, and I am so glad that the Tennessee Hospital Association agrees.”
“Connie’s spirit of service and caring is a remarkable inspiration to others,” notes Darrell Moore, president and CEO of Parkridge Health System. “She exemplifies the values of a healthcare hero. It was an honor for us to nominate her for this special recognition, and we are very pleased that she was chosen for this THA Award of Excellence.”
This marks the second year in a row that a Parkridge Medical Center employee has received the THA Healthcare Hero award. For more information about Parkridge Medical Center or the Parkridge Health System, visit ParkridgeHealth.com.