Good Samaritan – Robbie Baxter
Congratulations to Robbie Baxter on receiving the Good Samaritan Award! Robbie was nominated for his compassion and dedication to the community we serve, reminding us that every role, whether in direct patient care or behind the scenes, plays a vital part in ensuring our patients receive the support and dignity they deserve.
“Today, while rounding on 3D, a patient relayed that he needed weighted silverware due to hand tremors while eating, to help prevent him from spilling his food. I spoke with our Occupational Therapists, and we do not have those available at Med Center. Calls to medical supply companies in Bowling Green also resulted in no one carrying the products. I sent Robbie a text, asking if he had anything with a bit of weight that could be taped to a fork or spoon to make it heavier, and I told him we had a patient who needed weighted utensils. Within 30 minutes, I got a text saying “I’m building some if you would like to come look and see if it will work.” One of Robbie’s co-workers said his wife uses weighted utensils, so Robbie found a way to make them! He cut knives to sandwich the fork and spoon handles, adding extra weight (And secured them to the handles with nails?? You’ll have to ask him exactly how he did it). Then he used heat shrink tubing to cover the handles which provided an adequate grip, also making them easier to clean. When I went to maintenance, I got to witness part of this process and I was blown away by their kindness, creativity, and willingness to help someone they’d never meet. The patient was so appreciative and wanted to make sure we told them how thankful he was. Being able to eat your food without spilling it is an important part of maintaining independence and dignity. Robbie’s act of kindness and service to this gentleman was completely selfless, and not at all part of his job expectation. Robbie exemplifies Med Center Health’s mission, to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities they serve.” – Millie Caffey
