Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1484642
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | NOVEMBER 21, 2022 25 HEALTHCARE HEROES AWARDS 2022 H ospital for Special Care's Neuro- muscular Clinical Trials team has dramatically expanded access to clinical trials to patients with ALS, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease — neuro- muscular diseases that can have a profound impact on mobility and other core functions including speech and respiration. What have been the team's significant contributions to the organization in the past year? We have been selected as the only HEALEY ALS Platform Clinical Trial Site in Connecticut and one of only three U.S. Food and Drug Admin- istration expanded access program sites for CNM-AU8 in the country. We provide extensive outreach and support to patients, help them navigate the complex eligibility criteria of clinical trials, and to understand the potential risks and benefits of participation. We have been highly effective advocates, securing resources to expand access to programs that make experimental drug regimens accessible to patients who do not meet eligibility criteria for the Healey trials but may experience improvements in quality and length of life. What are some major challenges the team had to overcome? We designed and implemented extensive safety protocols to allow immunocompro- mised patients to continue their clinical trials throughout the pandemic. Patients, particularly patients with ALS, simply cannot afford lost time when facing a terminal illness. Our efforts have enhanced and prolonged the lives of mothers and fathers, business and community leaders. Healthcare Heroes www.hfsc.org Expanding access to clinical trials for patients with neuromuscular diseases. Congratulations to our Neuromuscular Clinical Trials team! Neuromuscular Clinical Trials Team T he NICU team strives to provide excellent family-centered care to our most vulner- able and tiniest population. The nurses and doctors collaborate with families to help optimize the care provided to their newborns. What have been the team's significant contri- butions to the organization in the past year? Over the past year, our NICU team has helped many families overcome the challenges of having their newborns in the hospital. We have provided a supportive, nurturing environment during a pandemic where extended family has not been able to visit. We had one patient who was with us for more than 100 days. The little girl's name was Drue. Drue and her parents became more than just a patient and family to us throughout their stay. They allowed our nurses into their lives and trusted us with their little girl when they could not be bedside. We were able to not only provide optimal care to their daughter, but we were able to help plan a bedside wedding for her parents a few days prior to discharge to help give them the dream they had of going home as a family. What are some major challenges the team had to overcome? Our biggest challenge over the past year has been having to navigate visitation during the pandemic. We had to limit visitation to just two hand-holders. This forced us to become more creative in finding ways for loved ones and parents to see their baby when they could not be at the bedside, such as by using Facetime. What's the team's next major goal? Our goal is to continue to help families in our community and their newborns. We would love to be able to continue to grow so that we can keep as many newborns needing NICU care in the New London area as possible at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. Lawrence + Memorial Hospital Winner Category: Healthcare Staff DEPARTMENT: NICU • NURSE MANAGER: Kristen Fulton • DIRECTOR: Melissa Swan Hospital for Special Care Winner Category: Healthcare Staff DEPARTMENT: Neuromuscular Clinical Trials • TEAM LEADER: Honora Dalamagas, Research Manager