The Peru Gazette

Award winner Amy Keith

PLATTSBURGH, NY (03/18/2024) – Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a scary time for patients, facing overwhelming emotions and the complexities of scheduling numerous appointments for treatment. Staff members at The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital’s (CVPH) FitzPatrick Cancer Center (FCC) say it’s that time when a calming voice can make a tremendous difference. And that’s why Amy Keith, an office coordinator at the FCC, has been honored as the hospital’s newest BEE Award recipient. Keith was presented the award during a surprise ceremony with her Cancer Center colleagues.

Keith is the third staff member to receive the BEE Award, which is short for Beyond Exceptional Everyday. It was established in 2023 at CVPH to recognize members of the hospital’s support staff who go above and beyond in their roles to help provide excellent patient care.

“She is always compassionate when talking with frightened patients or family members, and she treats each person as if it is her own family member,” writes Patti Johnson, RN in her nomination of Keith. Johnson is an oncology care coordinator at the FCC and works closely with Keith daily.

When patients first receive their cancer diagnosis, Johnson says they are understandably eager to figure out their next steps. Keith is vital to helping ensure those patients have the best possible chance to beat their disease by getting them scheduled as soon as possible while offering support and words of encouragement to each person she speaks with on the phone.

“Amidst the challenges of provider shortages and an overwhelming number of newly diagnosed patients, Amy works closely with navigation and the providers to get patients seen and started on treatment as soon as possible,” Johnson says. I am always amazed at how she can visualize all provider schedules and find a place for our patients. I couldn’t do my job without her!”

And Keith’s dedication extends to her team at the hospital. Charleen Tuthill, Director of Oncology Services at the Cancer Center, describes Keith as an example of CVPH’s culture at its best.

“Amy is the type of person who goes above and beyond at all times. She not only works hard in the Cancer Center, but will even take on other shifts in other departments when there are shortages of staffing. As an organization, we are very lucky to have people like Amy Keith,” Tuthill adds.

During the award presentation, Keith received a certificate commending her for her extraordinary work. Like all honorees, she also received a BEE Award pin, a beautiful and meaningful sculpture, and a basket filled with bee-themed gifts.

All CVPH employees who support patient care by working together with physicians and registered nurses to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of patients and their loved ones are eligible for the BEE Award. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and on the CVPH website. Support staff may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving employee each quarter.