Michael Harrison, RN

I'd like to recognize Mike Harrison and his team for their quick thinking, teamwork, and commitment to patient safety. Thoracentesis procedures always carry some risk of pneumothorax, and our team takes many precautions to reduce that risk. We follow established protocols, perform follow-up imaging, and educate patients on symptoms they should report.

Even with these safeguards in place, Mike noticed that we were seeing more pneumothorax cases than expected. What stood out was that there wasn't an obvious explanation—it wasn't tied to a specific physician, patient type, or underlying condition. Instead of assuming it was just chance, Mike took a closer look. They worked through the possibilities and started narrowing down potential causes.

Their investigation led them to suspect the suction equipment being used during the procedure. Clinical Engineering was brought in to evaluate the equipment and confirmed there was an issue with the suction machine.

Once the problem was identified, Mike and his team quickly helped find a solution. Alternative supplies were obtained so procedures could continue safely while the equipment was repaired, preventing delays in patient care and reducing the risk of additional complications.

What makes this recognition so deserving is that this issue could have easily gone unnoticed for much longer. It took someone with Mike's attention to detail and commitment to patient safety to recognize that a pattern existed in the first place. Patient safety is always their top priority, and this situation is a great example of that in action.

Their willingness to ask questions, dig deeper, and take action likely prevented further patient harm and improved the safety of our process for everyone moving forward. I am grateful for their leadership, teamwork, and dedication to doing what's right for our patients every day.