UM Health-Sparrow Ionia honors team members with BEE award 

IONIA, MI – University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Ionia recently honored a team member and the highly skilled food and nutrition services team with BEE Awards for their dedication to patients and team members.

Information Technology Desktop Support Specialist Steve Leasher received the BEE Award for his willingness to problem solve when issues or concerns arise. Nominated by a fellow team member, the nomination stated, “His knowledge and ability to troubleshoot is always reassuring to know that level of support is available.” Leasher has worked for UM Health-Sparrow since 2012.

“Steve is an invaluable member of our team,” said Daniel Nelson, UM Health regional manager, technical experience and services. “His thoughtful and thorough approach to IT desktop support, combined with his fun, engaged and curious nature, has made him a go-to resource for our users, who often request him by name. Steve truly embodies the spirit of excellence recognized by the BEE Award.”

Nominated by fellow team members, the UM Health-Sparrow Ionia food and nutrition services team members received a BEE Team Award, the first BEE Team Award at UM Health-Sparrow Ionia. The nomination stated that the team works tirelessly to provide meals to patients with a smile on their face.

“The food and nutrition services team is dedicated to upholding standards and providing the best possible care for our patients,” said Chad Larner, manager of ancillary services at UM Health-Sparrow Ionia. “They routinely provide nutritious options for our inpatients, while addressing each patient’s unique diet and dietary needs. When special requests are made, they often come up with creative solutions. They are vital to ensuring our patients receive quality care.”

The BEE Award recognizes excellence among the clinical support team members who work alongside nursing teams to deliver quality, compassionate care. BEE is an acronym for Be Exceptional Every day. Acknowledging the strength behind teamwork, the BEE Award is often given in conjunction with the DAISY Award to symbolize the relationship between nursing and clinical support team members - the same way bees and flowers depend on one another.

For more information or to nominate a clinical support team member, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org/BEE.