Griffin Heatlh in Derby recognizes nursing support staff members

Griffin Hospital Mental Health Worker Leanne McKenna of Derby, at right, recently received the Heart of Caring Award from Vice President Patient Care Services Kelly Egan MSN, RN, FAB, at Griffin’s Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration./ Contributed photo

Griffin Hospital Patient Safety Monitor Tammy Lifrieri of Seymour, center, recently received the Heart of Caring Award from Vice President Patient Care Services Kelly Egan MSN, RN, FAB, left, and Clinical Manager Kristine Hall, MSN, RN, at Griffin’s Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration./ Contributed photo 

DERBY - Griffin Health recently hosted a Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including medical assistants, multi-skilled technicians, certified surgical technicians, mental health workers, blood collection specialists, patient safety monitors, continuous video monitors, unit clerks, greeters, coordinators and schedulers.

"You are often the first to respond when a patient calls, the first to notice when something doesn’t seem right, and the steady, reliable presence that keeps the unit running smoothly,” said Griffin Health Vice President Patient Care Services & CNO Kelly Egan MSN, RN, FAB, at the celebration. 

“You are the eyes, ears and hearts that never rest. You bring comfort and reassurance, not only through the tasks you perform, but through the way you perform them – with empathy, with grace and with genuine care.”

In addition to refreshments, gifts, and raffle prizes at the celebration, Griffin's Nursing Department named Mental Health Worker Leanne McKenna of Derby, as the 2025 Caregiver Excellence Award winner, and Patient Safety Monitor Tammy Lifrieri, of Seymour, as the 2025 Heart of Caring Award winner.

The Caregiver Excellence award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health employee whom others believe demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, the highest level of standards and excellent patient care, and consistently exhibits caring, commitment, and compassion towards patients and coworkers.

A three-year employee in Griffin inpatient psychiatric unit, McKenna was selected for the award for her leadership and outgoing personality, which includes organizing bocce games to help get patients mobile and improve their spirits.

“Leanne practices treating all patients with kindness, respect and empathy,” the nomination for McKenna stated. “She goes above and beyond to help maintain patients’ dignity – from washing their clothes to helping them shower. She is always there to help nurses and be a team player. She engages with patients and ensures they are safe and attended to.”

The Caring Heart Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health nursing support staff member whom others believe to be truly committed, compassionate, kind and exemplifies the Planetree person-centered care philosophy.

A 10-year Griffin employee who monitors fragile patients to quickly assist them, Lifrieri was selected for the award for being a role model of what it means to go above and beyond in being compassionate and kind, especially in helping to calm anxious patients.

“She is a primary preceptor for new hires because she is engaged and take the time to talk with everyone as she explains their role and answers any questions,” the nomination for Lifrieri states. “She comforts patients with hugs and by holding their hands, and always maintains a positive and pleasant attitude.”

This is a press release from Grffin Health.