News

May 31, 2017

Norwood Firefighters Win Inaugural "EMS Stewards of the Community" Award

Pictured in photo from left to right: Norwood Fire Chief Anthony Greeley; Firefighter, Paramedic and Award Recipient, Michael Downing; Steward Health Care Chief of EMS Services, Dr. Mark Pearlmutter; Firefighter, Paramedic and Award Recipient, Josh Gunschel; Norwood Hospital EMS Medical Director, Dr. Michael Valkanas; Steward Health Care Director of EMS, Brenden Hayden.

May 24, 2017

NORWOOD FIREFIGHTERS WIN INAUGURAL
“EMS STEWARDS OF THE COMMUNITY” AWARD

Michael Downing and Joshua Gunschel, named two of Massachusetts’ exceptional EMS providers at Steward Health Care’s awards ceremony

NORWOOD, MA – In celebration of National Emergency Medical Service (EMS) week, Steward Health Care System hosted the inaugural “EMS Stewards of the Community” Award Ceremony on May 23 at The Tirrell Room in Quincy. Boston-based Steward, which operates ten hospitals across Massachusetts, recognized 14 EMS providers including Norwood Fire Department Paramedics Michael Downing of Hanover and Joshua Gunschel of Marion for going “above and beyond” in their interactions with patients at Norwood Hospital.

“EMS providers are unsung heroes on the front lines in the battle against illness and injury,” said Kim Bassett, Norwood Hospital President. “We are immensely proud to unveil the ‘EMS Stewards of the Community’ to honor their hard work and commitment to quality care.”

The “EMS Stewards of the Community” awards show appreciation for emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians, and paramedics who not only carry out the noble work of caring for others, but do so with a high degree of expertise, professionalism, and compassion. An internal committee of physicians and EMS Directors selected recipients from among providers in current practice in a Steward Hospital area.

Roseann Sdoia, injured during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, delivered the “Stewards of the Community” keynote address, telling her story of strength and perseverance. As Sdoia waited for a friend to finish the race, the second bomb went off right next to her; she ultimately lost her right leg due to injuries sustained on that horrific day.

“If it weren’t for first responders like those being honored tonight, I might not be standing with you here today,” said Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Roseann Sdoia. “It is human instinct to flee an emergency for safety and yet these courageous men and women willingly rush into dangerous situations every day – they are and forever will be my heroes.”

About Norwood Hospital
Norwood Hospital is a full-service, 215-bed community hospital for adults and children with a focus on delivering world-class health care along with the latest advances in technology and treatment options. Norwood Hospital is part of the Steward Health Care System LLC, who owns and operates 18 community hospitals across four states, serves over 800 communities, and has more than 23,000 employees. The Steward network includes several thousand physicians who care for approximately 2 million patients annually. Additional information is available at www.norwood-hospital.org.

About Steward Health Care
Steward Health Care is a fully integrated national health care services organization committed to providing the highest quality of care in the communities where our patients live. Steward owns and operates 18 community hospitals across four states, serves over 800 communities, and has more than 23,000 employees. The Steward network includes more than 25 urgent care centers, 42 preferred skilled nursing facilities, substantial behavioral health offerings, and more than 3,700 beds under management.

The innovative, community-based Steward Health Care Network includes more than 4,500 physicians who care for approximately 2 million patients annually. Steward Medical Group, the company’s employed physician group, provides more than 1 million patient encounters per year and manages Steward Home Care and Hospice with 300,000 and 35,000 patient encounters respectively. Steward’s unique health care service delivery model leverages technology and care coordination to keep patients healthier and in the community. Steward is recognized as one of the nation’s leading accountable care organizations. Steward hospitals have received the country’s top awards for quality and safety.

The Steward Hospital Group is comprised of: Sebastian River Medical Center (Sebastian, FL), Wuesthoff Medical Center (Melbourne, FL), Wuesthoff Medical Center (Rockledge, FL), Carney Hospital (Dorchester, MA), Good Samaritan Medical Center (Brockton, MA), Holy Family Hospital (Haverhill, MA and Methuen, MA), Morton Hospital (Taunton, MA), Nashoba Valley Medical Center (Ayer, MA), New England Sinai Hospital (Stoughton, MA), Norwood Hospital (Norwood, MA), Saint Anne’s Hospital (Fall River, MA), St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center (Brighton, MA), Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital (Warren, OH), Northside Medical Center (Youngstown, OH), Trumbull Memorial Hospital (Warren, OH), Easton Hospital (Easton, PA) and Sharon Regional Health System (Sharon, PA).

Additional information is available at www.steward.org.