Pratley receives Rising Tide Award for patient safety
ORONO — Northern Light CA Dean and Mayo Hospitals are pleased to announce that Christina “Kirsty” Pratley, director of infection prevention, was recently presented with the Maine Patient Safety Academy’s 2024 Rising Tide Award at the Academy’s annual conference held at the University of Maine.
According to the Academy, Pratley was selected for the peer-nominated award for demonstrating outstanding achievement and commitment to best practices in patient safety and advancing patient safety through her leadership, dedication, and innovation.
RISING TIDE AWARD — Judy Tupper, DHEd, MCHES, CPPS, director, Population Health, Catherine Cutler Institute, University of Southern Maine presents the Maine Patient Safety Academy’s Rising Tide Award to Christina “Kirsty” Pratley, director of infection prevention at Northern Light CA Dean and Mayo Hospitals.
“The Maine Patient Safety Academy recognizes that individuals act in both small and large ways to advance patient safety in Maine communities. In Kirsty, the nominators describe a healthcare professional, a role model for others, who brings a tenacious spirit to each day no matter the difficulties and challenges faced yesterday, today, or ahead tomorrow,” says Judy Tupper, DHEd, MCHES, CPPS, director, Population Health, Catherine Cutler Institute, University of Southern Maine.
Pratley’s nominators highlighted her work to build a culture of patient safety by educating and engaging clinical and support staff and encouraging employees to speak up and ask questions. Pratley is known for her approachable manner and for being available to help with any safety question, at any CA Dean or Mayo Hospital location.
Marie Vienneau, FACHE, president, CA Dean and Mayo Hospitals, praises Pratley for being passionate about patient safety and dedicated to sharing her extensive knowledge for the benefit of patients and staff.
“When I think of Kirsty, the word “collaborative” comes to mind. She works with staff in clinical departments, environmental services, and facilities to increase awareness and facilitate discussion. During the pandemic she provided steady leadership to guide our response, which included coordinating our screening and vaccination efforts. Kirsty encouraged staff to connect with her day or night to ensure the safest possible care, traveled to multiple sites to help with infection prevention concerns, and even served as a resource for the community,” says Vienneau.
Pratley has worked at Mayo Hospital for more than 23 years and has improved patient safety as an infection preventionist for 19 years.