Trenna Larson of Fauquier Health receives ‘Virginians Speak Up for Safety’ award from Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association

Trenna Larson, Registered Nurse (RN), has been named a recipient of the “Virginians Speak Up for Safety” award presented by the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) to recognize hospital team members who successfully intervene in clinical situations to protect patients or staff members from potential harm.

Christine Hart Kress, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), with Fauquier Health commented, “Trenna Larson’s recognition by the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association for the fourth quarter Speak Up for Safety Award, really speaks volumes to the work that is being done here at the local level. For the last several years, Fauquier Health has focused heavily on patient safety and quality. Today, Trenna has set an unprecedented standard. We are proud of her dedication and commitment in serving our patients.”

Trenna Larson, RN, Fauquier Health Infusion Center Staff, stands outside the brand new Cancer Center with the Fauquier Health Management Team members and representatives from Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. Trenna was celebrated on February 9, 2021 after being presented with the ‘Virginians Speak Up for Safety’ Award from VHHA.

VHHA established the statewide “Speak Up” award in 2017 as a recognition program to acknowledge the efforts of individuals and teams within Virginia hospitals who speak up to prevent potential harm to patients or other staff members. Employees who feel empowered to speak up to colleagues and those in authority roles are supported in doing so by positive organizational safety culture. Cultivating that climate is a hallmark of highly reliable organizations which value employee feedback as a vital component of the journey to achieving zero harm.

When Trenna first discovered that she was nominated as the Speak Up for Safety Award winner, her initial reaction was that she was “just doing her job.” Sandy Shipe, Director of Nursing Operations, commented, “Trenna’s reaction alone says volumes to me about the culture that our Senior Management Team has entrenched in the entire workforce here.”

“Speak Up” awards are presented quarterly by the VHHA Center for Healthcare Excellence, whose focus is on working collaboratively with member hospitals and health systems to enhance health care quality, patient safety, and patient experience. Nominations are solicited from hospitals across Virginia and two award winners are selected each quarter. More than 250 nominations have been received since the program began. As circumstances permit, VHHA representatives travel to present awards to recipients in a small ceremony attended by hospital colleagues and administrators.

About Fauquier Health

Fauquier Health is a community health system dedicated to high-quality, patient-centered care in a unique environment that considers the multiple facets of healing and respects the individuality of each and every patient. Located at 500 Hospital Drive in Warrenton, Virginia, Fauquier Health serves the residents of Fauquier and several surrounding counties. It comprises: Fauquier Hospital, a fully-accredited, 97-bed hospital; Fauquier Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, a 113-bed long-term care and rehabilitation facility; the Villa at Suffield Meadows, an assisted living facility; the Wound Health Center and a medically supervised Wellness Center offering health and wellness programs.  Fauquier Health also operates nine physician’s offices, including primary care and specialties. More information on Fauquier Health is available online at FauquierHealth.org or by calling 540-316-5000.

About VHHA

The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association is an alliance of 110 hospitals and 26 health delivery systems that develops and advocates for sound health care policy in the Commonwealth. Its mission is to achieve excellence in both health care and health. Its vision is through the power of collaboration to be recognized as a driving force behind making Virginia the healthiest state in the nation. Connect with VHHA through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.