Thirty-five-year-old Gladys Liciaga, of Vineland, shares her wonderful weight loss surgery...
Read MoreMichael Shaw, of Pitman, has spent most of his life navigating the complexities of Type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed at just four years old, he has spent much of his life interacting with health care providers. Yet, at 47 he still often felt uncomfortable in medical settings.
"Like a lot of people, I’m not particularly at ease around medical professionals or hospitals. I was really nervous about my medical care," Michael shared.
In addition to his diabetes, Michael had struggled for decades with weight loss.
"I’ve been overweight for as long as I can remember,” he said.
Determined to improve his health and minimize complications related to his diabetes, Michael understood that losing weight was essential. In 2023, he decided to take greater control of his health, and knew that working with the right care team would be crucial to his success.
Michael said he is grateful that he found that team at Inspira Health. It included primary care physician Steven Meskin, M.D., bariatric surgeon Christopher Bashian, D.O., and one person that he singled out for special recognition - patient care technician Franziska “Franzi” Delaney.
After consulting with his endocrinologist, Michael's care team recommended a sleeve gastrectomy to help him lose weight and gain better control of his diabetes. This minimally invasive procedure restricts the amount of food a patient can consume by removing 75 to 85 percent of the stomach. The surgery was performed by Dr. Bashian in January 2024 at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill.
Despite his initial unease, Michael said the process of moving toward better health was made easier by his care team.
“The entire journey was fantastic,” Michael said. “I felt supported. I felt like I mattered. Everyone I interacted with - including the doctors, nurses, dietitians and support staff - was incredible. Ms. Franzi Delaney was truly special.”
Michael was so impressed by the care he received from Franzi in the hours after his bariatric surgery, that he nominated her for an Inspira Petal Award, which recognizes non-nurse members of the Inspira care team who provide exceptional patient experiences. Franzi was honored with a Petal Award in June, 2024.
In his nomination, Michael wrote: “It takes a special person to be able to successfully work in the field of patient services. Such an individual should have a combination of friendliness, professionalism, reliability, good humor, and an excellent bedside manner. They should be adept at understanding the patient, their needs and medical condition, and a thorough dedication to providing the best possible patient service. How fortunate for Inspira Mullica Hill that you have Franziska Delaney on your staff!”
Michael continued, “During my overnight stay at Mullica Hill, Ms. Delaney made it her mission to ensure that my experience was a positive one in every way. Whether during her regular rounds or when I needed to page my support team for one reason or another, she arrived quickly and with a pleasant, yet professional demeanor. She took an active interest in my recovery.”
Michael said that Franzi made what could have been an uncomfortable and difficult overnight stay “as pleasant as checking into any luxury hotel.”
Michael also praised Destiny Smith, R.N., who cared for him during his overnight stay at Mullica Hill.
“Nurse Smith was tremendous as well. I never felt like I was a burden, no matter how busy the night got for her. She told me, ‘The reason I am here is to help you through.’ And she did. By the time I went home the next morning, I felt ready!”
Since his surgery, Michael has lost about seventy pounds and is living a healthier lifestyle.
"My ultimate goal was to feel better. And I do," he said. "I am sleeping better, I have more energy, and I am exercising more than I have in thirty years. I never expected this to be an overnight fix, especially since controlling everything is more difficult with Type 1 [diabetes]. It took me a long time to get to the weight I was at, and it will take some time to lose. But long term I’m excited to see where I’m in a year and for the rest of my life.”
Summing up his experience with Inspira, Michael said, "I think that employees like Ms. Delaney are hard to come by and critical to keep. Individuals who possess an ability to deliver outstanding patient service with a positive attitude deserve the recognition and admiration of their employer and peers. I firmly believe that Franzi truly deserved recognition with a Petal Award, and I am so glad to hear that she won it!”
