IHI and DAISY Foundation honor UC Davis nurses for commitment to patient care

NICU nurse Christa Bedford-Mu and nurse educator Michelle Linenberger both received awards

(SACRAMENTO)

UC Davis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) clinical nurse specialist Christa Bedford-Mu is the individual award recipient at this year’s 2021 DAISY Awards for Extraordinary Nurses in Patient Safety, presented in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). She is being honored for her clinical improvement achievements and unwavering commitment to supporting and educating the families of infant patients.

Christa Bedford-Mu was awarded the DAISY/IHI Patient Safety Award.
Christa Bedford-Mu was awarded the DAISY/IHI Patient Safety Award.

A trained wound treatment associate, Bedford-Mu has collaborated with several surgical units across UC Davis Medical Center to spread standardized approaches to multiple types of complex wounds and skin integrity issues. Her work, including implementation of a neonatal checklist, has contributed to significant reductions in post-operative complications, faster healing, and decreased risk of infection, which have led to reductions in lengths of stay and use of health care services. In addition, she has supported patient families with important post-discharge resources and the launch of a telehealth project to improve the NICU-to-home transition.

“Christa’s incredible dedication has helped infants and their families receive top-notch, innovative care and experience better outcomes,” said Toby Marsh, chief patient care services officer at UC Davis Medical Center. “Her consistent collaboration has ensured the highest quality, evidence-based care is implemented not only within UC Davis Medical Center, but across UC Davis Health and other community hospitals.”


Michelle Linenberger received an Honorable Mention from the DAISY Foundation and IHI.

Children’s Hospital nurse educator Michelle Linenberger also received an Honorable Mention from The DAISY Foundation and IHI. Linenberger received this special recognition for her commitment to a relationship-based culture, serving as an advocate for peer support, and her contributions to exceptional patient care in underserved communities.

“I am so incredibly honored to celebrate Christa and Michelle. They show patients compassion and extraordinary love, and through their efforts, they make the world a better place,” Marsh said.

Bedford-Mu and Linenberger will receive their awards at the IHI Patient Safety Congress 2021, which brings together people who are passionate about ensuring safe, equitable care for all. The virtual event will take place May 11-13.