The Hartford Business Journal announced its 2020 Healthcare Heroes Awards that identifies outstanding leaders in the healthcare industry who are the epitome of a “hero.”
Congratulations to UConn Health’s honorees Dr. David Banach, hospital epidemiologist in the physician category, and Nancy Dupont, nursing director of epidemiology in the health care staff category.
“Congratulations and gratitude are deserving of all our exceptional employees and teams who have risen to the challenges we have faced this year,” says Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, CEO of UConn Health and EVP of Health Affairs. “We are proud that Dr. Banach and Nancy stood out and have been honored as 2020 Healthcare Heroes.”
Dr. David Banach has been at the forefront of UConn Health’s COVID-19 preparation and response efforts, both in the trenches with our frontline providers caring for patients and with the CEO and senior administration advising and developing policies that keep our employees, learners, and patients safe.
Dr. Banach has guided the hospital’s leadership through the pandemic and still sees patients regularly in clinic on top of a multitude of media and panel requests to share his expertise. He is willing to answer questions anyone may have at any time making himself always available to provide is knowledge
“As a result of his deep knowledge and ability to effectively communicate complex matters in a manner that is clear and accessible to all, Dr. Banach’s outstanding work has kept UConn Health and our community safe,” says Agwonobi.
Nancy Dupont, MPH, BSN, R.N., has always been a leader in biological illness preparedness and continues to be a dedicated leader in the field of Epidemiology. Nancy led the effort on educating staff related to PPE to include proper donning and doffing, mask reprocessing, facility and equipment cleaning along with the development of workflows for the nursing and ancillary departments related to the biocontainment areas embedded in the hospital. Nancy was also instrumental in the consultation regarding engineering controls: HEPA filters, negative pressure, Plexiglas installation, and waiting room workflows.
Nancy also consulted in outpatient areas for interventions, requirements, and implementation of processes to ensure adequate social distancing inpatient and outpatient, with attention to the separation of staff along with traffic flows for patient admissions, transfers, and discharges. She worked on an enhanced, detailed workflow within our Maternal-Fetal Unit to ensure the safety of all Moms and babies; even when patients were arriving from high-risk states, she worked effectively to keep all safe.
“As a passionate infectious control champion, Nancy’s hard work and dedication kept us all healthy and safe,” says Agwunobi.
“David and Nancy, I am so proud to have you on the UConn Health team,” states Agwunobi. “We would not have made it through last year without people like you.”
The Hartford Business Journal will present this year’s honorees during a virtual awards ceremony that will premiere on Wednesday, December 2nd at 2:00 pm. Those that would like to attend the virtual event can register for free at the Hartford Business Journal.
Visit HartfordBusiness.com to read more about the Healthcare Heroes Awards.
