Northwoods Reporter

Tamarack Health Ashland Medical Center recently honored Registered Nurse Lilly Linehan with a DAISY Award, recognizing her for the care she provides. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s initiative to honor nurses for their compassionate service to patients and families. This program has been adopted by over 5,400 healthcare facilities in all 50 states and 35 other countries.

Lilly, who works in the Patient Care Unit at Ashland Medical Center, was nominated by a cancer patient. "Lilly is an exceptional nurse," said the nominator. "She is very professional and efficient. I noticed her teaching other staff members about what was happening so they understood what was going on."

The patient recounted how Lilly provided emotional support during a difficult time: "One night, Lilly stopped in my room to check on me. She could tell I was upset and sat down to talk. She held my hand, sometimes my foot, and listened to me." This interaction gave the patient hope and determination to fight cancer.

At the award ceremony on May 6, attended by Lilly's family and colleagues from Tamarack Health, Deb Yachinich, Patient Care Unit Manager, praised Lilly's contributions: “We really enjoy working with Lilly,” she said. “She’s always so personable and attentive with our patients.”

Ashland Medical Center presents two DAISY Awards twice a year. Nominations can be submitted through kiosks in the hospital or online. The next award presentation will occur in November 2025.