For its pioneering efforts with ventilator-dependent patients, Douglas Gardens Hospice recently received the first place award for “Excellence in Program Innovation” from Florida Hospice Palliative Care (FHPC), the statewide hospice association.
The honor recognizes Douglas Gardens Hospices innovative care initiative that combines end-of-life care with appropriate medical services for patients who remain dependent on ventilators. FHPC also honored Douglas Gardens Hospices Regina Di Pietro, director of clinical operations, with a first place award in the Hospice Storybook competition for her first-person remembrance, “A Daughter Says Goodbye.” The Ventilator Program grew out of collaborative efforts between Douglas Gardens Hospice and the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital one of Floridas leading providers of long term care for medically-complex patients.