Plattsburgh, NY – When an older patient arrived at the Emergency Department with sudden confusion and altered mental status, the cause wasn't clear.

Tests ruled out stroke. Other evaluations failed to provide answers. For the care team at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, the situation had become a medical mystery.

Pharmacist Scott Charette kept looking for clues.

After speaking with the patient's family, Charette learned the patient had visited a local optometrist earlier that day. That detail led him to pick up the phone and contact the office directly. By talking with staff there, he discovered the patient had received eye drops used for dilation during an eye exam.

The information proved critical.

Charette recognized that, in some patients, the medication can trigger a condition that can cause symptoms including confusion and changes in mental status. The patient's presentation matched that diagnosis, and poison control agreed with the assessment.

Once the cause was identified, the patient received appropriate care, was admitted to the hospital and made a quick recovery.

For Ryan Mason, MD, an emergency physician working that day, the experience highlighted the value of having someone willing to look beyond the obvious.

"Scott made an amazing save for a patient," Dr. Mason says. "He is always an outstanding pharmacist and ED team member."

Dr. Mason says the actions reflect the kind of commitment Charette brings to patients every day.

"In this case, he went above and beyond to care for a patient," Mason added. "Thank you, Scott."

Colleagues describe Charette as a trusted member of the Emergency Department team whose clinical knowledge and attention to detail help patients receive safe, effective care. In this instance, those qualities helped solve a challenging case and gave a patient the opportunity to recover quickly.

That dedication is one reason Charette has been named the hospital's newest BEE Award honoree. He was presented with the honor during a surprise ceremony with his colleagues in the ED. During the award presentation, he received a certificate commending him for his extraordinary work. Charette, like all honorees, also received a BEE Award pin, a beautiful and meaningful sculpture and a basket filled with bee-themed gifts.

The BEE Award – which stands for Beyond Extraordinary Everyday – recognizes Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital employees in non-nursing roles who support patient care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, families and coworkers. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and on the UVM Health Network website. Support staff may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving employee each quarter.

University of Vermont Health – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
75 Beekman Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

### 

About Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital is a 300-bed level III trauma center trusted by 87,000 people across New York’s North Country. Our staff are committed to delivering care with skill, compassion and respect — supporting patients, families and the communities we call home. As part of a rural academic health system, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital combines high-quality, community-based care with medical innovation and research to bring advanced treatment as close to home as possible. Together, we’re addressing health care’s toughest challenges while working alongside partners and neighbors to improve access, affordability and outcomes for our region.

About University of Vermont Health Network

University of Vermont Health Network is a rural academic health system with more than 100 years of service to small towns and cities across Vermont and northern New York. We are deeply committed to reimagining rural health in ways that will benefit our communities for generations to come and keep exceptional care close to home. Our system includes an academic medical center, two community hospitals, three critical access hospitals, a children’s hospital, a cancer center, a multispecialty medical group, 154 outpatient sites and care beyond the hospital through home health, hospice care, four skilled nursing facilities and other support services. Our care is informed by an essential partnership with University of Vermont’s The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine and College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Together, as a health system serving a rural area, we are tackling health care’s biggest challenges — supporting the communities we serve and investing in our employees by addressing housing affordability, quality childcare and professional development needs. To learn more, visit us at www.uvmhealth.org.