KAYSVILLE—For more than a year healthcare workers have been on the frontlines battling COVID and helping others while risking their own lives. Last week, the Davis Chamber of Commerce Women in Business honored six exceptional women as healthcare heroes.

“I’ve watched as healthcare professionals have given 110 percent every day in caring for others while doing it with a smile and such grace,” said Judy Williamson, Administrator, Intermountain Layton Hospital. “Last March when things shut down we thought it would be a sprint. Surely this will pass quickly.”

Communication was coming fast and furious, she said. “We were trying to figure out how to clean the rooms and keep staff safe, when to restrict visitors and much, much more. Toilet paper and wipes were gone. We were consistently working on how to stretch supplies.”

 Williamson said they were vigorously putting plans in place waiting for patients to come in. “We shuffled resources to prepare for the impending wave. Some nurses were put in quarantine or left the profession for good.”

As summer approached they thought perhaps the sprint had slowed, she said. “But when numbers started to surge again we began to question why we were still running the race and how brutal the race had become.”

As the vaccine rolled out, Williamson said joy returned to the halls of the hospital. “We pressed forward in the race and felt a sense of renewal as we carried on. It’s not over. We still have miles to go but we can’t do it unless we work together. Thank you to all the healthcare givers.”

 Lakeview Chief Nursing Officer Marilyn Mariani selected House Supervisor Rhiannon Blackburn as their hero. “She provides the care we’d want to receive,” said Mariani. “She was in her last trimester of pregnancy and came in extra shifts. She was the glue for the unit, taking on the hardest patients when others couldn’t.”

 Dr. Steven Meek with Tanner Clinic honored Kathy Bennett, Clinical Services Director. “COVID changed the world for all of us,” he said. “It brought out the best and the worst in people. These people have dedicated their entire lives with a mission to help patients. I was touched by the sacrifice we saw. Kathy Bennett has been giving her whole life.”

Nurse Manager, Medical/Surgical/ICU Tawnya Willie was selected as Intermountain Layton Hospital’s hero. “Last year Tawnya stepped in and cared for the patients’ well-being,” said Nurse Administrator Tiffany Bears. “Even as she was experiencing burnout she took care of her coworkers when they suffered burnout. She truly is an example.”

Michael Jensen, CEO of Davis Hospital and Medical Center honored Patrice Weaver, Infection Control Manager. “In March 2020 when we set up an 

 incident command Patrice was there,” he said. “Without her skill and wisdom I’m not sure we could have responded so quickly. She is vital to the well-being of our patients.”

Diane Hill, Manager of House Supervisors and Throughput and Floatpool was selected by Ogden Regional Hospital. “Diane’s love of people led her to nursing,” said Tracy Bertagnole, COO. “She was the first to jump in when the COVID surge happened. She’d finish a 12 hour shift and volunteer for several more hours. She was always willing to help.”

TJay Frasier, Director of Operations for Ogden Clinic introduced their hero, Lisa Stephens, PA-C. “She advocates for communities that are in dire need of healthcare,” he said. “She is always willing to help. Her patients all feel like they are her best friend.”

 The virtual event took the place of the Chamber’s annual Athena award luncheon for 2021.