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In This Issue:
Bringing Out the BEST at BWH
While preparing for the 2001 Boston Marathon, Aswita Tan (pictured), project analyst for the Office for Women, Family and Community Programs, had health and fitness at the forefront of her mind. She was training daily and paying special attention to her caloric intake and nutritional balance to ensure she was in top shape. By keeping a health-conscious frame of mind, Tan was not only focused on her individual well-being — she had a much greater vision for the well-being of the entire BWH community.
“At the Boston Marathon Expo, I learned about a company that offered a natural alternative to vending machine food. This seemed like such a terrific idea for the hospital — a place where our clinicians are constantly reinforcing the message of nutrition and good health,” said Tan.
The timing was just right for Tan’s creative idea. As she was discussing her idea of improving the quality of food in BWH’s vending machines, the Brigham Employee Suggestion Program (B.E.S.T.) was launched. Through the B.E.S.T. program, Tan was provided with a vehicle to present her idea before a review team. After formally reviewing her suggestion, the B.E.S.T. team found Tan’s idea in line with BWH’s mission to promote good health. She was awarded $150 for submitting an adopted suggestion to the program.
Tan is very excited about the adoption and implementation of her suggestion. For Tan, the reward comes not only from knowing her voice has been heard, but also knowing that soon she and her co-workers will find healthy foods in hospital vending machines. “It is so important to set a positive, healthy example for our patients,” she said. “By including healthy alternatives such as low-sugar, whole-grain bars, fat-free cookies and organic and natural chips, we are making people more aware of their nutritional options and providing an avenue for individuals to make healthy choices when it comes to snacking.”
“We are so happy Aswita has taken the time to contribute her idea to help bring out the best at BWH,” said Ishara Smith, coordinator of the B.E.S.T. program. “Her motivation to positively impact BWH is a call to all employees to become engaged in the process of building a better BWH. Everyone is encouraged to follow in Aswita’s footsteps and submit their ideas to the B.E.S.T. program,” said Smith.
To receive a copy of the suggestion application form, contact Smith at ext. 2-6602 or via email at (BEST@partners.org).