Tiara McCoy sensed something was wrong with a patient — and did something about it.
MACON, Ga. — A Macon nurse is being recognized for helping save a woman who was being kidnapped and trafficked, according to a press release from Piedmont Healthcare.
Piedmont Macon Medical Center nurse Tiara McCoy won this year’s Piedmont Healthcare President Award, which is the highest honor Piedmont gives out and comes with a $5,000 prize to the winner.
“We have so many selfless employees who show tremendous regard for others, whether they are in a patient setting or not,” Piedmont President and CEO Kevin Brown said. “We work hard to create a patient-centered culture at Piedmont, and Tiara and Emilee stand out as shining examples, as do so many others.”
McCoy was honored for her work with patients, specifically one interaction in which she helped rescue a patient who was being kidnapped and trafficked, according to the press release.
The press release says McCoy sensed something was wrong with a patient, and privately took them to a room where the patient revealed physical and sexual abuse.
McCoy allowed the patient to use her personal cell phone to contact her family and immediately notified her manager, the hospital said.
The patient was removed from the situation and returned to her family.
“Due to McCoy’s vigilance, courage, and swift action, an investigation was launched discreetly without alerting the suspected abuser,” the release said. “… By creating a safe space and connecting the patient to help, McCoy served as a pivotal steppingstone that allowed the patient to reclaim her life and return home.”
At a ceremony to celebrate the President’s Award winners, Brown read a letter commending McCoy signed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.
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