Hospital for Special Care Recognizes Exceptional Nurse with The DAISY Award®
Dottie Leighton, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC.
NEW BRITAIN, CT, January 13, 2025 – Hospital for Special Care (HFSC) is proud to announce Dottie Leighton, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC as the recipient of the DAISY Award®, a national recognition program that honors the exceptional care and compassion of nurses. The DAISY Award® highlights nurses who go above and beyond, as nominated by patients, families, and colleagues.
Dottie has been a dedicated member of the HFSC team for the past 15 years. She was nominated for her commitment to patient care and her ability to make a lasting impact on those she serves. “Anyone who has had the privilege of working alongside or even just being in the presence of Dottie, knows how incredible she is,” her nominator said. Her ability to remain calm and provide compassionate support during difficult times has made her a valued asset to both patients and staff.
Her “no questions asked” approach and willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure patients receive the care they need has been particularly impactful during challenging moments. Patients consistently praise Dottie’s calming and caring presence, with many eagerly anticipating their next visit —an uncommon feeling when adjusting to new providers.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, HFSC is thrilled to present Dottie with this well-deserved award. “In a time of darkness, she has been a shining light for all,” said a fellow team member. “Thank you, Dottie, for all you do!”
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, CEO, and co-founder of the DAISY Foundation said, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced firsthand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet, these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Hospital for Special Care are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
For a complete listing of healthcare organizations currently running the program, please go to http://DAISYfoundation.org.
In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in thousands of healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition programs for nurses wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve, and throughout their careers- from nursing student through lifetime achievement, and through several lines of research grant and evidence-based practice projects funding. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.
About Hospital for Special Care
Hospital for Special Care (HFSC) is the fourth largest, free-standing long-term acute care hospital in the U.S. and one of only two in the nation serving adults and children. HFSC is recognized for advanced care and rehabilitation in pulmonary care, acquired brain injury, medically-complex pediatrics, neuromuscular disorders including ALS research, spinal cord injury, comprehensive heart failure and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
Located in New Britain and Hartford, CT, HFSC operates inpatient and outpatient facilities serving Southern New England and the Tri-State area on a not-for-profit basis. For the latest news and information, please visit www.hfsc.org, and follow us on Facebook @HospitalforSpecialCare and Twitter @HospSpecialCare.