Manager keeps things safe at Hinsdale Hospital

Adventist Hinsdale Hospital’s safety manager Kathy Tolomeo is congratulated by Adventist Hinsdale Hospital’s chief financial officer Rebecca Mathis.

Updated: September 10, 2012 6:07AM

HINSDALE — Hospital patients expect to be treated in a safe environment. It’s a responsibility Kathy Tolomeo doesn’t take lightly.

As Adventist Hinsdale Hospital’s safety manager, Tolomeo is responsible for a wide range of safety procedures.

“Safety is a hospital-wide responsibility,” Tolomeo said. “It is through constant education, communication and accountability that we as a hospital can continue to provide a safe environment for our patients, visitors, physicians and staff. It is my responsibility to help staff maintain that safe environment through ongoing inspections and education.”

While safety is an ongoing focus, Tolomeo is celebrating the success of the hospital’s recycling program. Every four years the hospital sets a recycling goal with the Illinois Environment Protection Agency. The 2012 goal was to recycle 30 percent of all hospital waste; Adventist Hinsdale Hospital is exceeding that goal with a rate of 35 percent.

“With so many hospital supplies being used every day, recycling is a must,” said Tolomeo. “Our team has done an excellent job encouraging others to recycle, finding new ways to recycle, and continually bettering the way we do things. This is truly a team effort and a choice that our organization made towards being a ‘green’ hospital.”

For her commitment to Adventist Midwest Health’s mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ, Tolomeo was one of five Adventist Midwest Health leaders to receive the organization’s pillar award at the quarterly leadership development institute in June.

Following her mother, Bernie Andersen, a nursing shift director at Hinsdale Hospital, Tolomeo shares a strong work ethic. She began working for the hospital in 2001. Over the years safety became her primary focus and eventually led to the hospital creating the safety officer position. Since taking that position in 2009, the Western Springs native has truly embraced the role.

She helped create a progressive safety program, focusing on issues from emergency preparedness to building code compliance. The program received high marks from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Tolomeo was also involved in the opening of the new patient pavilion in April. Her responsibilities involved multiple projects including: fire and life safety training, evacuation training, preliminary regulatory inspections prior to move in, move in day support team supervisor, and being a part of the post-move committee.

“Kathy continues to surpass expectations,” said Rebecca Mathis, vice president/chief financial officer. “This achievement comes as our hospital receives an ‘A’ safety grade from the Leapfrog Group. She is truly a shining star for our hospital and for our patients.”

Tolomeo lives in Downers Grove with her husband, Jeff, and three kids, Marisa, Jeffrey, and Hannah.

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