The Center for Health Design is all about change – changing the way healthcare facilities are designed, built, and operated so they are safer and less stressful for both patients and staff. By encouraging others to incorporate an evidence-based design process into their building projects and along the way, question the status quo, transformation is indeed happening. We recognize individuals and organizations who embody our ideals and are helping to change how healthcare facilities are designed and built – this is the purpose of our annual Changemaker Award.
In the spring, we solicit and accept nominations for the award, and the final decision is made by CHD's Board of Directors. Congratulations to Cheryl Herbert as the recipient of our 2010 Changemaker Award.
Cheryl began her healthcare career as a nurse at St. Ann’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She then moved into nursing management and rose through the ranks to hold top positions at MedCenter Hospital and Marion General Hospital in Marion, Ohio; and Morrow County Hospital in Mt. Gilead, Ohio.
The multi-million dollar construction projects Cheryl oversaw at Marion General and Morrow County hospitals prepared her well for her next role – to oversee the development of OhioHealth’s new hospital in Dublin.
Dublin opened in 2008 and is one of the first hospitals in the country to truly be built using an evidence-based design process. It was Cheryl’s vision; her tenacity; her willingness to “push the envelope” that made this special project happen.
At one point, she instructed her team to “run until apprehended.” And they did. Since Dublin opened, Cheryl has been selfless in her willingness to share the successes she has achieved with Dublin and the value of using an evidence-based design process. She conducts tours, speaks at conferences, and makes herself available to others seeking knowledge and information.
Those who have worked with Cheryl find it remarkable that she is able to combine gracefully so many things: openness and the ability to listen with decisiveness; willingness to embrace new ideas with patience and a long term view; interest in the newest technology and in the basics of care culture; even confidence mixed with shyness. Do you know many careful, evidence-based nurses who ride motorcycles?
Cheryl, personally, is like Dublin as a hospital: while each aspect is impressive, the whole system is truly world-class. She has truly made a difference in our industry, and clearly is not done.