Esther Thomas receives the CMH DAISY Award

DAISY Awards
• 09 March 2026

Esther Thomas, RN, received the January 2026 CMH DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Thomas is a registered nurse in the Radiology Department at Citizens Memorial Hospital.

Thomas was nominated by a patient who praised her exceptional skill and compassionate care during a recent visit.

“Esther was exceptional today and made a stressful situation feel completely manageable,” the patient wrote in the nomination.” The patient shared feeling anxious about needing an IV for CT contrast and was relieved when Thomas explained she could access the patient’s port instead.

The nomination highlighted Thomas’ attentiveness and expertise.

“She immediately put me at ease,” the patient wrote, noting that Thomas remembered details from a prior visit and carefully assessed the port before placing the needle “with impressive accuracy.” When the port was accessed, the patient reported feeling no pain.

“What stood out most was the combination of skill and genuine compassion,” the patient continued. “Esther was kind, considerate and patient.” The patient added that after nearly a decade of medical procedures, it meant a great deal “to feel truly cared for and to have a difficult procedure done smoothly, successfully and without discomfort.”

About the DAISY Award

DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The DAISY Foundation established the award in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at 33 of an autoimmune disease. The international program recognizes nurses who provide extraordinary care.

CMH began its DAISY Awards program in January 2019. A nurse from CMH or Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation receives the award each month.

Submit a CMH DAISY Award nomination or learn more about the DAISY Award and the DAISY Foundation.