Beebe Foundation president honors mother through Women's Health Department

Few things are more precious than a new life being brought into this world. Every day, Beebe Healthcare welcomes Beebe Babies into our world in the Women’s Health Labor and Delivery Suite.

Since her arrival two years ago, Beebe Medical Foundation President and CEO Judy Aliquo has been impressed with the high quality care offered to the many families in the community. When given the opportunity during Holiday of Life, she did not hesitate to acknowledge the excellent care delivered to the more than 900 Beebe Babies born during 2014.

Hosted in December, Holiday of Life is a Luminaria and Tree Lighting Ceremony where donors contribute in honor or in memory of loved ones through giving gifts to support Beebe Babies. Aliquo was among nine other donors who contributed $1,000 each to purchase new rocking chairs or $2,000 for bassinettes for the Women’s Health Labor and Delivery Suite.

At the holiday time, Aliquo was honored to remember her mother and contribute to Beebe. She notes, “My mom was an incredible mom and grandmother. She loved rocking, holding and spoiling her grandbabies. Giving this gift warms my heart as the best Christmas gift I’ve ever given. I’m thrilled that new moms, dads, and grandparents will be using the rocker to cuddle their new precious gift.”

Aliquo says, “The foundation partnered with the Women’s Health Department to host Holiday of Life. Throughout the planning and the night of the event, I continued to be inspired by the leadership of Bridget Buckaloo and the Women’s Health Department team members who provide excellent and nurturing care to our new Beebe families.”

Buckaloo, executive director of Women’s Health Services, began her career as a labor and delivery nurse 28 years ago. In addition to her nursing career, Buckaloo served on many statewide committees and consortiums to ensure that the highest level of care is available to women and newborns in Delaware. After creating many successful programs and initiatives, Buckaloo returned to Beebe Healthcare as the executive director for Women’s Health Services.

Buckaloo was honored that Aliquo gave a gift to recognize her leadership and provide a beautiful rocking chair. Buckaloo always proudly talks about the excellent care delivered by the Women’s Health Labor and Delivery Staff. Buckaloo says, “I am so honored that Judy chose to honor my leadership of the Women’s Health Department. However, the team of nurses and doctors who bring Beebe Babies in to the world are the backbone of the excellent care patients receive.”

Buckaloo notes that a lot has evolved at Beebe Healthcare’s Women’s Labor and Delivery Suite. This past year, more than 900 Beebe Babies were born compared to 700 a decade ago. Beebe Healthcare became the first Baby-Friendly Hospital in Delaware in 2012, which is a proud distinction. Neonatal nurse practitioners are now on the floor around the clock to provide high level, quality care to all newborns. Buckaloo also notes that one thing has remained the same: quality care.

“While many individuals work together to help create a positive experience for our patients, the nursing staff consistently scores 95 percent or higher in our patient satisfaction surveys,” she said.

Aliquo says, “Celebrating the excellent care given to Beebe families by honoring my mother is a tremendous opportunity. I appreciated the effort of all those in the Women’s Health Department for their commitment to deliver quality care.”

Beebe Babies are encouraged to go to beebehce.org and register as a Beebe Baby in preparation for Beebe Healthcare’s 100th Anniversary throughout 2016. For more information on Celebrate Excellent Care, go to www.beebefoundation.org.