Respiratory Therapy’s Darla Stell receives FACES Foundation’s annual PHIL Award

Darla Stell, a respiratory therapist and member of the Pulmonary Function Lab team who has worked at ChristianaCare for over 26 years, was recognized with the 2019 PHIL Award for excellence in respiratory therapy.

PHIL stands for Pulmonary Health and Illness of the Lungs. Led by The FACES Foundation, PHIL is the only nationally recognized hospital-based appreciation program dedicated to honoring outstanding respiratory therapists, as nominated by patients, their families and caregivers. It is given in more than 60 hospitals in 18 states.

“Each year we select an outstanding respiratory therapist from those who are acknowledged by patients or family members for amazing care,” said John S. Emberger, BS, RRT-AACS, FAARC, CPHQ, director of Respiratory Care.

“A letter from a patient who was here for pulmonary function testing described Darla’s compassion as immeasurable,” Emberger said. “She anticipated the patient’s needs and was truly serving with excellence and love.”

More than 150 respiratory therapists are integral members of care teams in all inpatient areas at ChristianaCare, including the intensive care units and Emergency Department, in outpatient settings including Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the Pulmonary Function Lab. The American Association for Respiratory Care recognized ChristianaCare’s team with the 2019-20 Apex Award in the Acute Care Hospital category.