Over the course of her 23 years as a registered nurse, Diane Cremonini said she has seen nursing change.

“Everything is automated and computer oriented now,” she said. “I enjoy the interaction between doctor and patient and learning new things.”

Though she retired 12 years ago, Cremonini continues to volunteer at Tobey Hospital as a patient care representative. But because of an increasingly technological world, Creomini sees less and less interaction between patients and caregivers. She believes it is important to pay attention to the patient, rather than just what the computer says.

“I enjoy the interaction with patients and to make sure they are as comfortable as possible,” Cremonini said, “I like to see their progress and to answer whatever questions they have.”

Patients who come to Tobey often marvel at Cremonini’s sense of empathy and the constant smile on her face, her boss Bernadine Sacchetti said. As volunteer who makes sure every patient concern is addressed, Cremonini makes it a point to always walk in any patient’s shoes.

“She is a constant light for patients and she makes sure the patient knows that they are important and cared about,” said Sacchetti, Manager of Volunteer Services for Southcoast Healthcare. “She is exceptional at her job and loves what she does.”

Cremonini also makes cough pillows for patients post-surgery. These pillows are meant to be gripped and held to the patients’ surgery incisions, in order to prevent the coughing from splitting stitches. The pillows are also a source of comfort for many patients. Back in her days a registered nurse, hospitals would only use rolled up draw sheets for patients to grip while they coughed.

“I thought making cough pillows would make everything better,” Cremonini said. ”I make them to help the patients feel more comfortable.”

She makes the cough pillows are made every other week, and she noted that many patients tell her they like the soft, comforting feeling of flannel against their skin. Cremonini said none of these pillows would be possible without the generous donation of materials from others.

Cremonini's care and attentiveness have not gone unnoticed. When her name was called at Southcoast Heath’s Volunteers of the Year Recognition Luncheon at White’s of Westport, Cremonini felt very humbled to be recognized so highly by her peers.

“I’m very honored and it was really unexpected,” Cremonini said. “There are other volunteers who do more.”