John Gleissner, the receiving specialist in the Materials Management Department, was named by Calvert Memorial Hospital as Employee of the Year for 2004. Gleissner, who joined CMH in 1999, is noted for his dependability and cooperative attitude.

“John is consistent, accurate, diligent and very fast,” said S. Mark English, director of materials management. “We purchase supplies and equipment for every department in the hospital. John typically handles 150 deliveries of critical items each day.”

Every quarter, four employees are nominated for outstanding performance. The other nominees were Sandra Bell, Bobbie Bridgett, Ramona Couteau, Mario Del Rosario, Kara Harrer, Maureen McCurry, Virginia Magruder, Tracy Morrill, Wendy Rezza, Diane White and Madeline Wilkerson.

From that group, the Employees of the Quarter are selected and the Employee of the Year is chosen. Also honored were Couteau, Wilkerson and Bridgett.

CMH Pharmacy Director Vince Jackson won the hospital’s Beacon Award, presented to the manager who exemplifies outstanding leadership skills. Jackson was recognized for promoting teamwork and improving patient safety.

“Vince is a hands-on leader,” said Susan Dohony, vice president for performance improvement. “He embraces change through process redesign and technology.” Jackson spearheaded the move to computerized systems that prevent medication errors.

Five other CMH managers were also nominated. They were Michele Bowen, director of laboratory services; Holly Dooley, director of the Family Birth Center; Kathy Marshall, director of nursing, Transitional Care Unit; Judith Sturgis, director of infection control and Bobbie Vess, director of radiology services.

The 30th Annual Employee Awards Ceremony celebrated many accomplishments in the past year. CMH employees were recognized for their years of service, for their attention to quality and for their commitment to improving service.

“Tonight, we honor and say ‘thank you’ to 202 employees and six retirees with over 125 years of combined service and many achievements,” said CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis.

“Beyond every hand reaching out to help a patient in time of need,” added Xinis, “are hundreds of others that have worked hard to ensure that support systems are available.”

Customer service awards were presented to the Twin Beaches Community Health Center and Medical-Surgical Level 2. Special honors went to departments or programs attaining 60 percent or better rating in overall quality. These included Cardiac Rehabilitation, Childbirth Education, Community Wellness, Cardiopulmonary Services, Diabetic Education, Family Birth Center, Housekeeping, Imaging Services, Outpatient Department, Rehabilitation Services, Sleep Lab/EEG, Social Work, Solomons Urgent Care Center, Surgical Services, Vascular Lab, WellScan, Woman’s Wellness and the Outpatient Laboratory.

The top Service Awards went to Cathy Cox, surgical services and Janet Gibson, radiology, for 30 years with CMH.

The top Attendance Award went to Doris Boldley for her “unbelievable” record for 18 years. Tony Gross was recognized for “exceptional” attendance for 10 years.

Retirees Doris Hance, 26 years, nursing; LoisGene Harris, 15 years, housekeeping; Carol Johnson, 28 years, laboratory; Rev. Jack McClendon, 10 years, pastoral care; Elaine Parker, 18 years, business office and Wendy Putman, 26 years, hospital information services; were honored for their years of service.