 Skinner named CMH Employee of the Year
Nursing director receives “Beacon Award”
Bill Skinner, a financial counselor in the business office, was named by Calvert Memorial Hospital as Employee of the Year for 2005. Skinner, who joined CMH in 1986, is noted for his dependability and problem-solving skills.
“With Bill you get consistency,” said Franklin Smith, Jr., director of patient financial services. “Every day he shows up, gets his assignments and makes his goals. More importantly, he meets them.”
In addition to Skinner, the other CMH employees nominated for outstanding performance in 2005 were: Carolyn Cooksey, retail coordinator, dietary services; Susan Gemeny, OR supervisor; Linda Hood, education and training assistant; Mary Plater, central supply technician; Karen Seekford, RN, Level 2 and Kristine Trudeau, accountant.
 From that group, the Employees of the Quarter are selected and the Employee of the Year is chosen. Also honored were Cooksey, Hood and Seekford.
Anne Lockhart, director of the medical-surgical, telemetry and intensive care units, won the hospital’s Beacon Award, presented to the manager who exemplifies outstanding leadership skills. Lockhart, who joined CMH in 1988, was recognized for her organizational skills and strong dedication to staff development and patient care.
“Anne is my ‘go-to’ person,” said Bob McWhirt, vice president for nursing and patient care services. “She exemplifies nursing leadership. She is compassionate, motivated and focused. I rely on her judgment … especially in areas of clinical development.”
 Three other CMH managers were also nominated. They were Michele Bowen, director of laboratory services; Vince Jackson, director of pharmacy services and Kathy Moore, director of rehabilitation services.
The 31st Annual Employee Awards ceremony celebrated many accomplishments during the past year. CMH employees were recognized for their years of service, for their attention to quality and for their commitment to improving service.
“It is not bricks and mortar that makes our hospital what it is today,” said James Xinis, CMH President and CEO. “It is the hard work, dedication and service excellence of our employees. “
“You, the staff of CMH, are the heart of our rich history,” he said. “You’re responsible for carrying on the traditions this hospital was founded upon … you are the legacy of Calvert Memorial Hospital.”
In all, the program honored 205 employees who together contributed 1,209 years of service. Doug Azar, vice president for administration, presented the customer service awards.
“Excellent customer service is what separates CMH from other hospitals,” he said. “It is the human element that makes a health experience a positively memorable one.”
Azar went on to add, “We thank all of the CMH staff for having pride in the job that they do and in making sure that our customers feel this pride every day.”
Medical-Surgical Unit/Level 2 was honored as best inpatient department for the second consecutive year. Cardiopulmonary Services was recognized as best outpatient department and the Hall of Fame award went to the Twin Beaches Community Health Center. This distinction means the center achieved the highest rating for customer service three years in a row.
Special honors went to departments or programs attaining a 60 percent or better rating in overall quality. These included Cardiac Rehabilitation, Childbirth Education Program, Community Wellness, Diabetes Self-Management Program, Family Birth Center, Fitness Center, Healthy Alternatives, Housekeeping, Imaging Services, Infusion Therapy Center, Joint Replacement Program, Outpatient Department, Rehabilitation Services, Sleep Disorders Center, Social Work, Solomons Medical Center, Surgical Services, Vascular Lab and Woman’s Wellness.
The top Service Awards went to Mary White, housekeeping, for 35 years with CMH and Shirley Zehner, operating room, for 40 years of service. The top Attendance Award went to Tony Gross, production assistant, dietary services, for his “unbelievable” record for 18 years.
Retirees Janet Cord, nursing, 18 years; Charles Dowell, Jr., security, 15 years; Barbara Lojacono, radiology, 16 years; Jane Manning, nursing, 28 years and Yoshiko Wood, food service, 10 years; were honored for their years of service. |
