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For
the second year in a row, a Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial
Hospital Employee has been recognized as a “Healthcare
Hero” by the West Alabama Regional Hospital Council of
the Alabama Hospital Association. Tonnie Craig, an orderly
at BWWMH, was one of nine area hospital employees chosen
for the honor last week.
This
caps off a list of outstanding accomplishments for Craig
who rejoined the BWWMH hospital staff on January 26, 2009
and, by November of that year, was chosen Employee of the
month. He was recognized as the Employee of the Year in
December 2009, thus making him eligible for the statewide
honor.
The
son of a registered nurse, Craig developed a respect and
passion for the healthcare field at an early age. He
currently serves as an orderly at BWWMH and, prior to his
hospital employment, was a member of the armed forces
where he served two years as a medic.
“Tonnie
works well with his coworkers and makes sure all tasks are
completed and the patients are satisfied with their
care,” said Cathy Hughes, Division Director of Patient
Care Services. “He is a great employee! He goes out of
his way to do the little extra things for people.
“I
frequently hear him in the hallways as he is taking
patients to their rooms carrying on a conversation with
the patients and families. He makes them feel welcomed and
lets them know we will do anything we can to make their
stay here easier,” she added.
Hughes
said she felt he was chosen for the award because of his
caring attitude that “just comes natural to him,” she
said. “I am always getting positive feedback from
employees, patients, and family members. I have yet to
have a complaint on him- which says a great deal. I wish I
had a house full of Tonnies!!!
Other
coworkers tout that patients ask for him on a regular
basis, and due to his excellent reputation for customer
service, he has been given the task of mentoring new
orderlies. “Tonnie is very friendly and outgoing and
also has a lot of concern for his patients and other staff
members,” added CEO Mike Marshall. “We’re glad to
have him on the staff.”
Earlier
this month, Craig was recognized by Dr. Ronnie Chu as an
“Angel Among Us” at BWWMH, for which he received a
monetary reward from Dr. Chu.
The
public is invited to a reception honoring Craig on Friday,
December 17 from 2-3:30 p.m. in the hospital’s
classroom.
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