Hospital honors helpers
By Don McLoud
Published in News on April 23, 2004 2:07 PM
Volunteers contributed more than 33,000 hours of smiling, listening, comfort and cheer at Wayne Memorial Hospital last year.
Honored during a luncheon on Thursday at Goldsboro Country Club, the 220 volunteers were reminded of how valuable they are to patients and staff.
Saying it broke her heart to hear someone say they are "just a volunteer," Director of Volunteer Services Donna Archer told the audience members to remember how powerful they really are.
"You possess the power to hold someone facing tests or surgery, to escort a patient to the correct location when their nerves might leave them directionally challenged, to comfort patients and their families," she said.
Deborah Peedin was named Volunteer of the Year, for having given the most hours of service in an outstanding manner. She became a volunteer in Day Surgery in 1994 and, according to her nominator, is faithful and efficient.
"She quietly accomplished her assignments," said Ms. Archer, "donating not only a quantity of time but also quality time."
The Rosa Christian Koch Award, presented to a volunteer who exemplifies excellence, went to Alice Farmer, a volunteer in ICU and Admitting since 1995. Ms. Farmer has contributed more than 3,000 hours.
The Special Recognition Award, which is given to a new volunteer who makes an outstanding contribution of time and effort, went to Sheri Anderson, assigned to the nursery.
"She started in 2003 and within a few weeks, the department was already receiving compliments about her," Ms. Archer said.
Several were acknowledged for having worked more than 400 hours in a year. Chris Amon, Jill Booker, Marlene Colyer, Alice Farmer, Sharon Griffin, Deborah Peedin, Henry Smith, Flo Tanner, Susan Walker and Janie Woodard.
The volunteers also gave an award of their own, to the "most admired employee," which went to Lisa Fleming of the Admitting Department.
Guest speaker Carolyn Rose of Tarboro darted through the crowd, singing and sharing anecdotes. "You are all a mirror because you reflect the standards and the philosophy of Wayne Memorial Hospital," she said.