“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” Theodore Roosevelt

Never was the Ross Memorial Hospital’s vision statement more evident than at the Long Service-James Ross Awards Ceremony on November 21st, 2007.  130 employees were recognized for their dedication, commitment, and outstanding initiative. They are “Exceptional People committed to providing Exceptional Care” and they set a positive example to all staff, every day. 

104 employees are celebrating milestone anniversaries at the Ross this year, and 5 employees have reached 35 years of service. “These days, so much attention is given to new technology, recruiting new staff and physicians, and testing new initiatives. As much emphasis should be placed on experience, dedication and expertise,” Brian Payne, President and CEO of Ross Memorial Hospital said. “On behalf of the Ross Memorial Hospital family, I want to thank you for your loyalty and your years of service to the community.”   

John Fox, Chair of the RMH Board of Governors, offered his congratulations on behalf of the Board. “There’s a reason people come to the Ross, and stay here. Our community offers the best of all worlds: a small town atmosphere in the middle of cottage country, and a state-of-the-art hospital with an impressive list of programs and services that reflect a much larger facility. And our employees are second to none. Whether you’ve been here for 5-years or 35-years, your service to the community is truly exceptional. Your outstanding effort is apparent to everyone who comes through the door.”

Following the Long Service Awards, the James Ross Awards of Excellence were presented to six individuals and one team. The James Ross Award winners are nominated by their peers for showing initiative above and beyond the call of duty. The 2007 recipients are:  Joan Sugden (RN/RPN), Loreen Harris (Paramedical), Dave Lindsay (Support Services), Bart Whitney (Administrative), Dr. Sheila-Mae Young (Physician) and Pat Angiers (Auxiliary). The Auxiliary category is new this year. The Celebrating Successes Committee, which coordinates the James Ross Awards, initiated the new award to recognize that the hospital’s volunteers are an integral part of the Ross team.

The 2007 James Ross Team Award was presented to the 20 members of the Pharmacy Department. Over the past year, the Pharmacy Department has initiated several projects that have improved the efficiency of information-gathering and drug- tracking, despite an ongoing pharmacist shortage. At the end of October, the department completed a year long initiative to upgrade its computer information system to an integrated program that will further improve the tracking of drug orders at the hospital.  

Leo Boyle, the Vice President of Finance, presented the James Ross Awards. “This year, 27 nominations were sent to the Celebrating Successes Committee. That alone says a lot about the quality of the staff we have at the Ross.”