Hamilton Health Care System recently presented awards for acts that exceeded performance expectations. Five associates received the Star Thrower Award, and one volunteer and four associates received the Heart of Hamilton Award. Hamilton is transitioning from the Star Thrower Award to the Heart of Hamilton Award.

Those receiving the Star Thrower Award were Ricky Harrison, Bradley Wellness Center facilities and operations manager; Tammy Wilson, Bradley Wellness Center desk services supervisor; Freda Hoffman, RN, Ambulatory Infusion Center (AIC) nurse; Cheryl Baird, RN, AIC nurse; and Danny Self, Maintenance lead carpenter.

The Star Thrower Award was a way to recognize associates who performed an act that went above and beyond his or her job function. As part of the criteria, recipients consistently demonstrated Hamilton’s values – professionalism, respect, integrity, diligence and excellence.

Heart of Hamilton Award recipients were Pauline Harrison, Gift Shop volunteer; April Foster, Hamilton Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) emergency medical technician; Brad Smith, Emergency Department tech; Lacey Griffin, HEMS billing specialist; and Cynthia Hidalgo, RN, Surgical Services nurse.

Similar to the Star Thrower, the Heart of Hamilton Award is provided as a way to recognize Hamilton associates or volunteers for actions that truly demonstrate the “Heart of Hamilton” (serving with compassion and demonstrating Hamilton’s values).

Hamilton associates and volunteers can be nominated for the Heart of Hamilton Award at hamiltonhealth.com/heartofhamilton or at one the recognition boxes located around the system.

The associates and volunteer received their respective awards for the following:

• Mr. Harrison and Wilson made arrangements and provided transportation for a Bradley Wellness Center member who needed to have a specialized surgery out of town.

• Hoffman and Baird worked unscheduled weekend hours so a patient could stay on schedule with necessary injections and keep on track for treatment.

• Self was in a patient’s room, fixing blinds so the patient could sleep. In talking with a nurse, he found out the patient was a Georgia Bulldogs fan. Self brought the patient a Bulldogs coffee cup, and later purchased a Bulldogs football and presented the football as “the HMC Game Ball of the Year.”

• Ms. Harrison took off her necklace and gave it to an out-of-town patient who had admired the necklace.

• Foster bought blankets and handed them out to homeless people who were transported through HEMS. She also drove to a known place where homeless people live and distributed blankets.

• Smith was helping to calm a patient and found out the patient was a big fan of Elvis Presley. Smith, who does Elvis Pressley impressions, sang “Amazing Grace” (requested by the patient) in his “Elvis” voice.

• Griffin witnessed a hit-and-run accident. After giving a report to the Georgia State Patrol, she noticed that the accident victim was very upset. She tried to comfort the person and then drove the victim home while Griffin’s husband followed in the victim’s car.

• Hidalgo took care of a patient who seemed to really appreciate her care. This patient even called in to talk with her after being discharged. The patient had mistakenly left a cane in the hospital. After her shift the next morning, Hidalgo took the cane to the patient’s house.

“Our associates and volunteers make a difference in the lives of patients, families and other associates and volunteers every day,” said Jason Hopkins, Human Resources director. “I’m honored to work with them.”