SSMH staff members recognized

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

— Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital recognized three of its staff members during the annual Employee Holiday Lunch on Dec. 16.

The 2009 SSMH Employee of the Year honors went to Wanda Post, housekeeper for the environmental services department. Post received a plaque by Materials Management Director Scott Harris and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Clement.

“Nothing but positive things are said about her work; she always puts our customers first,” Harris said. “Wanda’s attitude and willingness to go above and beyond is apparent in her every day work habits from the work that she does to assure our patient rooms are clean to assisting our clinical staff by helping our patients recover. Many years ago I had the privilege of directly supervising Wanda, andI can tell you that she is just as much a treasure today as she was then. I am honored to present the SSMH Employee of the Year award to Wanda Post.”

The 2009 Clinical Manager of the Year award was given to Danette Cripps, director of surgical services. Cripps is responsible for all clinical activities in surgery, post-operative care, central sterile, GI lab and ambulatory surgery.

SSMH Chief Nursing Officer Cindy Kugel said, “Our organization is making plans to grow our surgical services. Danette has accepted the challenge and has been a key leader in our efforts to expand. She has an excellent rapport with surgeons and the support of her clinical team.”

In addition to the Clinical Manager of the Year award, Cripps also received the 2009 Patient Choice Award at SSMH in May 2009. She is very active in a puppet ministrythrough her church and Cripps’ group has performed in several states.

Winner of the 2009 Non-Clinical Manager of the Year was Patient Financial Services Director Cathy Woodruff. SSMH CEO Kevin Clement presented the award to Woodruff.

Jim Little, chief financial officer at SSMH, said, Woodruff's management during the transition helped her achieve this honor. “Through the transition, she and her staff did any outstanding job. Cathy’s leadership style has served as an example and inspiration to all managers.”

SSMH Chief Quality Officer Karen Lee described Woodruff as a “problem-solver, a team player and a part of the solution.”

“She is cool, calm and collected - a role model on the professional and personal level,” a direct report on Woodruff stated. “She is what I want to be when I grow up.”

Community, Pages 3 on 01/06/2010