News

Beebe Medical Center Honors Employee with "You Make a Difference" Award

08/13/09

Beebe Medical Center has honored Wilhelmina Dowdell, a Supervisor in Environmental Services, with the You Make a Difference Award for August.

Beebe team members cited Ms. Dowdell's practice of going above and beyond to keep her department running smoothly, all the while having a positive and caring attitude. She recently took charge of the department when her supervisor was away on a leave of absence and worked diligently to complete her own responsibilities, as well as those of her supervisor's as well. She took the temporary position so seriously that she did not take off a single personal day until her supervisor returned.

Beebe team members and patients and their families have experienced her compassion, even as she has focused on getting her job done. She recently discovered the daughter of a patient overcome with grief in the hallway, and stopped what she was doing to console her. Ms. Dowdell continued to check in on the daughter, and was there to listen, for as long as her mother was in the hospital. She has been a trustworthy and loyal team member who has truly made a difference, both to the Beebe team and to patients and their families.

Beebe Medical Center's You Make a Difference employee recognition program, which was established in 2002, gives employees the opportunity to recognize their colleagues for outstanding service. The program is similar to an employee of the month program, but 18 employees can be selected annually. Each nomination, which may be submitted by fellow employees or management, must meet criteria developed by the committee. The You Make a Difference Review Board evaluates eligible nominations each month. Winners are announced in a surprise ceremony in which the committee meets in their department and presents the award. Employees selected for the award receive:

§ Parking space with sign/plaque for a month
§ $100 gift certificate to business of choice within Sussex County
§ Letter of congratulations and personal visit from Jeffrey Fried, Beebe president
§ Photo for wall plaque on hall outside of cafeteria
§ Special pin for badge
§ Letter to team member's director and department recognition

Caption: Wilhelmina Dowdell

Beebe Medical Center is a not-for-profit community medical center with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit us online at www.beebemed.org