Bayhealth Medical Center names employees of the quarter

Bayhealth Medical Center announced its employees of the quarter for the fourth quarter of 2010. Switchboard operator Judy Reeder is employee of the quarter for Milford Memorial Hospital, and Pharmacy Department Coordinator Ramona Lanata is employee of the quarter for Kent General Hospital.

Each quarter, Bayhealth recognizes employees who have demonstrated outstanding service, teamwork and commitment to patient care. The winner receives a plaque, a $100 gift card to a local restaurant and a special parking spot. Each honoree also becomes one of eight finalists for the Bayhealth Employee of the Year Award, which will be announced in May.

As operator of the Bayhealth switchboard, Reeder is the first contact for the thousands of patients, visitors and guests to the hospital, and she is the ultimate ambassador for Bayhealth.

“Judy’s leadership and customer-service skills are fantastic. No matter what, she always maintains a positive attitude,” said Bayhealth switchboard supervisor Elizabeth Williams.

During Reeder’s 12 years at Bayhealth, she has also served as a valuable role model to her peers and to new employees in her department. She is credited with creating a team spirit and setting an example by making herself available for all shifts on the 24-hour switchboard. In addition to her daily responsibilities on the switchboard, she has trained new members on her team and has also managed a hospital pager program that is crucial for contacting clinical personnel in the event of a patient’s medical emergency.

“She is always going over and beyond the call of duty,” said Williams.

Since joining the Kent General Hospital Pharmacy Department in June 2007, Lanata has been the first contact for nurses, doctors, clinical personnel and vendors who need assistance from pharmacy. Lanata has also served as an outstanding ambassador for her department and the hospital.

“Ramona provides exemplary service to all customers both internal and external. She greets all visitors to the department and does this in a way that consistently exceeds service-excellence standards,” said Bayhealth Pharmacy Director Alex Zarow, PharmD.

According to Zarow, Lanata’s efforts contribute significantly to higher quality and patient satisfaction scores for the department. She is credited with quick and timely management of patient pharmacy records and excelling in performing the administrative support functions for the department. She has helped coordinate important events such as Volunteer Week, Pharmacy Week, Poison Control Week and the Christmas Tree Work Group.