Employees Recognized at TCMH

Texas County Memorial Hospital awarded top employee awards at the 42nd Annual Celebration of TCMH Employees on Friday, December 6, at the Jayson Gentry Community Safe Room at TCMH.

Kelly Bell of Houston took top honors as manager of the year at TCMH for 2024.

Bell, an employee at TCMH since 1991, is the purchasing manager at the hospital.

“TCMH is fortunate to have Kelly as our purchasing manager. She is dedicated to finding the best pricing and quality of any supply or equipment needed by the hospital. Kelly has been involved in many projects over the years, with this year no exception.  Kelly equipped the $5.4 million operating room project and the $1.6 million renovation of the Licking Clinic,” Linda Pamperien, TCMH chief financial officer, said. “Kelly is a dedicated manager and a kind and generous lady who loves her staff and TCMH. She deserves this award and is a great asset to TCMH.”

Sierra Scott of Edgar Springs received the Elite Employee of the Year award.

The elite Employee of the Year award recognizes someone who has gone above and beyond to provide excellent customer service or demonstrate our WE CARE behaviors and values.

Scott is a respiratory therapist in the respiratory department at TCMH. She has been employed at TCMH since 2015.

Scott was nominated by one of her coworkers for the personal connection she made with a patient’s family. After their loved one had undergone intubation, Scott spent time with the family, educating, explaining, and comforting them.  She sat down with each family member, making eye contact and providing reassurance. Her ability to connect with each family member personally was genuinely remarkable.  The amount of time and effort she invested in the family was impressive.

“Sierra is one of the most committed employees I have the pleasure of working with,” Lauren Toman, TCMH respiratory manager, said. “In her ten years at TCMH, she earned her bachelor’s degree in respiratory care and continues to grow and learn as a respiratory therapist. Sierra takes on new assignments with a smile and shows compassion and commitment to her patient population. She is truly one of the best.”

An employee who exemplified excellent customer service in the hospital organization in 2024 was honored. Stephen Blankenship, who works in the dietary department at TCMH, was chosen to receive the honor.

“Stephen is a very gifted person with great people skills,” Elaine Koch, dietary manager, said. “Stephen can make people feel good by small conversations and upbeat greetings. He has worked in all positions within the dietary department and trains the new employees.  When Stephen sees other employees needing help, he jumps in and helps them complete their tasks.  We are very proud of him for winning the Customer Service Award 2024.”

One hospital department was honored with a “Customer Service Department of the Year” award. The pharmacy department was awarded for being the behind-the-scenes superstars and ensuring our healthcare system has what it needs to care for our patients.

In addition to the ceremony, the event included an invocation by Leon Slape, a video featuring pictures taken at TCMH throughout the year, a meal served by the TCMH dietary department, games including an ugly sweater contest, and several employees who won door prizes.

TCMH Elite Employee of the Year. Sierra Scott, RCP RRT, award recipient, left; Bill Bridges, TCMH chief executive officer

TCMH Customer Service Employee of the Year. Stephen Blankenship, dietary, award recipient, right; Bill Bridges, TCMH chief executive officer, left

TCMH Department of the Year – Pharmacy Department. Pictured left to right: Bill Bridges, TCMH chief executive officer; Jessica Gettys, PharmD; Mariah Thompson, CPhT; Stephanie Garrett, Pharm tech; Lauren Hunsberger, PharmD