Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
Gold Star Winners

The Gold Star Program was created in 1999. Employees can be nominated for Gold Stars by patients, co-workers and physicians. We look for nominations that detail acts/behaviors that exceed the job expectations of the employee. 

Click here for Gold Star Nomination Form or call Service Excellence at (814) 534-3177 to nominate a Gold Star recipient.

2013

 
Lewis Freeman – Parking Services
A coworker nominated Lewis.

I would like to nominate Lewis Freeman for a Gold Star. Lewis has worked at the ER Valet area for about two years. Lewis consistently demonstrates our CARING Values, always treating our patients, visitors and employees with kindness and compassion. Lewis always has a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he encounters. He exemplifies our value of a Great Attitude.

In Lewis’ role, he meets many patients and when he hears of their difficulties, he is moved to help in some way, often saying “I remember when I was in your shoes”. We frequently get calls from patients expressing their gratitude for small acts of kindness given to them by Lewis. They are always in disbelief that a stranger could be so generous to them.

Here are a few of the things Lewis has done:
- One of our patients had a baby and was struggling. Lewis got the family two cases of formula.
- He knew of a patient and family with six children that needed clothing. Lewis and his wife obtained clothing for the family and gave it to them.
- Often patients who are on a very limited budget will ask the valets not to drive their cars to parking lots too far away because the cost of gas is so high. Lewis has been known to let $5 for these patients to help them out.

Lewis has touched so many of our patients and he truly deserves a Gold Star. Lewis embodies our Values and our vision – Excellence. Every Patient. Every Time.

January 2013

Lindsey Stewart – 9 Ashman
A coworker nominated Lindsey.

"We had a young trauma patient on 9 Ashman who had been severely injured in a car accident resulting in paraplegia. Lindsey Stewart primarily cared for this young girl during her hospitalization. The trauma of learning she would not walk again hit her and her family very hard and Lindsey was there throughout most of their ordeal, delivering excellent care and compassion and never-ending support to them. The patient expressed that she wasn’t happy with the way her feet looked. Lindsey brought in some bright green nail polish and took the time out of her shift to paint the girl’s toenails. When she was done, the patient asked if she could paint Lindsey’s fingernails because she was bored and wanted something to do. Lindsey sat down and let her paint her fingernails the same shade of green nail polish. This brought some smiles to the girl and helped her get her mind off of her situation, even just for a little while. Lindsey also came in for staff education one day when she was off and brought her one-year old son with her. She took him in to see our patient and visit. This really brightened the patient’s day. Lindsey’s display of compassion and putting the patient first was very evident. She managed to balance her work so she could find time to put a smile on the patient’s face. She truly exemplifies what our CARING Values stand for."

Aaron Maldet – Food & Nutrition
A patient’s daughter-in-law nominated Aaron.

"Recently the daughter-in-law of a patient called the hospital to share an experience she had while at the hospital. The woman related that right before Christmas her mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital. The woman came down to be with her. On leaving the hospital she stopped to buy a garage token in one of the dispensing machines. She mistakenly thought the tokens were only $1 (they are $2). She put her dollar in the machine and when no coin dispensed, she assumed the machine took her money. She then walked up the hallway and found a 2nd token machine. Again she put the $1 in and again no token was dispensed. Looking perplexed, an employee stopped to ask her what was wrong. She was relaying her story and the employee told her that the tokens cost $2, not $1. The woman said she didn’t know what to do as she had just used her last dollar bills. During this exchange, Aaron Maldet was pushing a dietary cart past and he overheard her dilemma. Aaron opened up his wallet and handed her $2. He told her to use it buy her tokens. She thanked him and asked him how she could find him to repay the $2. He told her, “not to worry – Merry Christmas”. As this lady shared her story, her voice was choked as she expressed her gratitude. Although Aaron’s kind gesture was simple, it meant so much to her. Aaron’s compassion for her situation made a huge impact on this woman. Thank you, Aaron, for living our CARING Values." 
   

Click the following links to view past Gold Star Recipients
2012 Gold Star Winners
2011 Gold Star Winners
2010 Gold Star Winners
2009 Gold Star Winners
2008 Gold Star Winners