A laboratory assistant and phlebotomist praised by co-workers for her compassion
and “patients first” attitude is the winner of the 2018 Buckman
Family Employee of the Year Award at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru.
Spring Valley resident Lori-Woods Way received multiple nominations from
other lab employees for the award.
“Lori is one who would put her own life on hold to take care of other
people,” said lab co-worker Stephanie Simpson.
“Patients often rave about Lori to us and share positive experiences
they have had with her. She always takes the time to talk to her patients
and go the extra mile,” wrote Angela Strand.
“As my co-worker, she is an inspiration,” said Ruth Zissler.
“She always has a positive attitude and transfers this attitude
to others through encouragement and thoughtfulness.”
The Buckman Award was established in 1994 by the family of the late George
Buckman, who had been a long-time member of the IVCH board of directors.
Buckman’s wife, Elaine, is vice president of the IVCH Foundation
board, which annually selects the Buckman Award winner from nominations
submitted by IVCH employees.
Mrs. Buckman announced Woods-Way as the winner of the award and presented
it to her at IVCH’s annual service awards dinner Thursday night
(April 26) at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Club.
Woods-Way is the 25th recipient of the award. Other 2018 finalists, listed in alphabetical order, include:
- Carolyn Clayton, interim emergency department supervisor, who was nominated
by the department’s medical director, Dr. Paul Bonucci. “She
is truly the kind of nurse I would like to have caring for my family if
a relative of mine ever needed emergency care,” said Bonucci. Clayton
lives in Ladd.
- Lisa Lynch, revenue cycle vice president. A nomination from corporate compliance
officer Jane Fisher commended Lynch, a Peru resident, for her role in
implementing a new computer system in IVCH’s medical offices. “Lisa
is extremely intelligent, resourceful, and a major asset to IVCH,”
said Fisher
- Barbara Schmitz, outpatient clinics receptionist, who was nominated by
Dori Bonnell, physician practices director. “She has a demeanor
that is calming, engaging, and has an empathy for all patients,”
said Bonnell. Schmitz is a resident of Mark.