MHN Names Employee and Volunteer of the Year

2/6/2018

Mindy Smith and Shirley Hughey are Honored as 2017 Award Winners

NATCHEZ, Miss. –February 6, 2018 — Merit Health Natchez has named Mindy Smith, a registered nurse in the hospital’s Emergency Department and Shirley Hughey, a Volunteer in the hospital’s gift shop, as Employee and Volunteer of the Year, respectively, for 2018. These awards are the highest honors bestowed on a hospital employee and volunteer each year, and they were chosen from approximately 500 employees and 40 volunteers.

“A professional, efficient and patient-centered attitude projected by our employees and volunteers, as well as their ability to listen attentively to our customers, are needed for our customers to have a positive experience,” said Eric Robinson, CEO of Merit Health Natchez. “Employees and Volunteers who practice these, and other excellent standards of behavior, are also the ones who strive daily to exceed their customers’ expectations. Mindy and Mrs. Hughey demonstrate their skills, remarkable attitudes and passion for what they do to help not only our patients and their families, but their co-workers as well. They are both very deserving of being our employee and volunteer of the year award recipients.”

Mindy has worked in the Emergency Department as a registered nurse since October of 2016. Shannon Russ, Nurse Director for the Emergency Department describes Mindy as always having a smile and a lending hand ready. “Mindy is ready everyday she presents to our hospital to be a true patient advocate, making sure they are treated with compassion, empathy and safe, quality care,” said Russ. “Her kind, humble and helpful demeanor is known throughout the hospital, and I am happy she was recognized for this honor by her peers for her strong commitment to doing what is right every time for every patient.”

Shirley Hughey began her hospital volunteer work in 2002 and has given over 2,600 hours to helping our hospital gift shop, Hidden Treasures, be a place of enjoyment and calm retreat for all who enter. Renee Cantu, Volunteer Services Coordinator, attests to Shirley’s quiet, sweet and compassionate demeanor. “She is always so willing to help and be of service to anyone, whether it’s ringing up sales in the gift shop or keeping the ICU waiting area stocked with coffee and supplies; Shirley is going to do it with a grateful heart and a smile on her face,” said Cantu.

Congratulations to Mindy Smith and Shirley Hughey.

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