Russellville Hospital gives highest award

By Staff
Melissa Cason
The administration at Russellville Hospital awarded the hospital's most prestigious award Wednesday afternoon during a short award presentation and reception in the hospital dining room.
Human Resources Director Stephen Proctor said the Mercy Award recognizes one employee who best represents the spirit and values on which the company, Lifepoint, was founded.
The annual award was established in 2002 to honor the life of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint's founding Chairman and CEO.
"This award is the most prestigious award at Russellville Hospital," Proctor said. "So it's an honor and privilege just to be nominated."
The nominees for this year's award were Pam Taylor, Brenda Simpson, Belinda Johnson, Brad Pounders and Beth Pirtle.
Respiratory Therapist Beth Pirtle was presented with the 2009 Mercy Award.
"She [Pirtle] does an excellent job at meeting the needs of the patients," Jonathan Proctor, Pirtle's supervisor, said. "Beth just had all the of the qualities of a Mercy Award recipient."
Pirtle was surprised to hear her name called as the winner of the award.
"I was not expecting it at all," Pirtle said. "I really try hard to do what's best for each patient."
Pirtle has been employed by Russellville Hospital for three years. Before joining the staff, she worked for a physician in Florence, Dr. Patricia Auxier. She has been a respiratory therapist since 1988, after completing her training at California College.
Proctor said Pirtle and other respiratory therapists work with patients having problems with their lungs or breathing.
While Pirtle enjoys her role as respiratory therapist, she is currently pursing her nursing degree at the University of North Alabama.
As a Russellville Hospital Mercy Award winner, she will be considered for the companywide Mercy Award, the highest honor an employee can receive from Lifepoint Hospitals, Inc. Russellville Hospital is one of 48 hospitals owned by Lifepoint.