Frankfort Regional Medical Center honored two staff members Wednesday with its highest award.
Martha Glass was named 2006 Frist Humanitarian Volunteer of the Year. Kathy Holt was named Frist Humanitarian Employee of the Year.
The awards, named after the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist Sr. founder of Hospital Corporation of America, honor individuals who go above and beyond to serve those around them, according to Chip Peal, chief executive officer at Frankfort Regional. Nominations take place in the fall and the winners are announced the following spring.
Glass, 56, says shes overwhelmed and feels unworthy of such an honor. "I was really appreciative, but there are lots of volunteers in this hospital (deserving of recognition)," she said.
A retired Peaks Mill Elementary School teacher, Glass says shes wanted to do volunteer work since seeing her 12-year-old daughter, Erin, lose a battle with cystic fibrosis in 1992. She said spending time at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington gave her an appreciation for hospital work.
"I decided after I retired Id like to volunteer at the hospital," Glass said.
Glass completed training and for the past three and a half years has worked in the emergency services department. Since 2003 she has logged more than 650 hours, according to a hospital news release.
"I just help out the nurses anyway I can," Glass said.
That includes changing bed sheets, making pharmacy runs and bringing blankets to patients for four hours each Thursday. In January Glass picked up another four-hour shift on Tuesdays to fill the need in the emergency department.
"Since Im free, I just decided I should help," she said.
Glass, who spends time reading to children in Susan Jones first-grade class at Westridge Elementary School each Wednesday, said volunteering is a worthwhile way to participate in the community.
"It makes me do just a little something to give back," Glass said.
Karen Wooldridge, director of emergency services at the hospital, nominated Glass for the award. "Volunteers just make our ER," Wooldridge said. "Martha is always wanting to help."
Wooldridge said Glass eagerness puts staff and patients in the ER at ease. "She always has a smile on her face and is there to help anybody," Wooldridge said.
Peal also commended Glass for calming ER patients. "She truly brings a lot of comfort to patients back there," he said at the reception.
Holt said she didnt expect to win the employee of the year honor.
"I was totally shocked," she said.
An obstetrics technician at the Center for Womens Health, Holt assists with labor and delivery at the hospital.
Co-workers in the obstetrics department nominated the 48-year-old grandmother for the award. "My family is very proud of me," Holt said at the reception, which many of her family members attended.
Holt, of Lawrenceburg, says she came to the hospital four years ago after working as an office manager for 26 years. She has been an obstetrics technician the last two years.
"Its what I always wanted to do," she said. "Im complete; its the most rewarding thing Ive done in my life, aside from having my children."
Peal said Holt deserves the award for what she does both in and away from the hospital. Her outside work includes preparing baskets and cakes for birthdays of residents at Sunset Hill Mens Home and working with Helping Hands Womens Group at Fox Creek Christian Church.
"She does a tremendous amount of work outside the hospital," Peal said.
Glass and Holt each received $500 for being named hospital award winners and are now eligible for the national Frist award later this spring. National award winners receive a bronze statue as well as $5,000 for the charity of their choice and a $5,000 cash gift.