By Staff
special to the standard
Linda Burkett of D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital was one of 10 area hospital employees honored for their dedication to the health care industry recently at a luncheon hosted by the Southwest Alabama Regional Hospital Council of the Alabama Hospital Association (AlaHA).
The luncheon is one of seven regional awards presentations being held as part of the association's fifth-annual statewide “Hospital Heroes” contest, an effort to honor the dedication of hospital employees and to highlight health careers. The contest will culminate with a banquet in February where up to 10 of the regional winners will be honored as statewide heroes.
Burkett is a registered nurse who has served patients at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton for more than 36 years. Those who have worked with her describe Ms. Burkett as a caring, intelligent and compassionate person who has been a mentor for a number of other nurses.
Burkett is often seen helping patients by providing money for dental visits, rides home or organizing Christmas presents for them. It is said that she has bonded with many patients and would go to their homes to help after her shift was over, including a dear friend who recently suffered and died from a terminal illness.
The long-tenured employee is credited with implementing policies that have improved patient care, enhancing patient satisfaction and mentoring many nurses. “Her leadership skills have made a difference,” added Ms. Watson. “She is great as a friend, yet never confuses her roles, the boss or the friend.”
The Alabama Hospital Association, based in Montgomery, is a statewide trade organization that represents more than 100 hospitals and numerous other health care providers by offering membership services designed to enhance the provision of health care in Alabama.