Twelve employees with the Lee Memorial Health System were honored this year by winning the Doc Coggins Award of Excellence.
The award, introduced in 2003, is presented to top employees in the health system each year.
Named after Lester “Doc” Coggins, a leader in the community and member of the Lee Memorial Health System board of directors, it is presented to employees at physician offices, hospitals and other health centers.
Coggins was originally appointed to the board of directors in 1984 and served as board treasurer until he resigned in 1997.
“We are very proud of our Doc Coggins winners,” said Richard Akin, chairman of the board of directors.
The health system employs 9,000 people, and the award is open to any non-management employee. Nominations were handed in before June 30.
“It’s the highest award you can earn in the Lee Memorial Health System for non-management employees, which is 98 percent of our staff,” said Cathy Stephens, Lee Memorial board liaison.
Stephens said the award process is similar to the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program, and employees have to meet three out of five criteria.
Later, the winners are surprised by an entourage from the hospital.
“We show up as a surprise with a big check, balloons and a cake,” she said.
Winners receive a check for $1,000, framed certificate and badge holder, and get recognized in a number of publications.
The 2009 recipients include a nurse at Cape Coral Hospital, as well as employees from HealthPark, Gulf Coast Medical Center, The Children’s Hospital and Lee OB/GYN Associates.
Francine Zabkar, a nurse at Cape Coral Hospital’s Medical Progressive Care Unit, is one recipient. Her unit at the hospital works with patients who are well enough to leave the Intensive Care Unit but still require nurse assistance.
Anetria Hogue, with the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Brigid Kleinschmidt, a clinical nurse specialist, are recipients for their work at The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
Pat Dolce, a public affairs specialist, earned the award for her efforts to bridge the community and Lee Memorial Health System.
Each of the winners will be recognized Oct. 17 at a special award dinner hosted at Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club.
“They exemplify everything that Lee Memorial Health System stands for — dedication to providing the highest qualify health care and service to our patients and their families, their co-workers and the entire community,” Akin said.
The Lee Memorial Health System award program for its 700 management positions is called the President’s Award.