SRMC volunteer honored with 'The Caring Kind' award

LINCOLN – A volunteer at Sidney Regional Medical Center was the recipient of "The Caring Kind" award in a ceremony held last Friday.

Sandy Fornander was one of 78 hospital volunteers or workers recognized by the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) recently for their excellence in service by bestowing them with the NHA's prestigious "The Caring Kind" award.

For 36 years, The Caring Kind award has been given to Nebraska's most caring and compassionate hospital employees. The award honors outstanding health care employees who have demonstrated compassion for patients, cooperation with co-workers and dedication to excellence in their job responsibilities.

"The Caring Kind award recipients demonstrate the kindness, caring, dedication and commitment that exemplifies why health care in Nebraska continues to be among the best in the nation," NHA President Laura J. Redoutey said. "The NHA is proud to recognize these outstanding health care workers who have made a tremendous difference in the lives of their patients, co-workers, hospitals and communities."

Hospitals across the state each select one The Caring Kind award recipient from within their respective institutions to be recognized during the NHA Annual Convention.

More than 2,200 dedicated health care professionals have received this award since its inception in 1979. This year, 78 employees and volunteers were honored before more than 500 people in attendance at The Caring Kind Awards Luncheon held Oct. 23 at Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista Hotel & Conference Center in La Vista.

The event is held to showcase the exemplary work and care hospital employees provide day in and day out throughout the year. Every employee plays a critical role in providing high quality, cost effective treatment and ensuring the safety of themselves, their co-workers and patients each and every day. Every job is important.

"These individuals are the unsung heroes who work to keep our hospitals prepared, safe and operational," Redoutey said. "While we set aside one day to honor these extraordinary individuals for their exemplary efforts, their dedication and commitment touches the lives of the frail, the vulnerable, the injured and sick each and every day."