Polk Medical Center Announces the 2008 Frist Humanitarian Award Recipients

Jeanne Bedgood, Janet Ross and Billie West were recently awarded Polk Medical Center’s 2008 Frist Humanitarian Award as the Volunteer, Physician, and Employee of the Year. This honor places Jeanne, Janet, and Billie in nomination for the nationwide 2008 Frist Humanitarian Award, the highest honor an employee or volunteer can receive within HCA, the parent company of Polk Medical Center.  Additionally, Anthony Womack was recognized with the Caring Associate award for 2008 for his history of going above and beyond.

The Frist Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize an employee, physician and volunteer at each HCA-affiliated facility who demonstrate extraordinary concern for the welfare and happiness of patients and their community. The Frist Humanitarian Awards are given annually in recognition of the humanitarian spirit and philanthropic work of the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., a founder of HCA. National recipients will be honored in the spring at a reception at the company’s Nashville, Tenn., headquarters. Additionally, they each receive a bronze statue, a $5,000 gift to the charity of their choice, and a $5,000 cash gift.

Jeanne Bedgood is a volunteer at Polk that has freely given of her time for the past eight years.  She always greets patients, visitors and associates with a smile and is always eager to help in anyway she can.  She is known to circulate among patients, spending time with them to comfort and reassure them through their difficult time.  After putting in her hours at Polk, Jeanne is not done with her day.  She also has a part time position at a daycare that she works after leaving the hospital.  Taking care of others and investing herself in them is what Jeanne’s life is about.

Janet Ross works as a Nurse Practitioner at Polk Medical Center, investing her time at the hospital and in her office.  She is a caregiver, wife and mother.  In addition to her work and family responsibilities, Janet goes above and beyond, volunteering at Health Fairs in the community. She reach’s out to the untouched patient and does what she can to ensure Polk County’s residents stay healthy and receive the care they need.  In her two years working at Polk, Janet has built great rapport with all her patients and co-workers.  She works to stay educated with current trends and medications so her patients receive the top of the line care they deserve.  Time and time again, she has proven herself to be an individual who truly cares and is working diligently to make a difference in the community.

Billie West is currently the lab manager and has worked at Polk Medical Center for the past 20 years.  Those she works with refer to her as “The Best Lab Manager” and enjoy her gift for working with and relating to people.   She instills in her employees a sense of family and giving.  Her most valuable contribution to patient care is the happiness she instills in her employees that then leaks out into the entire hospital.  Outside of work, Billie volunteers at West Georgia College in the Archeologist Department Lab and works at many health fairs for the hospital.

Anthony Womack has served as the dietary director for Polk over the past two years.  He was awarded the Caring Associate award for his humble attitude, history of going above and beyond and commitment to customer satisfaction.  He puts in numerous hours on the weekends to ensure weekend staff, patients and visitors are taken care of.  He consistently offers new food options to add variety to the menu.  Several people nominated Anthony for this award as his work touches so many.

 “HCA is committed to delivering quality patient care. We are extremely proud to recognize Jeanne Bedgood, Janet Ross, Billie West, and Anthony Womack for their efforts on behalf of our patients and our community,” said Kim Scoggins, Polk Administrator.  “Their exemplary work and compassion sets a high standard for healthcare professionals. We’re proud to have them as part of our Polk family. Undoubtedly, our patients benefit from the kind of commitment to humanitarian concerns Jeanne, Janet, Billie and Anthony demonstrate each day.”

"I am very proud to present these awards," said Jack O. Bovender, Jr., HCA Chairman and CEO. "Jeanne, Janet, Billie and Anthony are an inspiration to all our employees and volunteers. Their generosity and dedication serve as a living example of HCA's commitment to the care and improvement of human life."

Polk Medical Center is a 25 bed critical access facility that began with a Board of Trustees in 1944.  Fully accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC), Polk Medical Center has a medical staff of 10 primary care physicians, a number of specialists and consultants, and a staff of approximately 115 employees.  In addition to excellent emergency medical care, Polk Medical Center provides a full range of services including mammography, lab work and x-rays, CT scans, rehab, the senior enrichment center, and other inpatient and outpatient services. As an HCA facility, Polk Medical Center is also in partnership with Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, Georgia.