TROY, N.C. – Estella Steele, a housekeeper at Montgomery Memorial Hospital, is the most recent winner of FirstHealth’s BEE Award, which recognizes employees who go above and beyond to fulfill the system’s core purpose – To Care for People.
Steele works in Environmental Services, where she helps maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment in our patient rooms, clinical areas and office spaces. While her dedication and attention to detail alone sets her apart, it’s her compassion that really inspires others.
A fellow team member nominated Steele for her kindness and willingness to go above and beyond for patients.
“When one of our elderly patients arrived at our facility soaking wet, Estella immediately noticed and stepped in to help,” the coworker said. “She took the patient’s wet jacket, dried it and returned it to the patient after her therapy session. Our patient was overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Steele has worked with the department since 2006, making an impact not only on the patients she helps serve, but her fellow colleagues and supervisors as well.
Kenneth Lockamy, director of facilities at Montgomery Memorial Hospital and Steele’s manager in Environmental Services, said she is “an amazing person and a stellar employee.”
“Estella deserves this award, as she is always willing to help,” Lockamy said. “She is eager to step in wherever and whenever needed, and always cheerful with a smile.”
About the BEE Award
The BEE Award (Beyond Exceptional Expectations) is designed to honor non-nurses who help support nurses in delivering exceptional patient care. Nominations can be made to honor patient care technicians, specialty technicians, respiratory therapists, food and nutrition staff, transport or other colleagues outside of nursing.
