MetroSouth Medical Center has named Ray Welcome of Evergreen Park as its 2012 Employee of the Year. This award is the highest honor bestowed on a hospital employee each year. Welcome was chosen from over 1,000 employees for this honor. In addition to special recognition, Welcome and a guest will receive an all-expense-paid, event-filled weekend at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee, this March.

“Health care requires a special blend of great people skills, tireless energy and the ability to work well under pressure,” explains Welcome’s supervisor Mike Baker,Manager, Public Safety and Patient Transportation.  “People who work in health care share the common desire to help others and make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a pleasure to recognize Ray for his dedication to our patients, and to providing outstanding care.”

Employees are nominated for the award by their hospital peers, based on their commitment to patient care, professionalism, and contributions on the job.

Welcome, who is a patient transporter and is lovingly referred to as “Ray the Man,” has worked for MetroSouth Medical Center since 1983. In those 29 years, he has not been late or missed a day of work.  In addition, he has consistently exemplified a commitment to the hospital, dedication to patients and excellence in customer service.  Patients who come in contact with Ray appreciate his caring demeanor, great smile and warm, friendly personality. He is frequently heard saying, “If you need anything, call me.”

Ray is also involved in his department’s quality improvement program where he offers suggestions and tips to improve the department’s performance and patient satisfaction.  He is well respected by his fellow employees and by many throughout the hospital.

“Each of our employees has a specific role in the delivery of quality health care to the people who live and work in our community,” said Dr. Enrique Beckmann “Our success in meeting the needs of the patients we serve is dependent on the collective efforts of all employees. I salute Ray Welcome.”

About MetroSouth Medical Center

MetroSouth Medical Center (MSMC) is a 330-bed, all private-rooms, acute-care hospital located in historic downtown Blue Island.  In addition to a network of 11 health centers, the hospital offers a nationally recognized cardiac care program, Congestive Heart Failure Clinic,  telemedicine stroke robot for 24-hour neurology coverage, 24-hour emergency care, Level II + birthing center with
high-risk perinatologists and neonatologists, and a Heartburn Clinic. MSMC is certified by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center and was awarded the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association Bronze Stroke Award.

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