THE Road to Retirement...
Belinda Felts
Belinda Felts celebrated 26 years of service with SGMC on Feb 22. Belinda began her career as a Data Base Coordinator at Greenleaf Center and eventually transferred to Information Systems at SGMC where she became a System Administrator for Information Systems. Belinda’s peers couldn’t say enough about her character. “She truly cared about the people she supported,” said Bob Foster, Chief Information Officer. We are going to miss you Belinda; we wish you the best!
Alice Watson
After working the night shift for more than 19 years, the Women & Children’s staff gathered to bid farewell to Alice Watson on April 22. As the patient care coordinator on postpartum, Alice ran the department like a well-oiled machine. She was a strong advocate for her patients, both moms and newborns, and was credited with being a great teacher for new breast feeding moms. Chief Nursing Officer Ken Kiser thanked Alice for her service saying, “Knowing Alice was working meant that I could sleep!” Kiser said he knew Alice could handle whatever happened, citing her many years of experience and service as a military nurse for her problem solving abilities. Assistant Administrator for Human Resources Johnny Ball said, “Alice, we appreciate your service. Day-in and day-out you exemplify what it means to be a great employee. We will miss you but we wish you the best in retirement.” Alice says she plans to work some, PRN. “It eases my guilt in leaving,” she chuckled. Her other plans include traveling with her husband. Best wishes, Alice for a long and healthy future!
Ann Godwin
On April 22, the Rehab family gathered to say a fond farewell to the lady they lovingly called “Mama” – Ann Godwin. An employee of 41 ½ years, Ann will be remembered for her smile and upbeat attitude. Rehab Services Director Paivi Parssinen said, “We have many dear memories of Ann. Through all the changes and all the years, she never lost her smile. In all situations, she was truly the Mama of Rehab.” In her job role as a rehab tech, Ann did everything from hands-on patient care to bookkeeping! Her duties included taking orders, scheduling patients with therapists, inputting charges, managing equipment, getting patients into the whirlpool, talking with transport and doctors’ offices, and assisting therapists with moving and walking patients. Assistant Administrator for Clinical Services Pam Cartwright said, “We can’t adequately put 40 years of thanks into words considering all the good you’ve done and all the lives you touched, your true reward will be on the other side of eternity.” Ann received well wishes from her coworkers and a check and tote bag of goodies from SGMC. Congratulations, Ann. We hope Glen and you have wonderful travels and fun camping experiences throughout the southwest!
Ronnie Lancaster
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After 50 years of service at Smith Northview Hospital, Ronnie Lastinger’s contribution to the organization is far more important than the images he provided as the Chief Technologist. Ronnie’s effect can be measured by the numerous people he impacted throughout those five decades. While Ronnie’s job required a vast knowledge of diagnostic imaging equipment and procedures, his self-proclaimed number one task was to keep everyone happy. He was even considered the “father of good spirits” by his peers.
A graduate of Grady Medical College, Ronnie began his career at the old Smith Hospital in Hahira in 1963, where he met his wife of 48 years. This is also where he met 14 year-old Marshall Ingram. Marshall was a young boy who helped in the kitchen with various tasks such as mopping floors and lifting pots. Marshall was like most children that age— unsure of what he wanted to be when he ‘grew up.’ Marshall loved the hospital setting and began looking into the various positions available, taking note of the