Flaget Memorial Hospital Recognizes Outstanding Staff With 2021 Employee, Leader of the Year Awards

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (Dec. 15, 2021) – Flaget Memorial Hospital, part of CHI Saint Joseph Health, has announced its 2021 Employee of the Year and Leader of the Year award recipients. Elizabeth "Lynn" Howard, RN, of Bardstown, was recognized Employee of the Year for Flaget, as well as CHI Saint Joseph Health’s overall Employee of the Year. Jeffrey Whitney, manager, Respiratory Care, of Springfield, earned Flaget Memorial Hospital’s Leader of the Year award.

Flaget Memorial Hospital annually recognizes one outstanding Employee of the Year who demonstrates the core values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence and collaboration.

“I have worked alongside Lynn for the past six years, and have witnessed firsthand her compassion, integrity and excellence,” said her colleague. “She is a nurse who loves her patients and her co-workers. She is a team player and obtains the unique quality of recognizing when a co-worker needs help before they ever ask for a helping hand. Lynn’s compassion radiates through her excellent patient care daily. She is a tried-and-true nurse who pours her heart and soul into each patient she is assigned.”

Howard is described by colleagues as having a compassionate heart, using her knowledge and expertise to advocate for her patients, and going above and beyond to ensure they are well taken care of. Her colleagues describe her as “reliable,” “compassionate,” and say she “undoubtedly sets an example to be followed for all nurses, new and experienced.”

Similarly, Flaget Memorial Hospital annually presents one employee serving in a managerial position with the Leader of the Year award. Selection criteria include an outstanding demonstration of leadership led by CHI Saint Joseph Health’s core values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence and collaboration.

“Jeff is a true working manager,” said Whitney’s colleague. “He is always available for his staff and jumps in whenever there is a need. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been instrumental in coordinating and ensuring patients receive the appropriate respiratory care. Jeff sets an example of having all of CHI Saint Joseph Health’s core values as a leader.”

Whitney’s colleagues describe him as a “mentor to other leaders” and someone who is “always willing to help when needed.” As manager of Respiratory Care, they say he encourages open communication and collaboration between his team and other departments, and under his leadership, the Sleep Care Center at Flaget Memorial Hospital continues to be successful.

Both award winners were recognized during a special virtual event.

About CHI Saint Joseph Health

CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in CHI Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Flaget Memorial Hospital
Flaget Memorial Hospital, part of CHI Saint Joseph Health, is a 52-bed facility located in Bardstown, Kentucky. Established in 1951 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the facility serves residents of Nelson, Hardin, Marion, Washington, Spencer, Bullitt and LaRue counties. The facility is also home to Nelson County’s first full-service cancer center and is nationally recognized for orthopedic and surgical care, as well as inpatient satisfaction.

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