UT Medical Center employees honored for perfect attendance

March 13, 2009 | UToday
By Jim Winkler



Cal Ripken played in 2,632 consecutive Major League Baseball games. Divided by a 162-game season, that’s more than 16 years of not missing a day of work.

At The University of Toledo Medical Center, 303 employees also found out it pays to be on the job.

Mark Chastang, vice president and UT Medical Center executive director, thanked employees who achieved perfect attendance in 2008 for their dedication and hard work.

Mark Chastang, vice president and UT Medical Center executive director, thanked employees who achieved perfect attendance in 2008 for their dedication and hard work.

They were honored at a catered luncheon March 5 for not missing a day of work in 2008. This means that, with the exception of vacation, the employees didn’t call off when they were scheduled.

For their grit and dedication, they were treated to a private catered lunch of chicken kiev, prime rib, oven-roasted red skin potatoes, vegetable blend, spring mix salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, artisan rolls and assorted desserts. They also received a 12-pack beverage cooler emblazoned with the UT logo and had chance to win door prizes. The Health Science Campus’ Food and Nutritional Services Department prepared the meal.

Mark Chastang, vice president and UT Medical Center executive director, hosted the event and congratulated the employees for their accomplishment and for showing their dedication to their jobs and to UTMC patients during the current challenging economic times.

“We have a great organization, and great institutions are forged in the crucible of crisis and change,” said Chastang, who reminded the honorees about the key roles they played in last year’s outstanding accreditation review from the Joint Commission. He also emphasized the direct relationship between employee attendance and the hospital’s financial performance and overall patient satisfaction.

“During this fiscal crisis, it is important that all employees come to work as assigned,” he underscored.

“In the final analysis, quality care is where we or our loved ones would want to receive their care,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, Health Science Campus provost, executive vice president for health affairs and College of Medicine dean. “You are the fabric that makes this institution what it is today and I thank you.”

It was the fourth year for the program, which was organized by Val King, hospital administrative assistant, who also spoke. In each of the last three years, the number of employees with perfect attendance has increased. Last year 229 employees were recognized.

During 2008, the hospital recorded 12,446 inpatient admissions, up 3.6 percent from the previous year, and 185,815 outpatient clinic visits, up 13.6 percent.

The Emergency Department recorded 29,879 visits, up 4.7 percent, and surgeries were up 5.2 percent to 9,989.

The hospital also recorded 126,588 laboratory draws, 88,140 respiratory procedures and 70,591 diagnostic radiology procedures.

“These are awesome numbers,” King said, “and proof that you do so much more than show up. They are evidence of much hard work, teamwork and commitment by each of you here today.”

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