NURSE OF THE YEAR — Leslie Hill, RN, is the 2011 Winnie R. Moore Clinical Nursing Award recipient. She is pictured with (left to right) Priscilla Bickford RN, Nurse Pastor; Martha Denison, RN, 2010 winner of the award; Eric Gerchman, MD, president of the Medical Staff; John Ludwig, vice president of Administration; and David Frum, president, Bridgton Hospital.

In honor of National Nursing Week, John Ludwig, RN, vice president of Administration, has announced the 2011 recipient of the Winnie R. Moore, RN, Clinical Nursing Award.

The 2011 winner is Leslie Hill, RN, a member of the oncology nursing staff, as well as a nursing supervisor. The medical staff of Bridgton Hospital determines the award.

Eric Gerchman, MD, president of the Bridgton Hospital Medical Staff, made the announcement. Ms. Hill was presented an engraved commemorative Revere pewter bowl. In addition, Martha Denison, RN, the 2010 Winnie Moore Nurses Award recipient, handed down a candle in a simple wood candleholder representative of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing and the “Lady with the Lamp.”

Dr. Gerchman lauded Ms. Hill’s outstanding nursing skills, integrity and commitment to nursing excellence.

“She is not only a core nurse in her primary department of oncology, but also critical care, emergency and nursing supervision, as well as ‘Qualified 2nd’ in obstetrics. Her guidance is sought by nursing leadership peers and staff in complex clinical situations,” he said. “She is a strong role model for her co-workers and it is no coincidence that she is being recognized during the National Hospital Week ‘Heroes’ Customer Service Day. Our Heroes (Hospital Employees Reaching Out with Exceptional Service) philosophy at Bridgton Hospital tells us that one of the definitions of service is ‘taking the initiative to assist patients, visitors, and co-workers.’ This initiative is a hallmark of Leslie Hill’s practice.”

Hill will have her name added to the permanent plaque located on the Kendal and Anna Ham Inpatient Wing of the hospital. Hill, a resident of North Bridgton, has been an RN at Bridgton Hospital since 1999.