Thursday, the administration of Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home hosted their annual employee appreciation luncheon.
The event was held in conjunction with Employee Appreciation Week and National Hospital Week, Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home Administrator Steve Vaughn said.
“Today is a culmination of a weeklong celebration,” he said. “It’s also the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is said to be the first organizer of the Red Cross.”
During the week, the hospital’s administration hosted themed activities. One day, employees wore fancy hats. On other days they dressed as their favorite superhero and wore their favorite sports team apparel, Vaughn said.
Appreciation banners were hung throughout the hospital, nursing home, clinics and the hospital’s front lawn.
The hospital has about 500 full and part time employees, he said.
“We want them to know how much we appreciate them for their service,” he said. “Every year we host recognition week in conjunction with either National Hospital or Nursing Home week.”
During the luncheon, Vaughn shared another piece of good news with employees, the restoration of their hours and a pay raise.
Back in 2000, the hospital laid off several employees and in 2014 reduced employee hours in all departments by four hours a week, Vaughn said.
Last year, they were able to add those hours back to employees who work in patient care, he said.
During that period, Vaughn said raises were also suspended.
“Everyone across will the board will have their hours restored and receive a one percent raise,” Vaughn said. “I want to thank the Board of Trustees, our staff and community.”
The hospital, nursing home and its clinics received no tax revenue, he added. They operate as a self-sufficient business.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and myself, I would like to express gratitude and appreciation to all employees at Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home and clinics for the outstanding job they do in patient care.”