RUMFORD – Rumford Hospital’s John Welsh, CEO, and Doug West, facilities manager, recently presented four employees with special awards for their work during the construction/renovation project.

Linda Blais, facilities secretary, was touted for working in an office where construction was only a thin piece of plastic away. Lori Roberts, patient registration, who had to move three times, was honored for going the extra mile for patients, regardless of where she was.

West said Dan Bulger, facilities, was always there troubleshooting problems and doing the little maintenance jobs that allowed construction to proceed.

Elaine Witas, environmental services, who has been the greeter through months of sometimes confusing directions, was thanked for giving the personal touch by giving directions and escorting patients and visitors to their destination.

“She was the eyes and ears of the main entrance,” West said.

Each honoree received a plaque and a parka.

The project is nearly complete. The new entrance/lobby will open on Monday, Dec. 19. Patient registration will work in the new space just beyond the lobby’s reception desk starting on that date.

In February, the phlebotomy office will move in next to patient registration. The new emergency department will open in January. A public open house for the new lobby and the emergency department will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4.