BRIDGTON — Bridgton Hospital recognized two employees for their commitment to patient care excellence through an employee recognition program on Dec. 3, entitled GEMS (Growth, Enthusiasm, Motivation and Spirit).

The GEMS Award was presented to Sally Dunning, RN, Special Delivery Family Birthing Center and Inpatient Unit, and Susan Robbins, RN, BSN, clinical coordinator at Naples Family Practice.

The GEMS Program, offered system-wide within the Central Maine Medical Center Family, has five major objectives: improve the quality of patient care and customer service, honor the clinical disciplines from novice to expert, provide a sustainable recognition and reward program, provide a process of recognition with clear, measurable and attainable criteria and promote the retention and recruitment of highly motivated professionals committed to excellence.

Elaine Drew, RN, hosted the reception to present the recipient with her GEMS Award and recognition pin. John Ludwig, RN, vice president of administration, welcomed the recipients and staff to the presentation ceremonies. Drew provided background information about the founding of the program.

Department manager Crystal Drew, RN, clinical coordinator of the Special Delivery Family Birthing Center, presented the GEMS Diamond level to Dunning. The Diamond level is the highest level available in the GEMS Program.

Dunning has been a member of the Bridgton Hospital staff for 35 years. During that time she has served as a member of various committees including Policy and Procedures. For many years, Dunning was the sole childbirth educator for the hospital and has been part of the third generation of births by her patients. Patients that have the pleasure of being cared for by Dunning generally do not forget their experience. She holds a core competency in two departments and it is evident that she loves what she does.

Tami Kelly, director of the Bridgton Hospital Physician Group, and Donna Durgin, practice manager of Bridgton Hospital Physician Group, presented the GEMS Sapphire level to Robbins.

Robbins has been employed at Naples Family Practice since March 2006. She has demonstrated initiative and enthusiasm within her job description, as well as continuing her education for her masters degree in nursing.

She has demonstrated significant growth in the last year and has recently been promoted to clinical coordinator at Naples Family Practice. Robbins has been actively involved with mentoring and training new employees within the physician group to the Triage position and has volunteered to mentor and train Triage staff for Rumford Hospital as they implement Triage into the practices.

The Regional Professional Advancement Sub-Committee at Bridgton Hospital administers the GEMS Program.

The afternoon event concluded with John Ludwig, RN, vice president of administration, encouraging employees to consider applying for GEMS status in the years ahead.