LEWISTON — Central Maine Medical Center has recognized several employees for their exceptional performance in the workplace and beyond.

During a recent ceremony at the hospital, CMMC administration, management and employees paid tribute to eight fellow employees from various quarters of the organization who have consistently performed above expectations while also making significant contributions to their communities.

The Health care Employees Reaching Out with Exceptional Service Award was established several years ago by the Central Maine Medical Family to acknowledge outstanding employees at CMMC, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital. The awards are presented annually. CMMC announced its roster of HEROES in June.

To be recognized, an employee must be nominated by a fellow employee through a formal review process. CMMC’s divisional vice presidents select the award winners.

CMMC’s 2010 HEROES are:

Nancy Chasse, secretary in the Endoscopy-Minor Surgery Department, a 30-plus-year CMMC employee was recognized, in part, for her “reassuring presence for anxious patients and families.” Her nomination included the observation that “She is the go-to person for any questions that come up.”

Susane Driscoll, a personal health counselor at the CMMC Wellness Center, was acknowledged for her ongoing commitment to helping clients and coworkers. An example, her nomination noted, happened recently when a long-time Wellness Center client passed away. “Sue went above and beyond to accommodate all clients that wished to attend the funeral services, even going as far as setting up a carpool so that those who cannot drive were still able to attend.”

Lisa Ann Farnum, an information associate for the Inpatient Medical Oncology nursing unit, was cited because, as her nomination noted, “regardless of how much she has going on she willingly helps out.” She “demonstrates integrity through her strong work ethic and honest approach” and promotes enhanced productivity by developing work flow improvements.

Carol Kane, a payroll specialist in the Finance Division, was honored, among other things, because she “strives to ensure that she does whatever she can to be there in support for those needing help. She always goes the extra mile for people.” The nomination noted “Carol naturally promotes a can-do and accommodating spirit in both good and not so good times.”

Thomas Kearns, a boiler operator in the Plant Operations Department, was described as “ever-vigilant in his efforts to provide services to hospital staff and customers.” The nomination recounted an amusing story of someone hearing loud sounds coming from the maintenance area at night. These sounds turned out to be Kearns breaking up concrete to install a pump because “he knew how hard one of his colleagues had worked that day and decided to give him a hand.”

Pam Culleton, clinical coordinator at Central Maine Pediatrics, was recognized for being an outstanding example of a team member who cares completely for anyone around her. “She ensures that needs are identified and met,” the nomination stated, adding “Pam has fostered a very successful team environment in the practice. Pam has met the challenge of maintaining quality care to patients while juggling many hats with minimal supervision.”

Kathy Jacques, executive secretary-registrar-recruiter at the CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions was observed as being “proud of the work that is accomplished at our facility and that pride is evident when she interacts with the public.” Also, “Integrity is one of Kathy’s finest qualities. I cannot wish to have a better co-worker and I am proud to call her a friend as well.”

Maureen Higgins, cancer health outreach educator at The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing was recognized because she “consistently demonstrates deep compassion toward others” and for her consummate skills at arranging help for others. “She conducts herself with both integrity and decorum,” the nomination noted. “She has a wealth of experience, wisdom and passion.”