Joan Rutherford, who has been with West Tennessee Healthcare for 18 years, was named the organization’s employee of the month for August.

A receptionist at the front of the A3 Mother Baby Unit, Joan was presented the award when the West Tennessee Healthcare Board of Trustees held their monthly meeting at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Tuesday.

The presentation was made by Deann Thelen, VP/CEO, JMCGH, and Tania Lambert, Director, Customer Excellence.

According to a press release from Amy Garner – Chief Compliance & Communications Officer – West Tennessee Healthcare Clinical services – Joan does not just answer the phones and direct visitors to where they need to go.

Every day, she goes above and beyond to greet the visitors with respect while enforcing the visitation rules.

It takes several people to do what Ms. Joan does. Doctors and nurses know that when she is in command, the floor is going to run more smoothly.

She is a blessing to our department and the visitors. A3 staff love Ms. Joan and say they could not be such a wonderful floor without her.

(PHOTO: Joan Rutherford)