Klay Birkey, an emergency room technician at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) in Lake City, has been named the first recipient of the hospital’s “Path to Excellence” Employee Recognition Award for her dedication, growth, and commitment to compassionate care. Birkey joined Stewart Memorial in 2016 as a unit secretary before transitioning to the ER team a year later. She later became a Basic Life Support (BLS) instructor, further expanding her impact by educating others on the proper use of automated external defibrillators (AED), CPR, and more. Birkey says, “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and take care of people. I strive every day to make a difference, especially when patients are at their worst. When they come into the ER, it’s usually the worst day of their week, and it’s rewarding to see how your care can make their day better.” CEO Linn Block says, “We are incredibly proud to recognize Klay for her exceptional contributions and the remarkable growth she has demonstrated throughout her journey at Stewart Memorial. Her dedication, commitment to excellence, and continuous professional development are a true reflection of the values that define our organization. Klay’s passion for patient care and her embodiment of our core values makes her a standout member of our team, and her positive impact is felt by both our patients and her colleagues.” The Path to Excellence Award celebrates employees demonstrating leadership, professional growth, and commitment to SMCH’s mission.
