Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured from left are Steve Smyth, director of RehabWorks; David Lemay, PT; Janice Lyle; and Laurie MacDonald, Warren General Hospital chief financial officer.

Warren General Hospital physical therapist David Lemay was recently presented with the organization’s ninth Being Exceptional Everyday (BEE) Award.

The award honors hospital employees that are not licensed nurses, according to a release from WGH. Nominations may be made by patients, their families or coworkers. Recipients are chosen by a WGH committee.

In Lemay’s case, a patient made the nomination.

“I had a total knee replacement in March of 2023. I went into the surgery confident that I would quickly be back in the swing of life… However, the reality of the loss of mobility, trouble sleeping, pain, the loss of independence (no driving) and the time it takes to recover from surgery was a bit (well, very) overwhelming,” patient Janice Lyle stated in her nomination letter. “After a few therapy sessions at home. I started going to Rehab Works… Dave Lemay, the physical therapist, has gone above and beyond expectations in helping me get back my mobility and strength.

I’m still not 100 percent recovered and there is still work ahead, but I can see the light up ahead. I am happy that I went to RehabWorks and have Dave as my physical therapist.”.

“Recognizing non-nursing staff who demonstrate our core values here at Warren General Hospital is important to us,” according to the release. “The Warren General Hospital Leadership Team appreciates everything they do to make the hospital and our patients a top priority.”

WGH Chief Executive Officer Rick Allen said, “It is important our employees know their work is highly valued, and the BEE Program provides a way for us to do that.”

The award was designed to be a companion the DAISY award, which is presented to nurses for exceptional efforts.

WGH Chief Nursing Officer Joe Akif said, “We are proud to recognize our exceptional healthcare workers. They are everyday heroes, and it’s important they know their work is highly valued. The BEE award provides a way for us to do that.”

According to the release, honorees receive a certificate of commendation, a gift card at the hospital gift shop, four free lunches at the hospital cafeteria, eight hours of time off and a bumblebee jasper crystal from Indonesia.