The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

GLYNIS Armbrister, administrator of the Mangrove Cay Clinic, was yesterday named the April recipient of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Unsung Heroes Award.

As she accepted the award during a press conference at the PHA's Third Terrace Corporate Office, Ms Armbrister said she has always worked to give the best service possible irrespective of who was watching or what was demanded of her.

Expressing joy over her selection, Ms Armbrister said she remains hopeful that her award stands as a challenge to others in the industry to put their best efforts forward each day.

She also said that there continues to be a serious need for quality service, adding that patients deserve the absolute best when they are being assisted.

"When a patient is presented to me or presented to anybody, I become that (patient), especially when they present to me. I put myself in their shoes," Ms Armbrister, affectionately known as "Miss Penny," said.

"I came out of a strong foundation…. there was no toleration for mediocrity. You had to go above and beyond and that is the basis of who I am today.

"Customer service is not a surface. It is real. I am accused of being passionate because I need to get things done; I need to make that patient feel that they are recognised and that I empathise with them."

PHA Managing Director Herbert Brown, on hand for Wednesday's presentation, commended Ms Armbrister for her years of "relentless, empathetic, experienced and focused" service.

"It takes a very special kind of person to excel in the environment of a Family Island clinic," Mr Brown stated.

He noted the pride he felt to present the award to Ms Armbrister, with whom he worked closely during his time at the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama.

"I am not surprised that Ms. Armbrister is being recognised with this award. In fact I told her as much when I learned that she was selected as the April recipient.

"When I served as hospital administrator in Grand Bahama, I was impressed with her commitment and work ethic at the Rand Memorial Hospital and I am pleased to see that she has continued to excel and represent the best qualities of our public health system.

"Indeed, Ms Penny entered the public service in 1982 at the Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport. She returned to her native Mangrove Cay, Andros in 1992 and applied her experience and talents for the benefit of her fellow Androsians," he added.

The PHA Unsung Heroes Award is a monthly recognition, given to employees in the PHA who have made extended and noteworthy contributions to the health services industry in the Bahamas.

The initiative is part of a ground breaking public-private partnership between the PHA and Tribune Media Group.

Kevin Darville, Tribune Media Group's special projects coordinator, presented Ms Bain with a cash prize of $1,000, a voucher for dinner for two at the Dune restaurant at the One&Only Ocean Club, a pin to commemorate her selection as the fourth monthly winner and a certificate to mark the achievement.

Ms Armbrister joins wheelchair valet Veronica Ferguson and veteran nurses Patricia Laing and Una Bain as recipients of the monthly award.

The award is open to employees of the PHA, with nominations now being accepted for April.