Lynn Klein, Hospital Administrator gives a representative check to John Prentice, RRT, as the recipient of the 2012 Conkey Family Memorial AwardJohn Prentice, Registered Respiratory Therapist, (RRT), was the recipient of the 31st annual Conkey Family Memorial Award given out during National Hospital Week. The award, announced on Monday, May 7 during an afternoon reception at Mendota Community Hospital in their Prairie Café, is a cash gift given annually to an employee of MCH, chosen on the basis of his or her actions, which show the highest concern and attention for patients or the benefit of patients. The award is given to the person, who best exemplifies this attitude of care for patients directly or indirectly. Employees of MCH make nominations and the hospital’s Board of Directors chooses the recipient from those names nominated each year. Some excerpts from John’s nominations include: “truly cares about their profession”, “a true patient advocate”; “very dedicated to MCH”’; “understands the concept of “team effort”; “leads by example”’; “the kindest person I have ever known”; “always going above and beyond to help”; “excellent clinical skills”; “would be thankful to have this employee care for my family members”; and “his staff feels absolutely blessed to have him as their manager”.