ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - Lima Memorial Health System thanking employees for their loyalty to the hospital and the community.
The annual High Five Banquet honored 167 associates, who combined have contributed more than 2,300 years of service. Tenures reaching five through 45 years are recognized each year, and this year five people hit the 45 year milestone. Lima Memorial says that the number of employees that stick around for decades is a testament to how much their staff cares about their patients and Lima.
"I think it really shows their compassion and that they're caring; they're not in-and-out, they're here to stay," said Mike Swick, president and CEO of Lima Memorial Health System. "In doing so, they're going to treat people like members of their family, and I think that really shows in terms of the care and the friendliness and we treat people."
One of the associates reaching 45 years is Ann Kleman, who started as a staff nurse in several departments before making her way to IT. She says her coworkers have been part of the reason why she's stayed at Lima Memorial for so long.
"It's hard to believe, it's been quite the challenge and a great opportunity to work at Memorial," said Kleman, who is the Director of Clinical Informatics and Development for Lima Memorial Health System. "I have a great team and I couldn't do my job without them. [We have] a family atmosphere, and all the friends I've made over the years - we just enjoy being together and making things as fun as we can, but yet work hard."
2024 also marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of Lima Memorial.
