South Fulton Medical Center’s Cheryl Lamason, R.N.,
was awarded the prestigious Georgia Hospital Heroes Award at the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) annual Hospital Heroes Awards luncheon Dec. 14 in Atlanta. Lamason, who was one of only 10 individuals statewide to receive the award, was recognized for her services in the operating room and overall dedication to her profession.
Lamason has been employed at South Fulton for almost 26 years. Her career began during the Vietnam War, when she was an Air Force nurse. As the charge nurse for neurology, ENT and eye services in the OR, she is well-known and loved by patients, hospital staff and physicians because of how she cares so strongly for patients.
Last Christmas, Lamason learned of a patient who had fallen on hard times and was living on government assistance. Lamason suggested the staff adopt the patient’s family for the holidays. The night before Christmas, she and another staff member delivered gifts for the entire family, giving them one of the best holidays they ever had.
Lamason’s commitment to health care even extends outside the country. Last fall, she assisted Dr. Ahmed Nassar, an ophthalmologist at South Fulton, on a 10-day medical mission trip to Nigeria, where she assisted with various eye procedures. She coordinated the supplies necessary for the trip and solicited donations of medical supplies. She even came to work on her days off to train and become familiar with the equipment she would be using.
“Cheryl Lamason’s commitment to her patients and hospital is truly outstanding,” said Joseph Parker, president of GHA. “She continually goes beyond the call of duty to care for patients and make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate. She is a deserving recipient of this award.”
GHA’s Hospital Heroes Awards are presented every year to 10 individuals who display outstanding service to the health care field; in addition, one individual is presented with a Lifetime Achievement award, signifying at least 30 years of service.