Bridgeport and Stratford residents among employees of the quarter at Bridgeport Hospital

Maria Casanovas of Stratford and Elvin Padin of Bridgeport are among Bridgeport Hospital’s latest employees of the quarter for their outstanding service to patients and colleagues. They were selected from among 11 nominees for the period July-September for their achievement, pride in their work, and attitude of teamwork and caring. Kendra Carlson, who requested that her hometown be withheld, was named the hospital’s third employee of the quarter.

Casanovas is a patient account representative who joined the hospital in 2007. Her nominators stated: “Although her primary responsibilities are registration and front desk coverage, Maria takes the initiative to help all her co-workers. She is exceptional to patients, taking the time to explain what to expect and putting them at ease.”

Padin joined the hospital in 1996. He is an Emergency Department technician. “During times of stress and anxiety, patients rely on Elvin for support and encouragement,” his nominators said.  “He combines strong clinical skills with compassion to exceed patients’ expectations. He is also well liked and respected by colleagues.”

Carlson is an art therapist in the Recreational Therapy Department. She started at the hospital in 2008. “Kendra engages participants and creates a positive environment for sharing and growth,” her nominators wrote. “And she does it all with enthusiasm and a smile on her face. She is an advocate for art therapy and shares her knowledge with the staff.”

All nominees receive a lapel pin and letter of commendation. The three finalists receive a plaque and are eligible to be named Employee of the Year.

Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health, is a non-profit 501-bed acute care hospital with two campuses (plus 42 beds licensed to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital). Its Bridgeport and Milford Campuses serve patients from across the region. The hospital admits more than 23,000 patients and provides nearly 350,000 outpatient treatments annually. The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state and one of only 64 verified burn centers in the United States. Bridgeport Hospital is committed to providing safe, compassionate and cost efficient care to its patients and the community. www.bridgeporthospital.org