GPHC honours outstanding employees with CEO Trailblazer Awards

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has recognised a remarkable group of employees for their exceptional service and dedication through its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Trailblazer Awards, celebrating honourees from January to September 2025. The awards were presented on Friday, by CEO Robbie Rambarran during a special ceremony held at the hospital. The CEO Trailblazer Award is a monthly initiative that honours staff members who exemplify professionalism, dedication, and alignment with GPHC’s mission and values. The initiative seeks to highlight employees who have gone above and beyond in their respective roles, contributing to the hospital’s operational success, positive culture, and patient-centred care. In his remarks, the CEO commended the honourees for their commitment, describing them as “inspirations within the hospital system.” He stated, “I know we put in a lot of work here at this hospital to keep it running, and sometimes, just hearing ‘well done’ means a lot. These awards are meant to highlight those who stand out in a given month — individuals who show initiative, passion, and commitment that inspire others.”

Among those recognised were professionals from a range of departments, including facilities management, general surgery, sanitation, nursing, paediatrics, information technology (IT), and communications. For January, Kirth Samuels of the Facilities Management Department was honoured for his leadership in the preparation and installation of the hospital’s new steam plant, a project that transitioned GPHC from diesel to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), saving millions in operational costs. In February, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar was recognised for his outstanding work in general surgery, leading the Department of Surgery’s second Research Day and overseeing the in-house launch of the Smile Train Programme, which now allows cleft lip and palate surgeries to be performed several times a year at GPHC. The March award went to Devonna Bowman, an Operating Room Technician (ORT) known for her precision and expertise in the Main Operating Theatre and Central Sterile Supply Unit. Nurse Alisha Tirbeni, attached to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), was the April honouree for spearheading the introduction of a Closed Suction System, now a standard practice that improves patient safety and ICU care. In May, Hazel Hodge of the Sanitation Department was commended for her exceptional pride and dedication, particularly her initiative in maintaining the hospital’s main drain — a task she performs voluntarily and consistently. Zakira Harif, Coordinator of Sanitation, received the June award for his leadership and tireless commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness across the hospital. Dr Winsome Scott, who leads Neonatal Services, was named the July recipient for her passionate advocacy and leadership in improving the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which earned the Hand Hygiene Excellence Award earlier this year. August’s honouree, Timothy Melville, GPHC’s IT Manager, was recognised for his role in driving the hospital’s digital transformation and laying the groundwork for the upcoming National Electronic Health Records (EHR) System.

September’s award went to Stacy Peters, Communications Manager, whose leadership has transformed GPHC’s public relations, staff engagement, and event management, enhancing the hospital’s image and internal culture. Rambarran noted that some recipients were personally selected by him, while others were nominated based on departmental recommendations. “The CEO Trailblazer Award is not just a mark of recognition,” he emphasised, “it’s a celebration of those whose daily actions reflect the highest standards of professionalism, empathy, and service. Whether on the frontlines or behind the scenes, these employees represent the very best of who we are.”
The GPHC extended heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to all awardees, noting that their dedication, initiative, and commitment continue to inspire excellence across the institution and reinforce the hospital’s mission to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care to every patient, every day.