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News Release

Sarah Hobbs, patient acccess manager for Harlan ARH Hospital, has been awarded the Customer Service Excellence Award from the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce for her exemplary service to the community.

She was recognized for her positive attitude and for going above and beyond for the patients she serves at Harlan ARH.

“I appreciate that the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce recognized Sarah for what we see and our patients experience daily – Customer Service Excellence. Sarah is truly an asset to Harlan ARH and her ‘Patient First’ mindset is evident in the way that she carries herself and leads Harlan’s Admissions Department. She strives to ensure that each and every patient’s experience is nothing short of amazing.” Horton says Hobbs’ leadership and professionalism is an example for all and “spreads to the rest of her staff and sets the bar for patient interaction throughout the facility,” said Joseph Horton, Harlan ARH Hospital CEO.

“When I think of Sarah, the first thing that comes to mind is her faith. This drives her to be a servant leader and live by the Golden Rule of Luke 6:31 – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I am thankful for Sarah’s dedication to our community, hospital and patients. Her attitude and work ethic inspires me to be a better person and leader,” Dywayne Craig, Harlan ARH Hospital COO, said.

It is easy to see examples of Hobbs’ service to patients throughout her years. At times she has provided transportation home or bought needed clothing for discharged patients. She continues to sit with concerned families trying to give some comfort in stressful times. Whatever the situation, Hobbs greets everyone with a smile and is genuinely appreciative of the opportunity to serve.

Hobbs credits current and past administrative teams for making her job easy. After four decades, she still looks forward to coming to work. She tries to live by the scripture, “Whatever thy hand finds to do, do it with thy might….”

Hobbs was key in the development and implementation of the SMILE program. This program for Harlan ARH Hospital employees centers on promoting outstanding customer service and patient satisfaction. Hobbs is also a management lead for the Employee Advisory Council which plans and promotes activities and events designed for employee morale and well-being.

Patient and family input is invaluable to ARH and Hobbs is part of the executive rounding team that interacts with patients daily. Rounding provides Hobbs with more opportunities to offer comfort, a prayer, to simply hold a hand for a moment or to share a laugh.

Although Hobbs has more than 40 years with Harlan ARH Hospital, she is not ready for retirement because she loves people.

“I love what I do so not yet,” she said.