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Linda “Joyce” Williams was recently recognized by Ballad Health and Sycamore Shoals Hospital for 55 years of employment.

Williams works in clerical. “I take care of all the charts, make appointments, call consultants for doctors, order supplies, take care of the paperwork as well as the copier,” she shared. That’s just a few of the many things she does. In fact, she keeps up with everybody and everything. If a doctor or nurse wants to know something about a patient they go to Williams.

When she started to work, it was at the old Carter County Memorial Hospital in dietary, making salads. She then went to the snack bar, and soon after that there was an opening in clerical, and she was able to transfer. “That’s where I’ve been ever since,” said Williams.

During her 55 years of employment at the hospital, Williams has seen a lot of people come and go, including doctors and nurses, as well as changes in the workplace. “The biggest chance has been technology – computers. All records are on computers such as patient information, charting, and doctors’ orders and diagnostic reports. It has made a big difference in how records are kept,” Williams shared.

“I’ve enjoyed my work at the hospital. I’ve met a lot of people, made many friends and seen a lot of changes,” Williams said.

“There have been a lot of changes since Ballad took over, the most recent being the closing of the Intensive Care Unit. I think one of the biggest losses was the closing of the birthing center and its move to Franklin Woods. It was so convenient for people in Carter County. We had a lot of babies born at Sycamore Shoals,” she said.

Another big change she has witnessed is the hiring of hospital doctors. “Very few doctors make hospital calls now. Patients are seen by the hospital doctors. Before they leave the hospital we make them an appointment for follow-up with their primary care physician,” Williams added.

Williams was also very complimentary of the nurses at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. “We have a lot of good nurses. They really care about the patients and most go out of their way to make patients comfortable and see to their needs. They are very dedicated to their work. I would put them up against nurses at any hospital,” she said.

Williams said she does not plan to retire anytime soon. “I like my job and the people I work with. I try to help anyway I can…it’s my life,” she said.

Joyce is the mother of four children, Robert, Marilyn, Mark, and Keith (deceased.) Additionally, she has two granddaughters, Madison Franklin and Jessica Hale.

She and her husband, Joe, are active members of East Side Free Will Baptist Church.

To celebrate her 55 years of employment with the hospital, Linda was presented a plaque from hospital personnel in the shape of the numerals 55.

 

Star Photo/Delaney Scalf

Linda (Joyce) Williams is pictured with her  “55” years plaque presented to her in recognition of her 55 years of employment at Sycamore Shoals Hospital.