Morris Hospital Honors Employee for Making Life Better for Others
September 24, 2020 – Everyone could use a ray of sunshine in their day, especially in these uncertain times. That’s the effect Lou-Ann Keyser, a patient service representative with Morris Hospital Allergy Specialists, has on everyone around her. Whether she’s assisting a patient or covering for a coworker, Keyser has a unique ability to put a smile on the face of those around her. She was selected as Morris Hospital’s Fire Starter of the Month for August.
A resident of Channahon, Keyser joined Morris Hospital in September 2015. From the start, she has made an incredible difference in the lives of others.
When it comes to the patients, co-worker Deborah Miller says Keyser goes out of her way to create a welcoming environment, greeting every patient with a warm smile and the utmost respect, along with making them feel like family. For Keyser, it’s an essential part of working in healthcare.
“I truly believe it’s imperative to have a caring and compassionate character if you’re going to work in healthcare,” says Keyser. “Patients aren’t making appointments because they’re feeling great, and especially today, they have added concerns and uncertainties. As part of a great team of patient service representatives, we recognize that we are the first encounter with patients and the last.”
“My job is to make the registration and insurance process non-stressful for patients,” adds Keyser. “It’s my job to know my part in the organization and to make everything as easy as possible for patients when they’re calling in. It’s also my goal to have them smiling when they arrive and smiling when they leave.”
In addition to the positive impact she has on patients, Keyser is described by co-workers as being the “epitome of a team player.”
“Lou-Ann is always willing to help out any co-worker she can,” says Miller. “She keeps her co-workers smiling and is always brightening our day. She has gone above and beyond making us all feel special. She inspires everyone to be better.”
Erin Kotowski, Director of Operations, Ambulatory Services, says Keyser is an excellent, deserving choice for the Fire Starter honors.
“She is just an absolute pleasure to be around in the office and in the Healthcare Centers,” says Kotowski. “She is incredibly flexible and willing to help any office at any time, is eager to help patients and co-workers, and is an excellent healthcare navigator resource for our patients, whether for insurance or just general questions. We are so lucky to have her on our team.”
In early civilizations, fire starters were individuals who had the important job of keeping the flame alive. With over 1,400 employees, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employer in Grundy County.
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