Griffin Hospital Recognizes Dedicated, Exemplary Employees

Griffin Health, of Derby, recently honored more than 900 employees and physicians who reached service milestones of 5 years and more, and announced its 2026 Employee of the Year and Department of the Year at its 54th Annual Service Awards celebration at Aria in Prospect.

At a “Broadway Bash” themed celebration, Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel personally presented gifts of appreciation to longtime employees and announced Mammography and Breast Sonography Technologist Judith Abaidoo as the 2026 Employee of the Year and the Griffin Hospital Central Processing Department as the 2026 Department of the Year.

Abaidoo Named Top Caregiver

A caregiver at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital since 2023, Abaidoo regularly receives thankful comments from patients that describe her as professional, kind, calm, and reassuring.

“Guided by the belief in serving something larger than herself, Judith’s impact is seen in the experience she creates for every patient,” Charmel said. “Even in situations where patients arrive anxious or uncomfortable, Judith creates a sense of trust. Her colleagues recognize her steady presence under pressure and view her as a role model who leads by example.”

Griffin’s Employee of the Year selection come from its monthly I Take It Personally (ITIP) Award program where employees are nominated by their colleagues. Each month, up to four Griffin Health caregivers are selected for their efforts to improve patient satisfaction and promote Griffin’s commitment to person-centered care. Of these ITIP winners, four are selected as finalists for the honor of Employee of the Year.

Central Processing Department Named Department of the Year

The Griffin Hospital Central Processing Department was honored with Department of the Year for disciplined execution, consistent process control, and an unwavering focus on clinical safety.

Central Processing achieved a high level of performance this year, showing meticulous attention to detail during several HVAC infrastructure upgrades in which there was not a single surgical case delay. The department also improved instrument processing and the availability and readiness of surgical instruments through staff education, workplace safety, and innovative technologies that have elevated both employee performance and service quality.

“The team’s responsiveness to clinical needs, including the development of specialized emergency instrument trays and additional safety testing protocols, reflect their spirit of collaboration and accountability,” Charmel said. “Their consistency, coordination, and control flawlessly support exceptional surgical patient care every day.”

The Department of the Year is selected from the four hospital departments selected as “Department of the Quarter” by the ITIP program.