UNC Health Chatham Recognizes Paula Thompson with a PETAL Award

UNC Health Chatham has honored Paula Thompson of Nutrition Food Service with the PETAL Award. Earlier in the ceremony, held during Hospital Week, Thompson was also recognized for her 40 years of service with the hospital.

Thompson was nominated by a community member who described her as a steady, compassionate presence during a difficult time. In the nomination, the writer shared that Thompson noticed when help was needed, paused her work to assist with carrying items and finding a patient room, helped place food orders, personally delivered a meal, and took extra time to make sure the family had everything they needed. The nominator also recalled Thompson’s concern after noticing signs of physical strain, saying her kindness and attentiveness brought “a positive light” during a challenging hospital experience.

An excerpt from the nomination reads, “It is very seldom that you meet such a kind person as Mrs. Thompson. She is a person I will never forget and will always associate her kindness with the staff of this hospital. She is UNC Health Chatham.”

“Caring for patients and families is simply part of who I am and what I am here for,” Thompson said. “When someone is in distress, I do my best to step in and help in any way I can.”

The PETAL Award recognizes UNC Health Chatham teammates, other than nurses, who go above and beyond in service to patients and families. According to UNC Health Chatham, PETAL stands for Professionalism, Expertise, Talent, and Leadership, and recipients are selected from nominations submitted by patients, loved ones, or fellow teammates and reviewed by the Chatham Executive Team.

Thompson was recognized during UNC Health Chatham’s Hospital Week festivities which included annual service and leadership awards recognition, honoring the many teammates whose work helps advance high-quality care across the organization.