Belinda Johnson Lauded for Excellence

7/1/2011

Russellville, Ala.  – LifePoint Hospitals®, a leading hospital company focused on providing quality healthcare services close to home, recently awarded its 2011 Fleetwood Award for Operational Excellence to Belinda Johnson, chief nursing officer and chief clinical officer at Russellville Hospital.

The annual award is presented to a deserving hospital leader who exemplifies the values and spirit of LifePoint’s former chief executive officer, the late Jim Fleetwood, who possessed a management style marked by integrity; a commitment to employees and their professional development; strength of judgment and character; and a commitment to leadership in the community.

“Throughout her 26-year tenure at Russellville Hospital, during which time she’s advanced from staff RN to CNO, Belinda has worked hard to build strong relationships with managers, employees and physicians.  She is a team builder and collaborator, but also tenacious and unwavering in drawing a hard line when it comes to protecting the quality of patient care,” said LifePoint President of Operations Planning and Support Scott Raplee, who presented the award. 

“Belinda works diligently with Russellville Hospital’s medical staff to improve patient outcomes. She is also deeply committed to creating an outstanding environment for employees and helping ensure that the hospital is fiscally responsible.”

“Belinda is passionately dedicated to our patients, employees, physicians and community making her most deserving of this award. We were so proud and honored that she was selected.” said Russellville Hospital CEO Christine Stewart. 

Johnson has served Russellville Hospital for the past 26 years, serving as its CNO and CCO for the past 10.  Under her leadership, the hospital’s quality performance has been outstanding.

Johnson is also devoted to strengthening Russellville Hospital’s role in the community.  She serves as chairman of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Franklin County, Ala., and as a legislative ambassador for her congressional district on behalf of the American Cancer Society.  In 2010, Johnson was named an American Cancer Society Hero of Hope.  She also recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the County Industrial Board for her leadership with the American Cancer Society.

In addition, in April, Johnson led the hospital’s response during the tornado disaster in Alabama, which devastated the nearby towns of Phil Campbell and Hackleburg.