Hospital Week (originally Hospital Day) was created in 1921 to promote trust and confidence in hospitals following public fear from the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic.
For more than a century, hospitals have been serving their communities, providing hope and comfort to patients and families through their care. As we close out Hospital Week, we pause to reflect on the impact Kettering Health has had on the communities we serve over the years, and those team members who have delivered and supported that care, like Penelope (Penny) Beery.
Penny Beery is a linen technician at Kettering Health Main Campus, where she has 50 years of service.
Penny started at KH Main Campus as an aide, then worked as an LPN for 40 years before moving to Materials Management, where she works today. She has also spent tremendous time volunteering. Penny has 6,300 hours in volunteer time at Kettering Health Main Campus—equal to 12 years of time.
We asked her a few questions about how she’s seen the healthcare industry change over the years, and what it’s been like working at Kettering Health for five decades.
The healthcare industry has changed drastically over the last five decades, including technology capabilities, and you’ve been here through it all. What have been some of the most interesting changes you’ve seen in healthcare throughout your career?
“I have seen a whole bunch of stuff, for example, computers. You used to have write everything down on paper. We also used to have to draw saline, and now we have flushes.”
Collaboration is essential to every role and has likely played a large part in your career here. What has that looked like for you?
“I was on 3 West Pediatric for 25 years and everyone worked as a team.”
Kettering Health has evolved a lot in the last 50 years. What moments stand out to you the most?
“Dr. Percy was a plastic surgeon, and he told me that I did the best dressing changes in the entire hospital and in taking care of his patients.”
What has encouraged you to continue working at Kettering Health all this time?
“I’ve continued working at Kettering Health because of the friendships I’ve developed, the Christian atmosphere, and our dedication to healthcare.”