Franke Kiddoo of Chatham was named the Springfield Memorial Hospital Colleague of the Year for 2021.

Kiddoo, currently a human resources associate at the nonprofit hospital, joined Springfield Memorial Hospital in 2015. When Kiddoo was named the hospital’s Colleague of the Month in February, he was serving as a unit secretary in the nursing support pool.

In this role, Kiddoo served as a safety monitor and supported other safety monitors. As more COVID-19 units opened at Springfield Memorial Hospital, Kiddoo was instrumental in ensuring the units were fully stocked, with focus on protocols that keep patients and co-workers safe. Kiddoo has worked for the nonprofit hospital for six years.

“A smiling patient is worth everything,” he said.

Safety monitors supervise clinical staff as they put on and remove personal protective equipment, ensuring clinical staff members are properly protected as they care for COVID-19 patients.

“I’ve been on multiple COVID-19 floors, and Franke’s level of engagement is far superior to others I have worked with. If I needed anything for the safety of patients and staff, he was on it,” said Jenny Rikeralm, one of two co-workers who nominated Kiddoo. “From what I have observed, Franke doesn't just live in his bubble on his assigned unit; he is interested in the overall greater good of Memorial Health.”

Outside of work, Kiddoo enjoys spending time with family and attending car shows; he’s a big fan of the Chevrolet Camaro. The Springfield Memorial Hospital Colleague of the Year receives $1,000, one week of paid time off work, one year of premium parking at the hospital and a special pin recognizing the achievement.

This was the first year that the Colleague of the Year was chosen through a vote open to all employees of Springfield Memorial Hospital and Memorial Care. A hospital committee selected previous winners.