2008 FRIST HUMANITARIAN AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

Local Chaplain Recognized for National Award

Left to Right: Dr. Vilma Vega; Chaplain Lionel Nelson; Doctors Hospital CEO Robert Meade; Lorrie Ernst RN

SARASOTA, FLORDIA (April 13, 2009) - Registered Nurse Lorrie Ernst, Dr. Vilma Vega, and Chaplain Lionel Nelson were recently awarded Doctors Hospital of Sarasota 2008 Frist Humanitarian Award. Local recipients were eligible for the 2008 Frist Humanitarian Award, the highest honor an employee, physician, and volunteer can receive at HCA, the parent company of Doctors Hospital of Sarasota. HCA recognizes one Frist Humanitarian Award national winner along with two finalists for each of the three categories. Chaplain Nelson has been selected as one of the two volunteer national finalists for the 2008 Frist Humanitarian Award. He was chosen from over 225 nominations to be distinguished as a finalist.

Chaplain Nelson has been a volunteer Chaplain at Doctors Hospital for over 36 years. He is the coordinator of the chaplains and works three mornings a week and after church on Sundays at the hospital. He also generously volunteers his time at his church and at Sunnyside Retirement Community. In March 2008 Chaplain Nelson was honored by Doctors Hospital for his many years of service and an education fund was established in his name to assist employees with their educational needs.

As a finalist of this prestigious award, Chaplain Nelson will receive a cash gift, a $1000 contribution to this charity of his choice, and recognition during the national awards ceremony on Monday, April 20.

The Frist Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize one employee, one physician and one volunteer at each HCA-affiliated facility who demonstrate extraordinary concern for the welfare and happiness of patients and their community. The Frist Humanitarian Awards are given annually in recognition of the humanitarian spirit and philanthropic work of the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., a founder of HCA.

Lorrie Ernst has been an RN for 23 years specializing in wound care and ostomy and has earned a national reputation in the area of wound care, helping families from all over the US. Lorrie has generously donated her time traveling to Kenya and India providing medical care with an organization called “Hearts A Fire.” Also Lorrie personally solicits wound care suppliers to provide donations and sends them to Afghanistan.

Dr. Vilma Vega is an Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases/HIV Specialist. Dr. Vega founded the international non-profit organization called Hearts A Fire that provides medical care and treatment to third world countries. She coordinates three trips a year and also recruits also doctors and nurses to help on these missions.

“HCA is committed to delivering quality patient care. We are extremely proud to recognize Lorrie Ernst, Dr. Vilma Vega, and Chaplain Lionel Nelson for their efforts on behalf of our patients and our community,” said Robert Meade, CEO of Doctors Hospital. “Their exemplary work and compassion sets a high standard for healthcare professionals. We’re proud to them as part of the Doctors Hospital family. Our patients benefit from the kind of commitment to humanitarian concerns these winners demonstrate each day.”

"I am very proud to present these awards," said Richard M. Bracken, HCA CEO. " Lorrie Ernst, Dr. Vilma Vega, and Chaplain Lionel Nelson are an inspiration to all of our employees and volunteers. Their generosity and dedication serve as a living example of HCA's commitment to the care and improvement of human life. "