It was a big surprise for Shirley Story, director of health Information management for Memorial Hospital and Manor Tuesday afternoon, when she opened the door to the Women’s Center classroom and turned on the lights.
Nearly every hospital employee who could get away from their post for a few minutes was in the room waiting for her. Family, neighbors and friends, as well as hospital authority members were also present.
The event was a celebration of her 50-year employment anniversary with Memorial Hospital and Manor.
Mrs. Story began working as an employee at Memorial Hospital on Dec. 1, 1963 as a medical records technician. Prior to that she did volunteer work before being hired by her sister, Mary Beauchamp.
During her tenure she has overseen the transition of medical records from paper card indexes to the electronic medical record system now used.
When the hospital opened in 1960, it had 80 beds and there was one person in the medical records department. With the hiring of Mrs. Story  the department expanded to two people, then to three in the 1970s and four by 1985.
The growth of the hospital continued with the addition of a 107-bed nursing home at the Manor and the Willow Ridge personal care facility. As the responsibilities of her department grew, so did she. She earned certification as an accredited records technician in 1975 and later became a registered health information technician. She was soon promoted to medical records director and today she manages a staff of 17 employees in that department.
She has continued to learn and grow through her professional organizations. She was instrumental in organizing the first degree program in medical administrative technology at Bainbridge State College and is also a member of the college’s community advisory committee of the health careers and professional studies division. She has served in leadership positions in statewide health information management organizations.
Memorial Hospital and Manor CEO, Billy Walker called Shirley Story one of the most dedicated employees at Memorial Hospital and Manor. “She has worked tirelessly to keep the department updated in all areas of Health Information Management,” he said.
Walker advised she is respected by all of the medical staff, which was clearly demonstrated on Tuesday. The large turnout of well wishers and the large spread of food that filled two tables were all signs of the love and devotion felt for her.