Rafael Nocum, Hamilton Medical Center Food Services patient ambassador, received the Hamilton Heart Honoree of the Year Award for 2023. From left, Anthony Frank, Food Services director; Mr. Nocum; Sandy McKenzie, president and CEO of Hamilton Medical Center; and Jeff Myers, president and CEO of Hamilton Health Care System.
Rafael Nocum, Hamilton Medical Center Food Services supervisor, received the Hamilton Heart Honoree of the Year Award for 2023.
Mr. Nocum received the Heart of Hamilton Award earlier in the year and qualified for the Hamilton Heart Honoree of the Year Award. He was nominated for the award because he took quick, heroic action during a hostile event that was paramount in keeping patients, visitors and staff safe.
On the day of the incident, Mr. Nocum, who was a patient ambassador at the time, entered a room to a patient. When Mr. Nocum went inside, the patient became increasingly aggressive. Mr. Nocum quickly left and held the door closed in order to prevent the patient from harming other patients and staff members.
Originally from the Philippines, Mr. Nocum was barely a year into his job where he worked delivering food trays three times a day. But already he had become known not only as a reliable worker but also as someone who went the extra mile for patients and would light up a room with his infectious smile.
“He brings a sort of charisma,” said Rogér Haikal, Food Services operations manager. “He really means well for others. He wants to see other people, other co-workers grow, and he wants to be there for them and help them grow.”
Mr. Nocum said he really appreciates the award but he was accepting the award for everyone in Food Services. “I’m overwhelmed with this so much, to be honest,” he said. “We don’t work only because we are employed, only because we need money. We work to glorify God.”
The Heart of Hamilton Award is provided as a way to recognize Hamilton associates or volunteers for actions that truly demonstrate the “Heart of Hamilton” (serving with compassion through professionalism, respect, integrity, diligence and excellence).
“Raphael is unique,” said Anthony Frank, Food Services director. “His personality, his willingness to do anything to make a patient, guest or anybody that he interacts with smile. He’s very conscious of safety. When he’s in the kitchen, he’s cleaning and sanitizing and always working with the other employees to make sure that we’re doing the best possible job to deliver the best quality product to our patients.”