Jhonelly Gil, a Housekeeping Aide, Selected As NYC Health + Hospitals 2021 Amazing Employee of the Year
Gil was selected from among a workforce of 44,000 health care heroes
Gil's selection underscores vital role of behind-the-scenes,
non-clinical workers who support the front lines of patient care and safety
Apr 07, 2022
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that Jhonelly Gil, a housekeeping aide in the Department of Environmental Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, was voted “2021 Amazing Employee of the Year,” representing the public health system’s 44,000 workforce. Gil has been at NYC Health + Hospitals for 14 years and is responsible for cleaning and disinfecting the Emergency Department rooms, a job that was especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is beloved by his work family and won the hearts of all the NYC Health + Hospitals employees who this month voted for Gil from a final group of 35 nominees selected for distinguished service, significant achievements, and for displaying extraordinary care and compassion to their colleagues and patients. Gil was born in Manhattan, grew up in the Dominican Republic, and returned to New York City at age 17.
“This is an honor. Of all the hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, and all these people doing great things, for me to win has to be God’s work,” said Gil. “I love Bellevue and the staff members I work with in the emergency room. I always say ‘Good Morning’ to everybody even if I don’t know the person. When I step in the elevator or pass by someone, I try to keep a positive spirit and positive mindset, regardless of whatever I’m going through. It’s like an echo. If you show someone respect and you show them love, you’re going to get it back.”
“Especially during the pandemic, Jhonelly Gil’s positivity and motivating presence helped boost his co-workers’ spirits to allow them to get through some dark times,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “Jhonelly represents the amazing, compassionate workers across our health system and the fact that he was voted in by all our employees, competing with many others on the front lines of patient care, is a great acknowledgement of the vital role of behind-the-scenes, non-clinical workers in patient care and safety.”
“Jhonelly treats everyone with courtesy and respect, it doesn’t matter who they are, employees, patients or visitors,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief Operating Officer Marcia Peters. “His work ethic, helpful attitude and serene demeanor have secured him the Employee of the Month recognition on two occasions. Jhonelly is not only an amazing employee, he has an amazing influence on all who have the honor of interacting with him. We are extremely proud of him!”