News & Media

Holden Flynn, a paramedic at UNC Health Rockingham, was recently honored with the BEE Award for Extraordinary Patient Care. Flynn has served as a paramedic for seventeen years, including the past six years at UNC Health Rockingham, where he is known for his dedication, compassion, and positive attitude toward both patients and colleagues. Flynn earned his associate degree from Forsyth Technical Community College and later completed his bachelor’s degree at Western Carolina University. In addition to his patient care responsibilities, he is actively involved in staff education, currently teaching an EKG Basics course for UNC Health Rockingham employees through the hospital's training department.

UNC Health Rockingham announced this week that ApolloMD will become the new group providing doctors and advanced practice providers for the hospital’s Emergency Department. The partnership marks a new day for emergency care in Rockingham County.

UNC Health Rockingham and UNC Health Chatham are pleased to welcome Kevin Kilday in a joint role as Chief Financial Officer of both entities. In this role, Kilday will provide strategic financial leadership for both hospitals, supporting operational performance, long-term planning and continued efforts to strengthen access to high-quality care throughout the communities they serve.

The UNC Health Rockingham Board of Directors recently welcomed Trina Jones, PhD, and Lupo Galvan as new members. The board also welcomes Will Flynt as chair and John Dabbs, DC, as vice chair. Jones and Galvan each bring a strong commitment to Rockingham County and a desire to support local access to high-quality care. Their professional backgrounds in education, workforce development, healthcare and small business will help inform the board’s ongoing work as UNC Health Rockingham continues serving patients and families across the region.

Rebecca Autry, a Pharmacist Coordinator at UNC Health Rockingham Pharmacy, was honored with the BEE Award for Extraordinary Patient Care. Autry has been working in the pharmacy for nearly 20 years and says that UNC Health Rockingham is her “home away from home.” She was nominated by her supervisor for her selfless act of compassionate patient care. There was a patient who had been in the hospital for several months. During rounds a discussion was had about getting the patient outside in the fresh air to enjoy change of scenery, but the patient did not have a coat or gloves and it was winter time. Rebecca went out and purchased a coat and gloves, on her own, and had the nurse supervisor give it to the patient. Rebecca’s thoughtfulness and generosity was way outside of her scope of work.

Zachary Lewis, RN, was honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at UNC Health Rockingham during last week’s Nurses Week celebration. Hospital nursing leadership along with senior administrators gathered on the unit to celebrate Lewis, along with his fellow nursing teammates and many of his family members. A DAISY Award nomination for Lewis came from the family member of a patient who had physical challenges and lowered cognitive function. The nominator stated that he went above and beyond to make sure that the patient was comfortable and that his family knew what was happening the whole stay. Lewis made sure to include the family in the patient’s care plan and ensured that anything that was needed was gotten quickly.

Leslie Paylor, RN, was recently recognized with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses during a surprise ceremony attended by her family, nursing leadership and senior administrators. Paylor, who was visibly shocked by the announcement, expressed deep gratitude for the honor. Paylor was nominated by a colleague who, after transitioning to a new role, became a patient for the day. In the nomination, the colleague described arriving for surgery with significant anxiety—but shared that Paylor remained by their side throughout the experience, offering comfort, reassurance, and a compassionate presence that eased fears and lifted spirits. The patient noted that the impact Paylor made will always be remembered.

UNC Health Rockingham is proud to announce that Veronica “Faye” Martin has been recognized with the prestigious BEE Award, honoring her exceptional dedication, compassion and longstanding commitment to Carolina Care. Martin received the award during a surprise gathering attended by her coworkers, food service leaders and senior administrators. She became emotional as she realized the ceremony was in her honor. Martin was nominated twice for the award—each nomination highlighting her extraordinary actions and unwavering commitment to patients, colleagues, and the values of UNC Health.