Service with a smile

Sometimes, he’s the first and last person that patients see as they enter and exit the hospital.

After 41 years of service, Larry Vigil has become a positive, personal fixture at Parkview Medical Center, now part of UCHealth. And after a short-lived retirement, he’s back helping patients get transported safely to where they need to go inside the hospital.

“I started in 1982. I was looking for long-term employment and Parkview had a solid reputation,” said Vigil. “I started in housekeeping, then moved over to distribution. I was there for three years and then I saw a posting for transport. I was looking for something different and I’ve been there ever since. I really love it.”

Vigil retired from full time status in 2015 but has continued on as a part-time employee for transport in-house.

Over the last 41 years, Vigil has seen many changes to the Parkview campus.

“One of the biggest changes I’ve seen was when they knocked down the Thatcher School for the Medical Office Building and parking garage,” stated Vigil. “There used to be a gym upstairs with exercise equipment for Parkview employees – I spent a lot of time there before and after work. Over the years I’ve seen the new parking garage go up, all the new floors added to the main hospital, a new ER, and lots of new staff.”

Sometimes he’s carefully pushing a patient bed, other times a wheelchair. Vigil likes to make personal connections with the patients to ease their insecurities or concerns.

“I’ve met a lot of people, taking them in and out of the hospital and to various treatments on different floors,” said Vigil. “A lot of them have come to know my name, and I’ve gotten to know theirs.”

“Patients tell me I treat them good. They appreciate that I let them know when the bumps are coming up and how long the trip will take. I just talk to patients with a smile and stay polite.”

Vigil retired (the first time) after 33 years. “I said I don’t want to stay home and just be a ‘couch potato.’ I called and asked if there was a part-time position open and I came back,” he added.

Vigil said his children are glad that he is back working. “They said I look healthy and they’re glad I’m getting some exercise.”

“Parkview is a good place to work. Hopefully, my health stays up and I’ll keep working,” commented Vigil. “Sometimes people will ask me ‘when are you going to retire again?’ and I joke and say, ‘when someone has to push me in a wheelchair’.”

“Larry is an exceptional employee, he shows up ready to go, motivated and dedicated to Parkview and our patients,” said Alisha Hawkins, Interim manager of EVS, Transport, Valet, and Shuttle Services at Parkview. “His knowledge and skills are passed on to all staff members, and he is looked up to by all of his peers.”

Vigil has this advice to all new employees; “Always be polite, smile, look people in the eye when you speak, and be honest.”