ROCK HILL, S.C. ― Piedmont Medical Center is proud to announce Gay Wilson as the hospital’s latest recipient of the Daisy RN Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Gay has been with Piedmont Medical Center for 44 years. In 1980 she began her career as a staff RN and quickly became a leader. She won Nurse of the Year in 1987. In 1994 she became a Clinical Director and has been in several roles over the years like Community Health Coordinator. She most recently served in Pre-Op post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) before retiring in August.

Gay’s fellow teammates say she has been instrumental in her roles over the years, caring for her patients and always going above and beyond. “Gay’s dedication to high-quality care is the perfect example of what we strive to provide to our patients every day”, said Piedmont Medical Center Market CEO, Teresa Urquhart. “With more than four decades of service, Gay leaves behind big shoes to fill, but with the knowledge she passed down to her fellow team members, I know we will continue her legacy to provide excellent care to our patients.”

The Daisy Award was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes. In 1999, at the age of 33, Patrick was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and was hospitalized for eight weeks. After Patrick’s passing, his family was so impressed with the care and compassion the staff showed Patrick, they created a foundation in his honor. It recognizes nurses who demonstrate clinical excellence in a caring and compassionate manor.