Two members of Bristol Health have been recognized by a nonprofit organization that helps people who cannot afford weight loss surgery.
Kerry Roy, coordinator of Bristol Health’s Weight Loss Surgery Program, was awarded the Coordinator of the Year honors during an annual conference held in May by the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America. The nonprofit organization also recognized a Bristol Health surgeon as Bariatric Surgeon of the year.
The surgeon declined to comment. Roy acknowledged all members of the program’s team, saying they deserve the credit for the awards.
“We’re the names they know, but we couldn’t do it without the rest of the team members,” Roy said. “This award is not mine. It’s for the whole team.” Bristol Health’s partnership with the WLSFA allows them to refer patients’ stories to the nonprofit organization.
This is reserved for patients who could benefit from weight loss surgery but cannot afford it and have been denied coverage through their insurance.The WLSFA then sifts through the applicants and covers the costs of those who are chosen for weight loss surgery. Bristol Health has provided surgery for six patients since 2013 through the program.
“The hospital has agreed to do this as a charitable, lifesaving and life-changing surgery,” Roy said.
Justin Muszynski can be reached at 860-973-1809 or jmuszynski@ bristolpress.com.