RUMFORD — Rumford Hospital announces that it has presented its inaugural Larry Hopperstead Award for Excellence in Patient Care to Alfred Riel, M.D.

The Larry Hopperstead Award for Excellence in Patient Care is named in honor of longtime Central Maine Healthcare surgeon Dr. Larry Hopperstead, FACS. In his tenure at CMMC, he was instrumental in creating and building the hospital’s trauma program as trauma director, as well as, bringing Lifeflight of Maine to the Lewiston campus. In 2011, Hopperstead joined the Rumford Hospital Surgical Associates’ staff and brought his knowledge, surgical prowess and patient-centered care to the River Valley until his retirement earlier this year.

As a physician in the Emergency Department, Riel cares for the River Valley’s most severely injured and sick patients. Patients have often called Riel compassionate, competent and nonjudgmental. He always puts the patient’s needs first and identifies those who may need some extra emotional support.

As a member of the Rumford Hospital medical staff, Riel is an active participant in assessing and developing new processes to improve patient care and experience in the Emergency Department and throughout the hospital.

Alfred Riel