Natchez’s county-owned hospital celebrated a milestone this week.

For 40 years, Natchez Regional Medical Center has been providing medical care to area residents.

The hospital held an anniversary ceremony Wednesday in honor of the occasion and also recognized its employees Tuesday.

New CEO Jack Houghton said Natchez Regional is different from other hospitals in that so many of its employees work for the hospital for years, long after they are eligible for retirement.

&uot;It’s exceptional,&uot; he said. &uot;You don’t see this in a lot of hospitals in this day and time.&uot;

This is a reflection of the strength of the hospital, he added.

The hospital gave extra recognition to two of its longtime employees this week.

Roosevelt Johnson has worked in food service at the hospital for 37 years. The hospital honored Johnson by naming the cafeteria after him.

&uot;It’s a real pleasure having this honor,&uot;&160;Johnson said. &uot;I wasn’t even expecting it.&uot;

Johnson is the head chef at the hospital and said he has &uot;enjoyed every minute of it.&uot;

Another hospital employee, Eva Young, also received special recognition. Young has worked at the hospital as a nurses’ aid since the hospital opened 40 years ago.

&uot;She’s a go-getter, and she’s highly respected by the employees,&uot; Houghton said. &uot;We’re just pleased to have employees like Eva here at the hospital.&uot;