For over a year, staff at Presbyterian have worked tirelessly to treat patients with COVID-19. A great many patients recovered and were able to leave the hospital, but many unfortunately did not.
While any loss is difficult to bear, COVID-19 had a tremendous and unusual impact on everyone in the community, including PPMC staff and the families of those who were sick. Strict safety protocols intended to limit the spread of the virus kept families from physically spending time with loved ones while they were sick, and in some cases from saying goodbyes in person.
“COVID created a need for distancing in a situation where we would usually go above and beyond to accommodate physically being together,” says John Ehman, chaplain and Pastoral Care manager at Presbyterian. “We want to recognize that we couldn’t honor these families in the way we wanted to at the time, and to acknowledge the realness of their grief.”
PPMC leadership organized a memorial service and candle lighting ceremony in June 2021 to remember the patients who did not survive COVID-19, as well as to honor the staff for their dedication and work through such a challenging time. Bereaved families were mailed invitations to view the service through a secure video link.
“This pandemic placed a burden on everyone and it demanded something from everyone,” said Michele Volpe, FACHE, CEO of PPMC, in opening remarks. “Limiting in-person visitation was devastating to patients, to providers, to families,” she noted, acknowledging how staff stepped up to take the place of patients’ loved ones, making them feel connected and cared for.
Remarks were also given by Michael Posencheg, MD, chief medical officer at PPMC, Respiratory Therapists Tracey James and Guilbert Eusebio, and Chaplain Josh Edgar. All highlighted the hardship faced by patients, families, and staff, and the unique ways staff comforted patients and did their best to keep patients connected with loved ones.
Accompanied by retired nurse Becky Aker on a harp, James Ballinghoff, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer, invited nurse managers from each unit that treated COVID-19 patients to light a candle in memory of those lost.
In moving remarks, Ehman highlighted the dedication and kindness of staff:
This virus put up many barriers, but it could not keep you from giving your loving kindness. To the doctors and nurses and respiratory therapists, and physical therapists, speech therapists, and nutritionists, and service workers who suited up in personal protective equipment in order to be that small group of essential providers necessary for each patient, bless you for your tireless efforts, but also for your personal compassion. When the most advanced medicine came to its own limits with this virus, it was your loving kindness that went beyond.
A tree has been planted in Penn Presbyterian Park on Powelton Avenue in remembrance of those who died from COVID-19. A plaque will read:
Dedicated in honor to those who have suffered under the burden of COVID-19, to those whose illness exceeded all that medicine could bring to bear, and to those who worked tirelessly to affirm personal connection and provide health and healing throughout the pandemic.
“I join with our entire staff in offering our condolences,” Volpe concluded. “We remember and honor your loved ones.”