Letter to Editor from WBGH Administration
3/15/2017
March 16, 2017
Dear Editor:
Although the beauty of two feet of snow can be breathtaking in nature, storms of such magnitude can leave many breathless. Fortunately, such events occur infrequently. It is, however, during these times of need that the compassion of mankind shines brightly.
As often occurs in times of crisis, the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania come together to help each other overcome societal challenges. This bond became clearly apparent during the Blizzard of 2017. Fortunately, health care never sleeps and hospitals do not close. Weary nurses, doctors and all members of the health care teams at the Commonwealth Health network facilities pushed through long hours of mandated additional shifts, extended duties, and intense fatigue to maintain the care and comfort of those infirmed. Emergency personnel fought the harsh elements to deliver ill and injured citizens to local emergency rooms, doing so with pleasant demeanors and wide smiles. Throughout the late night and early morning hours, the communication command centers at the hospitals remained in constant verbal and electronic contact with community support teams to coordinate outreach programs required to conquer weather-related obstacles and deliver health care personnel to regional hospitals.
The entire administrative team at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital expresses our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to every individual who contributed to the success of these projects. We thank you for your valiant efforts and tireless dedication to meeting the health care needs of our patients and their families. We also want to publicly acknowledge the unwavering efforts of the members of our local National Guard and emergency services personnel. These brave and dedicated individuals selflessly battled the harsh elements at all hours to deliver hospital staff to our facilities and to help them return safely home after completing their shifts. And, they did so with pleasant demeanors and wide smiles.
We are fortunate to be able to fulfill the health care needs of our community and grateful for the trust you afford us. We are proud of all members of our team and look forward to providing this service for many years to come.
With deep gratitude and professional respect,
Cornelio Catena
CEO, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and Commonwealth Health
Robert Stiekes
Chief Operating Officer
Todd Burda RN, MBA
Assistant Chief Nursing Officer
Douglas S. Coslett, MD
Chief Medical Officer
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