UPMC Cole is not only rising to the needs of the community, but officials are doing what they can to support the health care workers caring for the community.
UPMC Cole has opened a market, stocked with staple grocery items such as bread, eggs, and milk as well as take-home meals. The market is open to staff in the snack bar at the hospital from 3 to 7 p.m.
“Grocery store supply shortage and long shifts can make something as simple as grabbing some essential groceries a challenge for health care workers,” officials said. The market is helping staff overcome those challenges.
At the same time, the staff is going above and beyond to care for the community. Thirty staff members were temporarily reassigned to help support services at the hospital.
“These roles are important, and these staff have selflessly taken to their new roles and committed themselves to doing the best job they can, even if it means working long shifts and on holidays,” said Andrea Streich, resource pool coordinator, UPMC Cole. “It has been a complete honor for me to work with these individuals and they have set a very positive example to fellow employees and our community.”
Krystal Vallieres, dental hygienist, was asked to step into another role when the dental office closed.
“In the beginning it was overwhelming with all the new policies being implemented and so much about the virus being unknown,” she said, “however, now I feel everything is running smoothly and we have learned to adapt to changes as they’ve come.
“I am typically doing direct patient care so while I still get to interact with people daily, it’s less hands-on care,” Vallieres said. “This new role can be challenging, but for the most part patients are very appreciative and thankful for the job we are doing and that we are trying to help protect them.”
Meeting and working with other hospital staff has been a memorable experience, she said.
“A positive of all of this is that I have had the opportunity to meet and work with people from a lot of different departments that I otherwise may have not met,” Vallieres said. “They have been great to work alongside.”
Health and fitness technician Amy Tingley has also stepped into unfamiliar territory.
“It seemed to be a little daunting at first — not knowing what might happen or how things might change,” she said. “But, being in the hospital everyday has been reassuring with the atmosphere being calm throughout the storm. Everyone seems to be handling the changes well.”
It does take some getting used to, Tingley acknowledged.
“This role is very different from my normal work. I’m used to being on the go and exercising daily with my clients, which I do miss,” she said. “However, it’s been nice to still be able to help people and making sure the hospital is clean and safe. Getting to know and work with new people has made this job a little more comforting as well.”
