Modified: July 22, 2021 4:39pm
Majority Leader Recognizes Heroic Work of Essential Hospital Workers During the Height of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Erie County, NY – During the July 22nd session of the Erie County Legislature, Majority Leader and Legislator Timothy Meyers, D- Town of Cheektowaga, presented a proclamation to the representatives for Sister’s of Charity Hospital St. Joseph’s Campus (St. Joe’s) which served as the designated area COVID hospital during the most crucial period of the COVID-19 pandemic. In attendance were representatives from the COVID unit nursing staff to accept the award and designation as the Erie County Legislature’s “Citizens of the Month” for July 2021.
In March of 2020, Catholic Health Systems converted St. Joe’s into a dedicated COVID Hospital that had over 62 beds and its own Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that was utilized to treat over 3,000 COVID positive patients. The conversion took place rapidly and even included the conversion of the hospital’s emergency room (ER) to add additional support for those requiring more intense care.
“The level of dedication of the entire hospital staff, including the nurses and physicians, deserves our respect and sincere commendation. These individuals didn’t just treat patients’ medical ailments – they sat with them when visitors weren’t allowed, they played inspirational music, they helped them video chat with family who couldn’t safely visit. The people at St. Joe’s exemplify what it means to care and our community is better for their sacrifices and kindness. I’m honored to recognize them all today,” said Legislator Meyers.
In addition to providing exemplary care, the “zoning system” developed by St. Joe’s, which indicated risk level and corresponding PPE requirements, kept nursing staff profoundly safe; there was not a single reported case of transmission to a COVID nurse during the first wave of the virus across Erie County. “Even though our COVID rates nationally and locally remain fairly low, we cannot forget how far we’ve come. We must remain diligent, take appropriate precautions, and please, get vaccinated if you have not,” added Meyers.
Information regarding COVID-19 is available from the Erie County Department of Health. Please visit www.erie.gov/covid19 or call the COVID hotline at 716-858-2929.
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