We all know how hard the healthcare workers across the world have been toiling to save lives each day during the times of COVID-19. Unfortunately, it took us a pandemic to realize the crucial role that all medical practitioners and healthcare workers play in helping the society thrive. And how much ever we thank them, we would, forever, be indebted for their tireless service in these tough times.
Recently, more than 4,000 staff at the NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, which include doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and facilities and food service teams, were surprised with free vacations for all their stupendous efforts and service during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hyatt and American Airlines collaborated to announce this three-night complimentary vacation to select destinations across the United States and the Caribbean “to help them recharge and reconnect with their loved ones” once they are able to.
“We are extremely grateful to Hyatt and American Airlines for this generous gift to our health care workers, who have been at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Israel Rocha, Vice President of NYC Health + Hospitals and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. “Our doctors, nurses, and other staff on the front lines of this unprecedented health care crisis really appreciate the outpouring of support from two of America’s major companies, and we look forward to taking advantage of these well-earned vacations in the near future.”
The hospital, which serves an area of nearly one million people, has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Remarkably, it had scaled its Intensive Care Units (ICU) capacity by 500 per cent to serve patients during the pandemic.
“At Hyatt, everything we do is fueled by our purpose of care and when opportunities like this present themselves we are inspired to act,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO, Hyatt. “We’ve heard from so many of our colleagues and members who simply want to do some good and find a way to share their gratitude for some of the heroes of this pandemic in one of the hardest-hit areas of New York. We are humbled by the health care workers’ dedication to saving lives. Now it’s our turn to take care of them like members of our own family, and we look forward to making their stays special when they are able to take a hard-earned break.”
“Every worker at Elmhurst has seen and experienced challenges many of us cannot imagine. They’ve given so much of themselves and chose to serve their community with care, compassion and equity for every patient,” said Robert Isom, President of American Airlines. “When they are able to take a break, we hope the time away will help them and their loved ones recharge and that they feel our deepest appreciation for their sacrifice and heroism.”
No amount of appreciation and love that we shower on these healthcare workers will ever be enough! Don’t you agree?
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