A year after the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore (SSUH formerly Southside Hospital) held a ceremony to honor its staff and remember those lost due to the disease. The ceremony took place in the hospital's Heroes Garden, in advance of New York’s Day of Remembrance, Sunday, March 14.
Photo: Town of Islip.
Donna Moravick, Executive Director of SSUH said that the healthcare workers gave their patients dignity and should be proud of themselves.
"We should never forget all the people we have lost in this building, and all of the people we have lost personally,” she said. “I really believe that these healthcare workers are all here to serve an unbelievable purpose, something we will never forget.”
Photo: Town of Islip.
According to a press release about the event, dozens of healthcare workers, hospital officials and staff dressed in symbolic blue, formed a line in order to receive the "Blessing of Hands." The ceremony was led by Rev. Dr. Sonia Trew-Wisdom, Director of Spiritual Services at SSUH. Sherrol Sharpe, Unit Clerk sang “America the Beautiful” at the ceremony.
"We would not be in this position if not for the resilience, courage and tenacity of the entire SSUH team and supporting staff, who gave their all to care for the patients of our community, even in the face of grave danger to themselves and their families," said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
