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In This Issue:
Martha Demesyeux, of Environmental Services, speaks with Arthur Mombourquette, vice president of Support Services, during Tea for the Soul.
The uncertainty of not knowing the fate of relatives in Haiti following last week’s devastating earthquake has been difficult for many employees working at BWH. Talking to fellow Haitians and attending prayer services has helped, and a special Tea for the Soul on Tuesday went one step farther, providing staff with information and support available through BWH and Partners.
“We are aware of the many questions our staff have, and we want to make sure they know we can help answer them and we’re doing everything we can to stand with them during this very difficult time,” said Kathleen Gallivan, SND, PhD, director of Chaplaincy.
There has been a coordinated effort by staff from Chaplaincy, Social Work, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Human Resources to support BWH employees affected by the earthquake. Daily prayer services have been held in the BWH Chapel following similar services last week in the Bornstein Amphitheater and Carrie Hall. The hospital has made international telephones and Internet access available to employees to communicate with family in Haiti. Additionally, staff from Nursing and Integrative Care offered reiki treatments this week to staff from Haiti to help decrease stress and anxiety.
Franzceska Provence, a PCA who recently came back from visiting her native country in December, said, “Our greatest pain is not knowing if our relatives are alive, and if they are alive whether they have food and a place to live.” She added that gatherings like this one provide an outlet to share stories.
Chaplaincy developed Tea for the Soul in the past year as a way to provide nurses, therapists, technologists and other care providers a breather during busy shifts. Usually, tea is served in a break room on an inpatient floor, but for this special event, it was in Cafeteria Pod B. HR, EAP, Social Work and Chaplaincy staff shared details about State Department efforts in Haiti and answered questions about employee benefits and the Partners response.
“We want to provide emotional support and help our staff to take care of themselves while living with this tremendous uncertainty and worry about their loved ones,” said Henrietta Menco, LICSW, quality manager from BWH EAP.
“It’s a very difficult time for our people right now,” said PCA Lourdes Bastien during the Tea for the Soul on Tuesday. “I’m so thankful for all that the hospital is doing for us. They have been like a family.”