September 14, 2001

American tragedy affects the MGH

The images on the TV screens were unbelievable. The atrocities were unimaginable. As thousands of people across the country were stunned by the tragic news of the worst ever terrorist attack on American soil Sept. 11, MGH staff and employees braced for the possible impact.

As a level 1 trauma center, the MGH must be prepared for any type of disaster--local, state or national. And it is at moments like this that hospital employees come together in extraordinary solidarity to ensure the hospital runs like a well-oiled machine: patients are cared for, visitors are comforted and employees have what they need to do their jobs.

"The response of MGH employees to the tragedy--from volunteering their services to donating blood to helping fellow employees personally affected by the terrorist attacks --demonstrated once again what great employees we have at this hospital," says James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH. "I am fortunate to be a part of such a dedicated organization."

The first priority for the hospital was to ensure that all patients and employees were safe. MGH Police and Security implemented security measures to restrict access to hospital buildings, while maintaining accessibility for patients and their families. Bonnie Michelman, director of MGH Police, Security and Outside Services, says that the department has worked hard to ensure safety in a professional, compassionate and sensitive way. "We heightened security to lower our vulnerability to any potential fallout from this week's events," she says. "We have done this in a variety of ways, trying not to scare or inconvenience people."

The second MGH priority was to evaluate the plausibility of making beds available in case there were casualties in Boston or in the event that New York hospitals were filled to capacity and patients needed to be transferred. Patient Care Services leadership and Admitting staff made plans to convert certain patient care floors into intensive care units. Chiefs of service made provisions for physicians to be available to care for additional patients if necessary. Even though the preparation for the worst possible situation was not necessary in the end, the events of the day demonstrated the ability of MGH employees to cooperate, coordinate and collaborate in a time of need under extraordinary circumstances.

While the hospital attempts to get back to a normal routine, many MGHers are acknowledging the sorrow being felt by co-workers who lost loved ones in the attack. Mongan opened the General Executive Committee meeting Sept. 12 with a moment of silence for those who have been affected by the disaster.

"It is not uncommon in the aftermath of a tragedy like this to find grief, anger and despair," says Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse. "I have witnessed all of this as I have spent time with members of our MGH family. I also have seen, however, the wonderful teamwork and support for all patients and their families. There are so many members of our community who have experienced a personal loss. Many employees have come forward to offer their assistance. The MGH family should be admired for this."

Ann Prestipino, senior vice president for Surgery, Anesthesia and the Cardiac program, who also was the administrator on call, echoed those sentiments: "There was a fabulous team effort here at the MGH," she says. "Everyone was willing to coordinate efforts and reach out to do whatever possible to help others at the hospital and to help the New York hospitals and community. We all continue to be impressed every day with the level of commitment and dedication at this institution."