As your community hospital, we have been taking extreme measures to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and to expand our capacity to care for those in need. We would not be able to do this without the amazing show of support that we have received from the community. Since the pandemic started we have had to modify the way that we function and provide care. During this time of uncertainty the community has selflessly jumped in to help take care of us at the hospital and their neighbors in the community. This community pulls together in times of crisis, and people have rallied behind our healthcare workers, showing support and kindness during this crazy time. From the beginning, we received immediate offers of support, with folks calling to ask what we needed and how they could help us help the community. Dozens of volunteers spent hours behind sewing machines to make thousands of cloth masks, surgical caps and headbands. When personal protective gear was hard to find, we had construction companies, boat builders and local stores donating new masks and supplies for our team members on the front lines. Local restaurants provided meals for staff working long hours, sometimes sent by thoughtful community members, other times from the restaurants themselves, even though their business may have been slow. We received cards filled with kind words, local art, flowers and chocolates.

As healthcare workers, we go into this line of work because we want to help people, to take care of our community when times are hard. We often see people while they are experiencing challenging or painful times in their lives. When the hospital was facing a challenge, the community reached out and took care of our team, knowing that our staff was working long hours, acknowledging that things have not been normal, being patient through all the changes in processes and procedures and being flexible with us when appointments or times needed to be shifted. It was not only the tangible donations but the gratitude and goodwill that we received. It is hard to convey how much a kind word or small show of appreciation can mean to someone during times of heightened stress. Your support always means a lot to the organization, but is especially comforting during these trying times.

So we want to pay forward your kindness right back to the community by expressing our heartfelt thank you to you, our community. We are humbled by the outpouring of care and generosity you have shown SPH. We are proud to be your neighbors and local hospital and healthcare team, and honored to take care of you and your family. Thank you for taking care of us during this confusing time; we are here for you.

Nyla Lightcap, Administrative Assistant and Donations Coordinator, COVID-19 Public Information Team

South Peninsula Hospital