Centura Health clinicians from Colorado answer the call for support
In a much-needed effort to assist with the Coronavirus pandemic surge of patients, Colorado-based Centura Health is sending caregivers to three New Jersey hospitals to relieve staff at the frontlines.
Arriving tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, on a commercial flight provided by United Airlines, the group of 34 will join teams at Catholic Healthcare Partnership of New Jersey (CHPNJ) hospitals, including St. Joseph's Health, based in Paterson, NJ; Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, NJ; and Saint Peter's Healthcare System in New Brunswick, NJ. The three hospital systems are part of the CHPNJ, and have all witnessed unprecedented volumes of COVID-19 patients in the past several weeks.
"These are heroes helping heroes. We're thrilled to welcome our colleagues from Centura Health to New Jersey, and are grateful that they have stepped up to help us care for our communities," said Kevin J. Slavin, President and CEO of St. Joseph's Health.
"Each Centura Health caregiver has an inner calling to minister where the need is, as we have always done in our 138-year history, and to stand by their fellow heroes to extend hope, healing, and kindness in a most critical time," said Peter D. Banko, President and CEO, Centura Health.
Determined to help those caring for the ill in their communities, Centura Health asked members across their workforce (who weren't presently in active service due to low volumes in Colorado and the postponement of elective surgeries and procedures) if they would serve in this special request. A combination of Registered Nurses with Medical Surgical and Emergency Department experience and an administrator, who will serve as an ambassador, have accepted assignments across these New Jersey facilities.
"At Saint Peter's, we feel blessed for the help we are receiving from Centura's selfless health care heroes and thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with some of our fellow Catholic hospitals in New Jersey. Our mission truly breathes life into an oft-repeated belief: 'We're all in this together,'" said Leslie D. Hirsch, President and CEO at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.
Through CHP, participating hospitals were able to submit their requests for Centura staff, who will work for a minimum of three weeks, up to four, as a part of each New Jersey facilities' care team. Centura caregivers will be paid for this deployment and be provided the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) per CDC guidelines, for their assignment.
"The selflessness of these health care heroes is truly inspiring," said Sister Patricia Codey, SC, Esq., President of CHPNJ. "We are grateful for their courage and assistance and pray for their safety as they serve Catholic Healthcare Partnership of NJ's hospitals and its patients at this critical time."
United Airlines quickly responded to the need for additional medical staff, and today announced with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy a partnership for the commercial airline to provide flights to transport health care workers into the state. This initiative is the first.
"As the COVID-19 crisis continues to impact New Jersey, home to our Newark hub, we believe it’s essential to support health care workers who choose to risk their own lives by joining the frontlines in the state to fight against the virus and offer relief to existing medical workers who have been working tirelessly," said Jill Kaplan, President of New Jersey/New York for United Airlines.
According to Gary S Horan, FACHE, President and CEO of Trinitas Regional Medical Center and Chair of the CHP, "These professionals from Centura are literally coming to New Jersey at the right time. Six solid weeks of ever increasing numbers of COVID patients have taken a toll on all our hospitals. This is an excellent example of Mission in action."
About Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Trinitas Regional Medical Center was established in 2000 following the consolidation of Elizabeth General Medical Center and St. Elizabeth Hospital. Trinitas, a major center for comprehensive health services for those who live and work in Central New Jersey, is a Catholic teaching medical center sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth in partnership with Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation. With 12 Centers of Excellence across the continuum of care, Trinitas has distinguished itself in cardiology, cancer care, behavioral health, renal care, nursing education, diabetes management, wound healing, breast health, seniors health care, women's health care and sleep medicine.
Contact Information
Doug Harris
908-994-5138
dharris@trinitas.org
Yolanda Fleming
908-994-5139
Yfleming@trinitas.org