The ringing of a ship's bell—given to the ICU team by their partners in plant operations—celebrates each COVID-19 triumph.
The pandemic has forged strong bonds between health care workers as they battle COVID-19 together. At Community Medical Center, nowhere is that bond clearer than in the relationship between staff in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the construction and engineering professionals in Plant Operations. “Our two teams have become so close during this time,” says Theresa Ferretti, MSN, RN, Director, ICU.
“The Plant Operations team members are our heroes. Whatever we need, they accomplish.” Several projects—from changing the way air circulates through ICU rooms to making it possible to move and connect medical equipment outside of patient rooms for easier access—were vital to providing the best possible care to COVID-19 patients as safely as possible. “And they all happened in a matter of days,” says Ferretti. “We’re so blessed!”
“They had quite a battle in the ICU,” says Adam Tart, Director of Plant Operations. “Through their dedication and hard work, they’ve saved a lot of lives. We’re happy to be able to contribute to that. “I’m very proud of my team for what they’ve done,” Tart continues. “They worked under difficult conditions, but achieved whatever was asked of them.”
One day, staff announcements included mention of a new tradition: ringing a small bell each time a patient comes off a ventilator or is discharged from the ICU. “I thought about that,” says Tart, “and wanted to step it up a bit to show our support for the ICU team.”
Celebrating each victory
Tart, a former Navy and Merchant Marine officer, ordered a 12-pound brass bell from a company in North Carolina. “I wanted something that the whole unit can hear,” says Tart. “Plus, a ship’s bell has many great meanings and is often considered the heart of the vessel.”
In a letter to the ICU staff, Tart wrote: “You have shown great commitment to this hospital, our patients and humanity, with an unending dedication to your craft, no matter the obstacles.”
“May the pure sound that rings from this bell for each victory warm the hearts of everyone who hears it, and bring a smile so big no mask can hide it.”
The bell is engraved with the words: Community Medical Center ICU. Heroes Work Here. “I wanted them to understand how we feel about them, what an awesome job they’re doing and how honored we are to help them out,” says Tart.
“Now,” says Ferretti, “when a patient reaches a landmark in treatment, we celebrate in Navy fashion. It has lifted our spirits so much at a difficult time.”