Pennsylvania Hospital’s (PAH’s) arts gallery, featured above, highlighted pieces of art, created by our talented workforce, that encompassed the theme of “Connections” – the way we interact with the world around us. But this theme is not just limited to the arts gallery, as we see our staff make meaningful connections with colleagues, patients, and the community in prolific ways every day at the hospital, exemplified by stories in this month’s What’s New.
One way we uphold connections is through gathering at events that celebrate our diverse staff and patient population. Earlier this summer, we joined together for Pride Month – to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community – and Juneteenth – to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and honor the culture and achievements of Black Americans.
Another way is through efforts that help patients navigate the health system. Our nurse and patient navigators strive to connect patients to resources to guide them through their care on campus. System News includes a feature about oncology nurse navigators’ support services across UPHS, along with special recognition of PAH’s Oncology Nurse Navigator Jennifer Polo, who received a Daisy Award for her creativity in coordinating a patient’s appointment schedule.
In addition, members of the Abramson Cancer Center at PAH, at a Breast Cancer Awareness Garden Pop-Up event, strengthened connections with our community through holding conversations and offering resources on cancer screening services to promote the importance of preventative health. We even encourage social connection on an internal level, with Hall-Mercer’s Intensive Case Management team fostering mental health among its team members with monthly wellness activities.
Interactions like these allow us to achieve high-quality care year after year. I thank our employees for their commitment to showing compassion and building trust – making profound connections – not only with our patients but also with each other.