March6 11th, 2021 – South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, formerly known as Southside Hospital, acknowledged its staff, and the memory of those whose lives were lost due to COVID-19, at a tearful ceremony Thursday in the hospital's Heroes Garden, in advance of New York’s Day of Remembrance, Sunday, March 14th. The World Health Organization declared COVID a global pandemic on March 11, 2020.
"The one thing these healthcare workers have given their patients is dignity, and they should be proud of themselves," said Donna Moravick, Executive Director, SSUH. "We should never forget all the people we have lost in this building, and all of the people we have lost personally. I really believe that these healthcare workers are all here to serve an unbelievable purpose, something we will never forget," she said.
Dozens of healthcare workers, hospital officials and staff dressed in symbolic blue, formed a line in order to receive the "Blessing of Hands."
"We would not be in this position if not for the resilience, courage and tenacity of the entire SSUH team and supporting staff, who gave their all to care for the patients of our community, even in the face of grave danger to themselves and their families," said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
"Their steady hand in providing knowledge, care and comfort, played an invaluable role in helping us guide this Town and its residents through the darkest period we’ve ever known. For that we are eternally grateful," said the Supervisor.
The ceremony was led by Rev. Dr. Sonia Trew-Wisdom Dir. Spiritual Services, SSUH; “America the Beautiful” was performed by Sherrol Sharpe; Unit Clerk; Nurses Expressions were offered by Ava Rubino, RN (SO) and Stella V. Korsah, RN (SO); the issue of Mental Health & Resources was addressed by Dr. Stephen J. Masiar, MD Dir. Psychiatry, VP Medical Board; the Blessing of Hands was lead by Rev. Dr. Sonia Trew-Wisdom and the Benediction was given by Rev. Fr. Sylvester Chukwumalume.
