March 14, 2003

A silver lining

It is said that the worst of tragedies can bring out the best in people, and the MGH can attest to that. With hundreds of get-well wishes pouring into the hospital, young children from around the New England region have been sending their thoughts of hope and goodwill to the MGH patients affected by the Rhode Island night club fire.

Some of this support comes from the William D'Abate Elementary School in Providence, Rhode Island. Schoolchildren from kindergarten through second grade created get-well cards (shown at right and below) for the burn patients. The hospital continues to receive dozens of cards for these patients on a daily basis.

Warm wishes from children and others are a welcome sight throughout the MGH community. In the past month, the MGH has experienced several tragic situations to which MGHers have responded with professionalism, heroism and grace.

The stress in responding to these situations can take an emotional and spiritual toll even on those who are trained for such situations. In recognizing the need for support, the hospital has taken steps to help staff and employees cope with this unusually difficult time.

On March 5, members of hospital leadership met to discuss the hospital's response to the tragedies and what resources could be offered to ease stress among employees who have been affected directly or indirectly.

One of these resources was sponsored by the MGH Chaplaincy. Open to all employees, an all-day vigil was held March 7 offering inspirational music, prayer and reflection in an attempt to heal those affected by the Rhode Island fire. A chaplain also was made available throughout the day.

In addition, the Department of Psychiatry and Emergency Services will be offering debriefing and support sessions every Wednesday for the next several weeks. The sessions are designed to help anyone who continues to feel distress related to the events of the past month.