February 21, 2003

MGH community comes together under extraordinary circumstances

After a powerful storm hit New England Feb. 17, leaving a record-breaking 27.5 inches of snow, most of Boston was brought to a standstill. But the MGH continued operations like a well-oiled machine — caring for the sick, feeding staff, visitors and patients, and keeping hospital grounds maintained and free of snow.

As a matter of course, MGHers are prepared for emergencies such as this — teaming together to ensure patients still receive the highest quality care. But behind the scenes, thousands of nonclinical employees work diligently to sustain smooth hospital operations under even the most extreme conditions.

This spirit was exemplified during and after Monday's snowstorm, when the hospital community learned about the tragic accident involving a beloved MGHer who lost his life doing what he did best — helping to keep the hospital safe and functional for everyone.

Like many of his co-workers, Ricardo Diaz of MGH Buildings and Grounds came in on his day off to help with snow removal efforts around the hospital during the blizzard. He arrived at 10 am Feb. 17 to do what was needed. That evening, while operating a Bobcat snowplow behind the Jackson Building, Diaz went through a grate, falling 20 feet down to the level of the sub-basement. Co-workers from Buildings and Grounds, Police and Security and the Emergency Department worked with Boston firefighters under incredibly difficult conditions to free him. Diaz died shortly after midnight Feb. 18.

With great sadness and broken hearts, MGHers came together later that day to mourn the tragic death of their colleague. At a special meeting, hospital leaders spoke of Diaz and his exemplary dedication to his job."Ironically, Buildings and Grounds staff are here to ensure our safety and the safety of our patients," said Jean Elrick, MD, senior vice president for Administration. "To lose one of our own in this way is particularly painful. We do not know exactly how the accident happened, but we are looking at this incident thoroughly and thoughtfully to make sure that it will never, never happen again."

Every day without fanfare, without hesitation, many unsung MGH heroes go beyond their job descriptions to help keep employees, patients and visitors safe and comfortable. Those who work in the Buildings and Grounds Department — people like Ricardo Diaz and his colleagues — come in willingly on their days off, stay late until the work is done and help their co-workers when needed.

Their work ranges from fixing small inconveniences to tackling overwhelming
construction challenges. They are there to shovel and salt the sidewalks during the worst of storms. At a moment's notice, they repair broken locks, replace lightbulbs, patch holes in walls, set up microphones and maintain hospital vehicles. With careful planning and precision, they transform offices and storage areas into much-needed patient care space. They keep the hospital cool in the summer and warm during the long winter months.

Organized into specialty shops, the staff members of Buildings and Grounds — in
hallmark blue uniforms emblazoned with first names — represent a proud and dedicated team. They are an integral piece of the MGH fabric, an important part of this hospital's heart and soul. It is with deepest gratitude and most heartfelt sympathy, that the MGH proudly salutes the Buildings and Grounds staff.