February 28, 2003

In the face of tragedy, the MGH unites

As the entire country watched the horrific televised footage of the nightclub fire in Rhode Island Feb. 21, the MGH was plunged into the midst of the unfolding tragedy as some of the most severely burned patients were transported to the hospital.

According to Alasdair Conn, MD, chief of MGH Emergency Services, (left), the patients' injuries were some of the most intense burns he has seen in his career. "It is such a tragedy," he told the many members of the press who had gathered at the hospital. "I've seen equally severe burns but never this magnitude or number of people with such serious injuries."

Throughout the disaster, MGHers once again united and did what they do best — care for the injured, with professionalism and grace under incredible circumstances. The skilled and talented clinicians and support staff in the Emergency Department, operating rooms, intensive care units, Burn and Trauma Services, Respiratory Therapy, Social Services, Patient Care Services and the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) diligently worked through the first crucial hours when the patients arrived, with many staff members remaining throughout the weekend. Staff in the MGH Blood Donor Center, Police and Security, Admitting, Environmental Services, Nutrition and Food Services, Telecommunications, Human Resources, Finance, Buildings and Grounds, Public Affairs, Materials Management and Volunteer Services also rose to the occasion.

"When the MGH got the call that we would be receiving a number of severely burned patients, our hospital immediately set the wheels in motion," said Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH. "Staff members willingly stayed beyond their shift or came in on their days off, surgical schedules were adjusted and countless other details were coordinated quickly and thoughtfully to ensure we were ready to offer the finest care to both patients from the fire and other patients throughout the hospital."

A family support center was set up in the Blum Patient and Family Learning Center for the burn patients' families and friends. Staff members from Social Services, Nursing, Psychiatry, Chaplaincy and Administration painstakingly worked to help identify patients and provide assistance and support to hundreds of frightened and confused family members who came to the MGH searching for loved ones.

Rhode Island Governor Don Carcieri visited the burn patients and their families Feb. 25 to offer support and to thank the MGH staff who have been managing the complex medical needs of the burn patients. "I've been talking with the families of these patients, and they can't say enough about what you all are doing," said Carcieri at a press briefing during his visit. "Their hearts swell with compliments for this hospital's staff for the care of their loved ones. I just want to thank everyone for the efforts that have gone on here and at the other hospitals in Massachusetts."

Colleen Ryan, MD, co-director of the MGH Sumner Redstone Burn Unit, also said at the press briefing that the families have shown great resolve and courage through this difficult time. "Having been through other disasters like this, I'm always amazed at the tremendous show of courage of patients and their families in such a sad situation. It is truly a privilege for us to care for these people."

Through the tragedy, MGHers once again proved that their level of talent, compassion and dedication is unparalleled. Said Slavin, "It is a tremendous commitment of loyal and caring people that enables the MGH to stand as a beacon of hope, a place of healing, comfort and support in the midst of tragedy."