August 6 , 2004

Wrapping up the DNC: An MGH experience

Life at the MGH is back to normal after the Democratic National Convention (DNC), but for those who planned for its impact on the hospital and for those who worked extra hours during that week, the event left quite an impression. Here are a few interesting tidbits about the week and words of praise for the MGHers who worked hard to make the DNC week run smoothly and safely for patients, visitors and employees.

• Future voter? - Frontline MGHers were prepared for anything during DNC week - including the unexpected surprise birth of a baby July 29 on the hospital's front doorstep -the White ramp. The anxious parents had sped through traffic detours to get to the MGH, but not quite in enough time to get to the Emergency Department. MGH Police and Security staff and several ambassadors, along with members of the state police, helped deliver the healthy infant in the patient's car in front of the main entrance.

• Kerry sighting - The Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. John Kerry, made a surprise appearance near the MGH facilities at CNY as he arrived July 29 by boat with his large entourage. The unexpected arrival caused some logistic and security issues, but the MGH Police and Security team at CNY went into quick action to make the landing smooth sailing for the candidate.

• Like a good neighbor - MGH Police and Security staff were pleased to report that the DNC brought about the largest example of a "neighborhood watch" program they had ever seen. Not only were MGH employees, patients and visitors vigilant in helping with the hospital's security efforts, neighbors from the surrounding community also were more aware of their surroundings and alerted the hospital to potential security issues on several occasions.

• IDs please - MGHers heeded the messages from MGH Police and Security and wore their MGH Photo ID badges, giving the DNC week the highest compliance rate yet recorded for wearing hospital IDs.

• You don't see that every day - Some MGHers reported seeing men dressed in black uniforms, rappelling down ropes from the side of a building near the MGH. What looked like a scene from a spy movie actually was members of the state police and national guard practicing during a drill near Lederman Field.

• Safe and secure - MGH Police and Security reported that there were no thefts on hospital property during the week of the DNC, and there was no disturbance from convention protesters at the hospital. Although MGHers were at the ready to respond to any type of emergency, there was no need to deploy the hazmat tent or initiate the emergency response plan. "A colleague of mine who was a patient at the hospital last week said that she found our security efforts comforting without being too alarming," says Bonnie Michelman, director of MGH Police, Security and Outside Services.

• More information - There were numerous calls to the hospital's DNC information phone line - 172 calls during the four days, 135 of those from patients or visitors.

• Weaving a web - The hospital's DNC website saw quite a bit of traffic during the week with 3,129 visitors to the site during the three-week period of July 11 to 31, and 112 e-mails sent to the website mailbox with specific DNC questions.

• Stress relief - The Clubs at Charles River Park offered MGHers a bit of stress relief during the DNC with a special one-week pass for only $20 to relax by the pool, take a Pilates class or work out frustrations on the fitness equipment.

• Meals on wheels - To prepare for the DNC, MGH Food and Nutrition Services had to change their ordering and receiving routines because of the road closures. Food deliveries were made between 4 and 6 am with extra security measures to ensure safety. Supplies also were well stocked in case of an emergency. "Our staff in the storeroom was absolutely outstanding during this time," says Helen Doherty, RD, director of MGH Food and Nutrition Services.

• All smiles - Many people reported that the DNC brought about a general feeling of camaraderie and good will among members of the MGH community, with staff taking more time to talk to colleagues, and patients and visitors feeling accommodated.

A great deal of credit for ensuring the DNC week's success goes to Michelman, her staff and the DNC planning task force, which she chaired. Representing all areas of the MGH, the DNC task force members worked in two subgroups to ensure all aspects of hospital operations were taken into consideration while planning for the convention. The Patient Care Subgroup focused on ensuring that inpatient and outpatient activities would continue uninterrupted, and the Communications Subgroup developed a comprehensive plan to inform the MGH community about changes brought about by the convention. MGH satellites such as the health centers and CNY also worked closely with the task force to make sure operations continued as usual. And Partners Transportation made considerable changes to shuttle service to accommodate employees, patients and visitors.

"Planning for the impact of an event of such magnitude as the convention is no easy task," says Michelman. "Every possible detail was considered through complex preparation by many to make sure the MGH continued to be open and operating despite such huge changes to the city as the road closures and detours. I continue to be impressed by the extraordinary talent and dedication of the MGH community to rise above adversity to ensure our patients get the best possible care."

Above, from left, the MGH Police and Security senior leadership team, top, from left, Michael Neville, John Driscoll, Joe Crowley, Dick Chevrette, bottom, from left, Phillip Stewart, Bonnie Michelman and John Daley.