University Hospital staff pauses to reflect on one year of caring for COVID-19 patients
March 16, 2021
Today marks one year since University Hospital admitted its first patient infected with the COVID-19 virus. He was a 67-year old passenger from the Grand Princess cruise ship who was quarantined at Lackland Air Force Base. To date, the dedicated frontline workers at University Hospital have cared for 2,369 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Nearly half that number – 1,173 – were treated in one intensive care unit, known as Sky 5. The medical team in that unit has fought for the recovery of those with COVID-19 every day since the beginning. Today is day 366 in their effort to provide the care and attention that will allow these patients to return home.
This morning about 50 nurses and medical staff from Sky 5 paused to reflect on those with the virus who recovered, and those who didn’t; how working on a COVID-19 floor has challenged them and changed their lives; and what they have learned about themselves and taking care of others.
One special and memorable part of the remembrance was the Healing Hands prayer, a time to honor the healthcare workers whose hands have held those of many patients who may have felt alone and frightened. They are hands that delivered comfort and life-saving medical treatment.
Nearly half that number – 1,173 – were treated in one intensive care unit, known as Sky 5. The medical team in that unit has fought for the recovery of those with COVID-19 every day since the beginning. Today is day 366 in their effort to provide the care and attention that will allow these patients to return home.
This morning about 50 nurses and medical staff from Sky 5 paused to reflect on those with the virus who recovered, and those who didn’t; how working on a COVID-19 floor has challenged them and changed their lives; and what they have learned about themselves and taking care of others.
One special and memorable part of the remembrance was the Healing Hands prayer, a time to honor the healthcare workers whose hands have held those of many patients who may have felt alone and frightened. They are hands that delivered comfort and life-saving medical treatment.
