Emergency responders stage drive-by to cheer stressed hospital workers
There was a major show of support in Sarnia, Ont. Tuesday, as emergency responders paid tribute to workers at Bluewater Health.
“It means the world to me,” said Kim Cicchini, a supervisor in the storage and distribution department at the hospital.
She and a group of close colleagues were among the hospital employees who stepped out at two o’clock to watch a drive-by parade in their honour.
“I know all of our staff, we are tired and burnt out a bit,” said Cicchini. “Our department takes care of the PPE. Quite frankly I’m tired of hearing that word, but we’re just thankful that everybody recognizes us.”
About 20 on-duty emergency vehicles from the Sarnia and Point Edward fire departments, Sarnia police and Lambton EMS took part in the drive-by. They were joined by corrections offiers from the Sarnia Jail and workers from Imperial Oil. Some residents also gathered to watch the convoy.
Sarnia Fire Captain Roy Eddleston said he helped organize the event as a way to say ‘thank you.’
“We did one a couple years ago. They said how well it was received back then, and I thought maybe we’re due for another one now that we’re almost two years into this. Unfortunately, it’s still going strong, and I can only imagine the burnout in what they have been dealing with there. So the least I could do was try to be part of it and get everyone on board.”
The boost to staff morale couldn’t have come at a better time, as the chief of staff at Bluewater Health pleads for patience from the public.
Dr. Michael Haddad said staff are dealing with an increase in threats and verbal assaults as COVID-19-related stress reaches a boiling point in the broader community.
“I think a bit of kindness would go a long way, just a bit of patience would go a long way,” said Haddad. “I know sometimes there are delays in the ER, or wait times could be long, but rest assured everyone is doing their best to catch up and do their best, and realize that many of the staff is way overworked.”
A similar drive-by took place at the Petrolia campus of Bluewater Health.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.