As Hurricane Ian blazed a path through Florida, thousands of AdventHealth team members across the state reported to work to ensure hospitals could stay open for those who needed care.
The majority of AdventHealth’s facilities in West and Central Florida sustained only minor damage, with team members taking action to successfully switch to generator power when needed, mitigate minor flooding issues and transfer patients to ensure their safety and comfort.
“When trouble shows up, we show up for each other,” said AdventHealth CEO Terry Shaw. “I’m in awe of how our team members and communities have shown up for each other in so many ways.”
While riding out the storm, team members found ways to create special moments to lift spirits, calm nerves, maintain safety and continue providing quality care.
Here are some of their stories:
West Florida
At AdventHealth Heart of Florida, fresh cookies were baked for team members and distributed on a “hurricane survival cart” to bring cheer as wind and rain battered the area.
AdventHealth hospital CEOs helped prepare meals for hospital staff at a time when the cafeteria needed extra support.
Team members led groups in breathing exercises, meditation and prayer to help bring calm amid the storm. Puzzles, coloring and games provided break-time relaxation.
At AdventHealth Fish Memorial, the hospital’s maternity care team helped a first-time mother who arrived in the middle of the storm deliver her baby boy.
At AdventHealth Orlando, the teams delivered babies and performed multiple surgeries, including a transplant and other cardiac procedures. At AdventHealth for Children, the team helped transport twins from Fort Myers, Fla., as residents evacuated areas that would eventually be devastated by the storm. There was even a pregnant labor and delivery nurse who gave birth at the hospital during the hurricane.
Each hospital also had maintenance, facilities and environmental services teams working around the clock to keep the buildings safe and clean for all.
Leaders at AdventHealth hospitals across the state helped coordinate facility operations through Command Centers that gathered cross-functional teams of experts to ensure the safety and continuity of care.
Supporting Impacted Team Members in Florida
While the majority of AdventHealth facilities weathered the storm without major damages, many team members in Florida are experiencing devastating loss. Some team members have experienced a complete loss their homes, vehicles and belongings due to flooding and wind damage.
As a company, AdventHealth will be making a donation to support team members in need. Contributions to the fund can be made here, which will support immediate needs – food, gasoline and clothing – as well as longer-term ones, like helping those without shelter and/or a vehicle.