Oranges show Everyday Grace

In early January 2017, winter packed another punch in Oregon.

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart’s emergency department at RiverBend overflowed with patients laid low by the flu, injuries and other health issues. This, in addition to treacherous road conditions, made for the perfect storm.

PeaceHealth caregivers in administrative and clinical areas acted quickly to open a short-stay unit and make room for those ED patients to be cared for. Next, offering healthy food to the special guests became a top priority.

The team in Food Services worked swiftly. With help from the nursing staff, they passed out menus, collected orders and delivered meals to those in the new temporary quarters, as well as patients in the rest of the hospital.

Even while meeting their own demanding schedule, the food services crew took note of the extra stress experienced by the ED nurses. They delivered a bowl of oranges with a simple message—“thinking of you.”

Caring for patients is part of the job. Caring for the ones who care for patients shows a special kind of heart.