Catholic Vancouver July 13, 2020
Archbishop thanks Holy Family Hospital staff during COVID crisis
By Agnieszka Ruck
Editor’s note: this story was updated July 16. The COVID-19 situation at Holy Family Hospital is changing daily, click here for the latest.
As Holy Family Hospital in Vancouver grapples with an outbreak of COVID-19 in long-term care, Archbishop J. Michael Miller is offering his appreciation to staff.
“I want to personally reach out to you because, together with the faith community of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, I am very grateful for the professional skill and dedication you are showing in this crisis,” he wrote to long-term care workers July 9.
“Even when tired and exhausted, you show your commitment to others with patience and self-sacrifice. Patients and their families have assuredly felt that with you they have ‘angels’ at their side who are supporting and comforting them.”
Archbishop Miller said he is remembering those who are ill or who have died of COVID-19 in his daily prayers and at Mass.
Holy Family Hospital has been dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak among staff and patients since June 9. Forty-nine residents and 30 staff have been diagnosed with the illness, the hospital reported July 15. Fifteen have died.
In response to the outbreak, Holy Family has restricted access to all visitors except for immediate family members and the spiritual adviser of a resident near the end of life. These visitors are screened for COVID-19.
Holy Family Hospital was founded in 1947 by three Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul. It was expanded over the years and now offers 65 rehabilitation beds and 126 long-term care beds.
The COVID-19 outbreak declared June 9 affected the entire facility, but as of June 29, was considered over in the rehabilitation area of the hospital. It remains in effect in long term care.
As of July 15, four Holy Family residents remain in hospital, though none are in intensive care. The hospital reports that seven residents and 20 staff have recovered from the illness.
“You are working heroically in this time of great trial,” Archbishop Miller wrote in his letter of appreciation. “I entrust all of you and your efforts to the good Lord. With God’s grace, may the outbreak be speedily ended.”
A spokesperson for Providence Health Care said Holy Family Hospital is the only Providence site currently facing a COVID-19 outbreak.
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