The “World Meeting of Families” was a historic lifetime event for the city of Philadelphia.
While thousands of people flooded the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in an attempt to catch just one glimpse of Pope Francis, The University of Pennsylvania Hospital (HUP) staff was busy ensuring their patients with excellent comfort and care.
Preparation for the Papal visit began months in advance at HUP. Since the hospital was located in the security zone it made it difficult for traveling to and from work. Extra sheets, towels and blankets, medicine and food were only some of the many items said to have been stocked up on.
Maura Gallagher, a registered nurse at HUP, expected that the hospital would be bringing on any extra staff for the weekend in case of any serious emergencies.
“My expectations were that the hospital would have extra staff on site in case of any emergencies happening in the city that day,” Gallagher said.
The hospital staff was well aware of the capacity of this event. However, many came in still unsure of how the weekend’s events could unfold.
HUP treated Pope Francis’ visit as they would with any other external disaster. The main focus was extra staffing and ensuring that proper human and physical resources were in place if needed.
“There were military officers on every corner it seemed like around the hospital and in center city. They were out at all times throughout the day and night. In the hospital, there were many more security officers making their rounds on each floor,” Gallagher added.
Philadelphia police and the National Guard set up around the perimeter of the hospital, making it nearly impossible for anyone to get through. The streets in the surrounding the perimeter were only accessible to pedestrians and bike riders.
If a patient was scheduled to be discharged, they had to provide the name of the person who was planning to pick them up from the hospital, as well as the make and model of the car. HUP security worked with police to ensure that those individuals who were granted access to the hospital entrance for patients being discharged, were allowed to pass through.
Due to road closings, many of the hospital staff were forced to stay overnight throughout the weekend. The hospital went above and beyond to provide sleeping, bathing and meals to those staff members.
“I decided early on that I would be among those who stayed overnight,” Julie J, registered nurse at HUP, said.
Hospital employees were given the option to sleep on their individual units or in designated sleeping quarters. The hospital provided cots and air mattresses as well as “meal tickets” to cover the cost of all three meals.
Despite the chaos that came along with setting up transportation and sleeping arrangements, the hospital staff managed to plan fun activities for employees for their off hours.
“Nightly movies, karaoke, video games stations, basketball games and temporary gym access were among options that were provided for employees,” Phanerrica Muhammad, registered nurse at HUP, said.
After a long weekend, employees were very pleased that all went over smoothly due to the hospital’s efforts and preparation.
All photos submitted by Penn Medicine
