#ThompsonTough: A Hashtag with Heart

MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

There is no question: 2020 has been a year like no other. This is true for our world, for our country and for UR Medicine Thompson Health as well.
However, there is also no question that our health system’s associates – supported by an outstanding community – have shown tremendous grit and determination as well as an incredible ability to navigate any challenges placed before them.
Whether sharing messages on how to stay safe, providing the highest level of care for COVID-19 patients, finding new ways to deliver routine care during the pandemic or mitigating the significant financial impact of the virus, these associates continue to exceed expectations.
Throughout, our community has sustained us. Words of encouragement in handwritten notes and on yard signs, deliveries of countless meals, donations of personal protective equipment and financial contributions have lifted our spirits more than we can ever possibly express. At the same time, our incredible EMS partners and other essential workers have provided tremendous inspiration. We are indeed grateful to know we are not in this battle alone.
Here is just one example of the notes I received from patients, just as we began to emerge from the immediate crisis and create our “new normal:”
“The folks doing the screening at the door, the people working behind the counter, and the person doing my blood draw were so unbelievably positive and friendly and welcoming. I wanted to either move into the hospital or adopt them all. In tough times like this, I was just shocked to encounter such delightful people. I don't know how you hire people, but you sure know what you're doing. Thanks for really making my day so much better.”
I have never been more proud to be a part of Thompson Health than I have been these past several months. There are still many unknowns but we are #ThompsonTough and no matter what the future holds, I remain confident we will come out of this stronger than we were before. After all, as someone once said, “Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the hero within us is revealed.”
Despite the hard times, there is still much good news to share in this summer issue of Partners in Health and Wellness.
As you will read, in recent months we opened our new Sands-Constellation Intensive Care Unit, our Marilyn Sands Outpatient Clinic and our Canandaigua Urgent Care. We also received a new quality designation and found new ways to use technology so both Thompson associates and patients can feel comfortable and stay safe moving forward.
I hope you will take a few moments to read these stories and more. After all, who among us couldn’t use a little good news? Enjoy.