McKenna and Snyder: ‘You have shown a true commitment to our patients and each other’

Don McKenna, regional president, Holy Spirit Medical Center and Hampden Medical Center, and Kyle Snyder, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Holy Spirit Medical Center, sent the following email to Holy Spirit employees.

As we approach the holiday season, Kyle and I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to find some time to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished this year. Despite the unprecedented challenges thrown our way by the coronavirus pandemic, you have shown a true commitment to our patients and each other.

Ten months ago, when the virus began to take hold in our area, few of us understood the full impact of what we were facing. Despite those unknowns, each of you readily stepped forward to put your patients’ needs first. As time went on and we learned more about the virus and the long-term fight we were in, you remained steadfast despite being asked to follow stringent safety protocols, limit your interactions with family and friends and, for many, adjust to working from home.

At the same time, we were navigating our transition to Penn State Health. While at any other time this would be a huge undertaking, it was magnified in the present environment. Fortunately for all of us, both organizations were fully committed to making it happen. Now as part of the Penn State Health family, we look forward to working with you to sustain Holy Spirit’s longstanding tradition of quality, compassionate, faith-based care while improving the future of health care for the people of our region.

In light of the fact that the first vaccine has been approved for COVID-19, we believe that 2021 promises to be a better year. We look forward to a time when the virus is under control and our focus can return to treating patients without the fear of putting ourselves or others at risk. Until then, we encourage you to celebrate the holidays safely and extend our warm wishes to you and your loved ones for a peaceful, happy and healthy holiday season.

Don McKenna
Regional President
Holy Spirit Medical Center and Hampden Medical Center

Kyle Snyder
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Holy Spirit Medical Center

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