Dear Staff,

This year, healthcare has experienced challenges above and beyond the norm. Healthcare has been on the front page of every newspaper, on the news every day, and on social media feeds like never before. The challenges we’ve faced as a profession have been on the forefronts of everyone’s minds this entire year. But what the media can’t quite capture is the unwavering strength of our healthcare professionals. For Upson, our staff have shown bravery, team spirit, resilience, and a heightened sense of compassion.

I already knew that we had an exceptional group of employees here but the way you have each risen above to meet the challenges we’ve faced this year has been phenomenal. Today, we have a gift for you for our celebration of our self-declared Hospital Month. Your leaders will help us distribute this gift to you but let me share the thought behind the gift. When you receive it, it may seem obvious as to why we would like you to have it. But know that we care deeply about you and your employment experience with us. We want to keep you safe and healthy, and help to keep your families safe and healthy. I think I speak for all of Leadership when I say that we couldn’t do this thing we call healthcare without you. We care about you and know that this gift is from our heart to yours.

With such a challenging year, it’s often easy to focus on all of the negative. But, if anything good can come from this year, let it be this – turn your focus on the good. Let yourself think about all of the positive that there is in this world and in this hospital. You are a part of a supportive, and compassionate family at URMC. The last two years, we’ve worked hard to make improvements with engagement, salaries, and communication. We have all worked toward streamlining processes that make our patient experience better – and it shows in our patient satisfaction. That’s the work that YOU are doing. YOU are so important to this organization, no matter the role you play here. Also, think about how much our community has rallied behind us. They’ve fed us, sent masks to us, prayed for us, and praised us. There is SO much to be proud of here. We are committed to continuing to make this a great place for our patients as well as our employees.

I appreciate you and I’m honored to work with you. Happy Hospital Month! Let’s have a little fun now!