National Guard Makes a Difference in Battle Against Covid

Shelly Loop, RN, Nurse Manager at UH St. John Medical Center said goodbye last week to Ohio National Guard men and women who provided indispensable help during last month’s Covid outbreak. “They were amazing,” she said.

University Hospitals St. John Medical Center in Westlake, like many hospitals nationally, was stretched thin by the surge of Covid 19 and Omicron variant patients that hit hard last month.

Charging in to help, just like the cavalry of old, was the Ohio National Guard. 30 troops worked three shifts each day (10 troops per shift) from Dec. 30 through Jan. 29.

These Nationals Guardsmen and women served in a wide range of support roles, freeing up valuable time for hospital personnel to focus solely on patient care.

“They were amazing,” said Shelly Loop, RN, Nurse Manager, who served as hospital point person for the guard. “Their dedication and sense of professionalism was humbling.”

In an expression of appreciation to the Guard, hospital personnel gathered along the corridor of the UH SJMC Main Entrance last week and applauded the troops as they exited the hospital for the last time.

“The experience of having them here was something I will never forget,” said Loop. “Knowing how they helped us and what they did to get us through a very difficult time comforts me knowing they are protecting our country.

“Their motto is, ‘Always Ready, Always There!’” And they were. They were a gift.”

: National Guard troops receive a hospital Clap-Out on their last day at the hospital.

: Sgt. Moorman addresses UH SJMC staff on the Guard’s last day.

The range of service provided by the Guard was impressive. Tasks included sitting with patients, patient transport, helping to clean patients, stocking medical carts, sanitizing surfaces, answering call lights, running supplies, helping to turn patients, assisting patients to the bathroom, cleaning beds, taking out trash, delivering meals, observing patients at risk and more.

The list went on and on for four full weeks until the Covid surge thankfully began to subside.

For team leader, Staff Sergeant Dustin Moorman, the experience brought a deep appreciation for the responsibilities of healthcare workers, and nurses in particular. Asked for his impressions of the job after a month at UH St. John Medical Center, Moorman said, “What the nurses go through every day. The way they are asked to go from job to job. The things they do and the things they see. And they just keep going!”

From all at UH St. John Medical Center, the Ohio National Guard departed last week with a profound sense of gratitude and much, much mutual admiration.