Hudson Valley Hospital Center Employees on the Job during Blizzard of 2015

Cortlandt Manor, NY - (January 26, 2015) – Not everyone gets the day off from work: even in a blizzard. As Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency in preparation for a powerful Nor’easter expected to dump up to two feet of snow on our area, Hudson Valley Hospital employees were preparing for the storm.

More than 100 employees planned to spend the night at the Cortlandt Manor hospital, sleeping in the emergency room, hospital rooms or makeshift dormitories in conference rooms, outpatient areas and exam rooms, according to Nursing Supervisor Anna Slempa.

Hudson Valley Hospital Center President John C. Federspiel said hospital employees are familiar with the drill and were in good spirits about spending the night.

“We have had many storms over the years, and staff response has always been excellent,’’ he said. “Our dedicated staff are always available for the patients.”

Slempa, who is in charge of coordinating accommodations for the employees, said most staff spend the night because the hospital cannot afford to be understaffed. People who spend the night come from many departments including emergency, radiology, nursing, ambulatory surgery, engineering and environmental. The hospital is sending a driver to pick up some essential staff who cannot drive in.

###
Hudson Valley Hospital Center is dedicated to serving the health care needs of the community and to providing quality, comprehensive medical care in a compassionate, professional, respectful manner, without regard to race, religion, national origin or disease category. Offering state-of-the-art diagnostic treatment, education and preventive services, the Hospital is committed to improving the quality of life in the community. In fulfilling this mission, the Hospital will strive to continuously improve the care provided and develop and offer programs, facilities, systems and alliances that most effectively respond to community health care needs. Hudson Valley Hospital Center is located on Route 202 (1980 Crompond Road) in Cortlandt Manor, New York. Call 914-737-9000 or visit www.hvhc.org.