Shannon Bigelow and her colleagues on
4 Main, UPMC Shadyside, know that on Thanksgiving Day, there is no substitute
for a home-cooked turkey dinner with all the traditional trimmings.
“Unfortunately, a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner is
not something available to our patients who have to be in the hospital along
with their families,” says Bigelow, a registered nurse on the 40-bed
surgical oncology unit. “That’s why my co-workers and I decided to cook at home
and bring the feast to our patients and families so they could enjoy a great
Thanksgiving right here in the unit.”
Bigelow started to plan the event with Lori
Ewell, a patient care technician. “But in a very short period of time,
others throughout the unit wanted to be involved,” says Cynthia
Matthews, unit director, 4 Main.
Two members of the unit’s
clinical team, Sharon Skalos and Diana Curry,
prepared turkeys to feed more than 30 patients and family members. Others
brought in mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, vegetable dishes and
trays, and desserts for all. PCTs Brandi Lee and
Melissa Bayerlein handled much of the setup and decorating. Ms.
Ewell also assisted with setup and kept the food warm throughout the day.
“The entire day went extremely well, and the families
and patients were very appreciative. A lot of them went back for seconds and
thirds. One family member said, 'I'm so glad I get to have home-cooked turkey on
Thanksgiving. I didn't think I would be able to,’” explains Bigelow. Various
patient nutritional statuses also were covered. Gift bags with hard candy were
distributed. Patients on full liquids had the opportunity to enjoy butternut
squash soup.
Planning is under way for a Christmas Day dinner.
“Holidays can be a sad time to be in the hospital, so we hope to do something
special to make it a special time on 4 Main,” adds Bigelow.