Hospitals create grocery stores, wellness teams to support employees

With the COVID-19 pandemic placing extraordinary strains on health professionals and hospital staff, some health systems are finding creative ways to support their employees. CommonSpirit Health in Chicago opened grocery stores at its hospitals to alleviate the need for staff to shop at night when stocks are low. St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix piloted the initiative. The stores contain staples such as paper goods, dairy products and shelf-stable items such as pasta, rice, sugar and canned tuna. Children's Mercy in Kansas City, Mo., formed a COVID Employee Wellness Support Team to stave off depression and burnout. The team includes psychologists, clinical social workers, chaplains and hospital leaders who are setting up virtual support groups; stocking a respite room with food and workout equipment; leading guided meditation sessions; and conducting wellness rounds in the emergency department and neonatal intensive care unit. (HealthLeaders Media story, 4/21/20)