And the Rains Came

In recent weeks, resilience was the theme echoed as the team members at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital literally weathered one of the worst storms they’ve ever faced. The flood on August 4 brought much of the city to a standstill, with the hospital being one of the hardest hit. As the rain continued, water rose higher, making the hospital appear as if it were an island. By mid-morning, the decision was made to move all 197 patients to a safer environment.

Mirroring the heroic spirit of the founding sisters, our team members, physicians and volunteers moved smoothly and efficiently in transferring all patients to neighboring health care facilities.

Not since 1874, when the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth first opened the hospital, have the doors ever closed to the public (even temporarily). The history of Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital contains many accounts when the Sisters were tested. During World War I, they risked their lives caring for soldiers in area camps while a lethal flu epidemic ravaged the nation. During the 1937 flood, when most of the city was submerged in icy water, the Sisters again rose to the task.

“Our team members took this challenge head-on,” said Tom Gessel, president and CEO at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. “Just as the Sisters, they did what was needed to ensure patient safety,” he added.