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After ten hours of clearing snow behind the wheel of a front-end loader, pain and cramps settle into the knees and lower back, according to Environmental Services Grounds Supervisor Enrique “Tony” Genao.
He’d certainly know. Genao supervised an 18- to 24-man crew of shovelers clearing snow from the entrances at 15, 45 and 75 Francis St. and the ambulance bay throughout the Blizzard of ‘05. During the weekend storm, Genao arrived at work Saturday at 7 a.m. and worked nearly continuously through 11 a.m. Monday, grabbing only short breaks every 12 hours to keep going.
No relief was in sight for Genao and others responsible for snow removal, as six more inches of snow greeted BWH employees, patients and visitors on Wednesday, adding to the nearly two feet of accumulation from the preceding weekend.
Genao’s snow removal marathon was just one of many similar tales of staff consistently rising to the occasion to provide patient care around the clock, even in the worst weather.
“One of our night nurses showed up with a giant rolling suitcase containing her own comforter and pillow,” said Julianne Mazzawi, RN, nurse manager Connors Center 8.
“We had 38 Food Services staff stay over Saturday night and 28 of them stayed until Monday providing three meals a day for both staff and patients,” said Karen Purdy-Reilly, director, Food Services.
“It was gratifying to see literally hundreds of BWH staff who, once again, went above and beyond the call of duty for our patients,” said Kate Walsh, chief operating officer, BWH.