A Special Delivery
Materials specialists are a key part of daily operations at EMMC, delivering supplies to all corners of the hospital. They don’t, however, get much of a chance to interact with patients. One of those specialists saw a golden opportunity one day, and seized the chance to make a difference in a small patient’s life.
Tom Simko was making his rounds in Pediatrics when he overheard a conversation between two nursing technicians about a very ill six-year-old boy. The little boy loves the Red Sox, and his parents were searching for a Red Sox bear to cheer him up. They were frustrated though, because they had been unable to find one.
The very next day Tom returned to the floor. He found one of the technicians he had overheard and asked if anyone had been successful in finding the Red Sox bear. Sadly, the technician informed him that they still had not found a bear. Tom smiled and handed her a bag. Inside was not only a Red Sox bear, but also a number of other Red Sox items, including a Red Sox street sign and necklace. “I hope the little boy enjoys them,” he said, and returned to his duties. The boy’s family was extremely touched by the gesture, though they never met the caring employee who had provided the items.
Tom responded to a compelling conversation that he overheard; as a result, he delivered more than just his usual supplies that day. He delivered excellent service and a bagful of smiles for one of our smallest patients.