Friday, October 27, 2023

Providing More Resources to Help You Find Your Way

At the beginning of this week, we reopened the former main corridor, which had been closed for some time due to construction, and the difference is amazing! While it is bright, open, and beautiful, it also looks unfamiliar because it is so new, and that adds to navigation challenges we already face. 

Recognizing that this evolution will continue as we fully open the Louis and Phyllis Friedman building in the next couple of weeks, we’re taking action to make it easier for patients and visitors to get to where they need to be. 

First, we’ve already stepped up our in-person wayfinding efforts. Additional staff and volunteers are stationed in the main hospital during peak hours to answer questions and help people to and from their destinations. And don’t forget that in advance of your visit, you can also download the GBMC wayfinding app by clicking here

I’m also pleased to share that beginning November 9, GBMC will offer a patient and visitor shuttle as well as additional valet services to assist in campus transportation and wayfinding. We hope these services will be helpful to all patients and visitors, especially those with appointments in Physicians Pavilion West (PPW) since they can no longer park in Daffodil, which was much more convenient than current options. 

Valet services will be available Monday through Friday at the following times and locations: 

  • 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.: Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building entrance, Maternal Newborn Health (MNH) at the Yaggy Atrium, the Bus Loop outside Einstein Bros. Bagels (Note: Valet service at this location will end once the Berman garage opens for patient and visitor parking later this year.)  
  • 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.: PPW 

GBMC will provide shuttle services on a continuous loop Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. The shuttle can accommodate 4 passengers at a time and will pick up from the Friedman Building entrance, PPW, and the bus loop. 

We also know that these solutions are temporary fixes. As our campus dramatically changes, we are taking a fresh look at our signage and approach to helping people navigate. We look forward to working with our Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFAC) to get feedback on what would be most helpful in the long term. 

Congratulations to Dr. Melvin Blanchard! 

Dr. Melvin Blanchard, our Chair of Medicine, has been honored with the prestigious title of Master of the American College of Physicians (MACP) by the ACP Board of Regents. This accolade is among the highest recognitions in the field of Internal Medicine, granted to individuals who have demonstrated remarkable accomplishments in practice, leadership, research, and other medical-related pursuits. It celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the science and art of medicine through their integrity, positions of honor, and positive impact on their communities. 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Blanchard on this honor! 

Celebrating Our Teams 

October 23-29 is National Respiratory Care Week. A simple 'thank you' will never be enough for the life-changing and lifesaving work our respiratory therapists do every day at GBMC. Please take a moment to thank our fabulous respiratory team for their dedication! In addition, we are observing National Health Care Facilities and Engineering Week. Though I’m always grateful to our facilities team and engineering professionals across the health system for their central role in ensuring a safe and efficient environment for all patients, residents, visitors, and staff of the GBMC HealthCare system, I’m especially thankful for all they have accomplished (and have yet to accomplish) through our Promise Project. It is also Pastoral & Spiritual Care Week. Thank you to our Spiritual Support team, led by Reverend Saundra “Sandy” Rector, M.Div., BCC, CCISM, for their hard work and dedication to meeting the spiritual needs of our patients and staff. Our Spiritual Support team is always there to provide compassion and comfort to staff, patients and their families. 

Filipino American History Month 

On Tuesday, October 24, we celebrated Filipino American History Month, complete with incredible food, Pandanggo sa llaw and Bulaklakan dance, language education, and a panel interview with our own staff of Filipino heritage. Thanks once again to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion planning committee and all staff who were involved in planning this very entertaining and educational event! 

Honoring Baltimore City’s Fallen Firefighters 

Last week, a large rowhome fire in northwest Baltimore tragically resulted in the deaths of two courageous firefighters, EMT/firefighter Rodney W. Pitts, III, and Baltimore fire Lt. Dillon Rinaldo.  

Our thoughts are with their loved ones, fellow first responders and the entire community as we collectively reflect, grieve, and celebrate their lives. 

GBMC HealthCare is grateful to our fire protection and emergency medical service partners for their integral and courageous roles in maintaining the public health and safety of our community. 

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