Home Base Nation

Unity Of Purpose – Reflections On Boston Hope, A COVID-19 Field Hospital

Episode Summary

Uncertainty. This was a word that often came up, especially during the early days in early April 2020 while admitting patients to the Boston Hope Field Hospital from our acute care hospitals. Now in late October 2020, we are in yet another period of uncertainty, as the numbers of infections rise here in the US and abroad. But, as we move deeper into Fall and Winter, perhaps as a medical community we are in a better position to handle that uncertainty, given what we have experienced together. This episode highlights a conversation with Boston Hope’s Commander Brigadier General Jack Hammond, Deputy Commander Michael Allard, and Medical Directors Drs. Jeanette Ives Erickson and Giles Boland. Thanks for listening as we discuss this public-private, military-civilian effort, a collaboration that came together as Boston Hope.

Episode Notes

This episode is dedicated to the 723 people with COVID-19 who came to recover at the Boston Hope Field Hospital during Spring 2020, and to all 1,034 staff who took incredible care of them. With heartfelt appreciation to the Dr. Anne Klibanski, President and CEO of Mass General Brigham (MGB) and the entire MGB leadership team, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Boston’s Mayor Marty Walsh for making it happen. And with much gratitude to our partners and colleagues at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Atrius Health, Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Suffolk Construction, the Army Reserve, the Massachusetts National Guard, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and the Boston Public Health Commission.

The "Hope 4" 

Commander - Brigadier General Jack Hammond, Deputy Commander – Michael Allard, and Medical Directors – Drs. Jeanette Ives Erickson and Giles Boland

 

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