The Other End of the Evacuation

Chief Clinical Officer and Incident Operations Section Chief, Keith Earnest along with Chief Financial Officer and Incident Finance Chief, Travis Lakey prepare to register and receive patients from Shasta View Nursing Center.

It was just over one month ago that Mayers Memorial Hospital District had to evacuate the long term care residents of our Burney Annex. At that time we were assisted by a great staff and many facilities in the Redding area ready and willing to help. We were able to transfer our patients and be confident that they were receiving quality care. The care,compassion and willingness to help from these facilities did not go unnoticed.

September 15, 2014 we were able to return the gesture. The devastating Boles Fire near Weed, California forced the evacuation of 1000's of people, including residents of the Shasta View Nursing Center. When we received the phone call asking if we could help, there was not a question.

The wonderful staff at MMHD came together to prepare to take 6 of the Shasta View residents. It takes a team of dedicated individuals to make the process work. Dietary staff stayed make sure the patients would have a meal when they arrived, housekeeping laundered clothing so they would have fresh clothes in the morning, admitting staff came in to register, administrative staff was available for any other needs...this all in addition to the amazing clinical staff prepared to make the transition for these patients comfortable.

We are blessed to meet and care for these patients...the Air Force nurse of 30 years, the lifelong Weed resident, the native Missouri resident, the precious lady who likes her tea really hot and the spunky lady who renamed one of our staff "Cutie Pie." It is a joy to be able to know and care for these residents as our own in their time of need. Our prayers to the people of Weed and wishes for these 6 patients to be able to return home soon. In the mean time, we are honored to be able to provide the needed care.