PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Some health care workers fighting COVID-19 will no longer be faceless, masked heroes.
Caregivers at Forbes Hospital will now be wearing large photos of themselves PPE free and smiling in addition to employee IDs.
Earlier on KDKA Radio, hospital president Mark Rubino told Larry and Kevin connection and contact are important to comforting patients.
Colleen Scarantine, MS, RRT, Manager of Patient Safety and Risk at Forbes Hospital says she first heard of the photo badges in a national story.
"Human contact is so important to the mental and physical health of anyone who is hospitalized," Scarantine said. "Being hospitalized is now especially difficult, and even frightening, because of the limitations on visitors, and also because protective measures covering our expressions create a less "human" appearance.
"We want to affirm to our patients that there is a real, caring human being behind the mask. Nothing replaces a real smile, touch, or eye contact, but we hope these IDs can help patients and caregivers make a stronger connection," Scarantine said.
The maskless photos will be worn along with hospital ID badges.
"Personalized, compassionate care for our patients has always been a core value at AHN Forbes," said Dr. Rubino. "Colleen's initiative, and our employees' enthusiasm for getting one of the new IDs, show how Forbes employees are always willing to go the extra mile for the welfare of our patients."
A number of employees from transport drivers to emergency physicians will wear the near badges.
Allegheny Health Network plan to expand the initiative to more hospitals.
Jennifer Bloodworth contributed to this article.
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