West Islip Hospital Remembers One-Year Anniversary Of Pandemic

WEST ISLIP, NY — Health care workers at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip did what many Long Islanders have done this week: reflected that it's been one calendar year since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The hospital held a remembrance ceremony on Thursday in front of the hospital entrance, where doctors, nurses and other health care workers gathered to remember how everyone's lives changed, seemingly overnight.

Ruth Hennessey, Good Samaritan's president, spoke to the crowd.

“Approximately one year ago, our lives changed,” she said. “The COVID-19 pandemic became a health crisis unlike any other I have seen in my many years in health care.”

"I have seen unbelievable acts of heroism, countless acts of compassion, overwhelming displays of selfless behavior and a community spirit unlike any other. I am so proud to be a part of this incredible team and so humbled by your acts of selfless behavior.”

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter was also in attendance, and she presented a honorary citation to the frontline workers.

A memorial bench was dedicated to all those lost to COVID-19, and placed on the hospital grounds.