In Ceremonies, UES Hospital Marks A Year Since 1st COVID Patient

Upper East Side NY

09 March, 2021

3:06 PM

Description

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — As New York City marks one year since the coronavirus took hold, Lenox Hill Hospital had an anniversary of its own this week: one year since the arrival of its first COVID-19 patient. The Upper East Side medical center observed the solemn occasion with a pair of ceremonies. First, Monday afternoon, the hospital unveiled a new Healthcare Heroes Wall, which honors victims of the virus, pays tribute to the health care workers and shares "stories of hope and inspiration," owner Northwell Health said in a news release. The unveiling included a reading by the hospital chaplain and a rendition of "Here Comes the Sun," which Lenox Hill played during the pandemic's peak each time a COVID-19 patient was discharged. To date, Lenox Hill has treated almost 2,500 COVID-19 patients. Monday evening, hospital staff and leaders circled the building along East 77th Street, holding cell phones bearing sun images and presenting medals of appreciation to each employee. (Courtesy of Northwell Health) Then, Monday evening, hospital staff and leaders circled the building along East 77th Street, holding cell phones bearing sun images, reading a poem by inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and presenting medals of appreciation to each employee, bearing the messages: "COVID-19 changed our world, together we fought back," and "Here comes the sun and I say it's alright." (Courtesy of Northwell Health) (Courtesy of Northwell Health) Across the Upper East Side, at least 286 residents have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began, according to the city's data. Related coverage: Coronavirus's Toll On The Upper East Side: 1 Year Later