The Surgical Services team at UPMC Mercy has demonstrated exceptional resilience, professionalism, and teamwork throughout a challenging year. Despite significant disruptions due to ongoing construction in their areas, unit relocations, and constant detours, the team never wavered in their commitment to patient care. They navigated these obstacles while coping with a lack of break rooms, staff turnover, and management changes. Despite these hurdles, the team increased OR utilization by 25%, the highest utilization in the entire system.

In addition to overcoming staffing challenges, including a shortage of schedulers, the team also made strides in improving hand hygiene scores, reinforcing their dedication to patient safety and infection control. Their ability to adapt to shifting circumstances, including the need for rapid responses to staffing shortages, further exemplifies their dedication to delivering exceptional care. The perioperative units and ORs have been instrumental in supporting one another, stepping up to provide coverage when short-staffed, ensuring that no task is left unmet.

The Surgical Services team’s unwavering focus on patient care and willingness to help one another, even in difficult times, is a testament to their strong teamwork and professionalism. They have not only risen to the challenges presented by the construction and other obstacles but have also exceeded expectations in every way. Their resilience, collaborative spirit, and patient-first attitude have set an exemplary standard, and they truly deserve recognition for their outstanding performance and dedication.