The largest hospital system in New York said it will reward the 'bravery' of its frontline workers for their service during the co...
The largest hospital system in New York said it will reward the 'bravery' of its frontline workers for their service during the coronavirus outbreak with a bonus and time off.
Northwell Health, with campuses on Long Island as well as in Manhattan and Queens, said Monday it will pay frontline workers a $2,500 bonus and extra week of vacation for their service during the pandemic.
'Our dedicated staff's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of heroic,' said Northwell President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Dowling in a released statement.
Northwell Health's front line staff, like the ones working the drive thru testing line at Huntington Hospital, are eligible for the health system's offer of a $2,500 bonus and time off as a reward for their service during the pandemic
Nassau County first responders line up to front line workers who have treated COVID-19 patients at Northwell's North Shore University Hospital
A patient is rushed into a coronavirus intake area at Northwell's Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York
'Thanks to the courage and commitment of our front-line caregivers, we answered the call in service to the patients and communities who entrust us with their care.'
Northwell is best known for its flagships North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset and Long Island Jewish Hospital in New Hyde Park, as well as Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan and Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn.
Its hospitals have discharged more than 6,100 patients that had been hospitalized with COVID-19, Northwell says. More than 2,600 patients are still hospitalized within the system.
So far there have been 247,512 confirmed cases in New York of the coronavirus, which has been blamed for 14,347 deaths.
Across the US, there have been more than 800,000 confirmed cases and close to 43,000 deaths.
Nurses, doctors and respiratory therapists directly involved in caring for patients are eligible for the bonus and time off.
But the rewards also are going out to other 'unsung heroes,' including housekeepers, environmental cleaning service workers who sanitize, as well as corporate employees and those outside of hospitals working helping patients.
A total of about 45,000 workers are eligible for the bonus and time off, Northwell says.
Northwall frontline workers are pictured at a coronavirus drive-through testing lab in New Rochelle, New York
Northwell head Michael Dowling says the hospital system wants to continue to 'support, motivate and inspire our team members.'
'We celebrate their wins, recognize their heroic work and amplify the outpouring of community support they are receiving for their courageous actions.'