Everyone agrees that hospital staff could use a free vacation, and luckily, it’s not just wishful thinking. NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst surprised over 4,000 hospital workers — including doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and facilities and food service teams — with a free three-night vacation, courtesy of American Airlines and Hyatt. Workers will be able to take a free round-trip flight on American Airlines to one of several destinations across the US and the Caribbean, where they will be treated to a complimentary stay at a Hyatt hotel.
Photo: American Airlines
American Airlines and Hyatt Hotels Gifted Free Vacations to More Than 4,000 NYC Healthcare Workers
“Every worker at Elmhurst has seen and experienced challenges many of us cannot imagine. They’ve given so much of themselves and chose to serve their community with care, compassion and equity for every patient,” said Robert Isom, American Airlines president, in a press release. “When they are able to take a break, we hope the time away will help them and their loved ones recharge and that they feel our deepest appreciation for their sacrifice and heroism.”
Elmhurst was one of the NYC hospitals hit hardest by the coronavirus. The hospital increased its Intensive Care Unit capacity by 500 percent in response to the influx of patients, putting staff at extremely high risk of contracting the virus themselves.
In response, Israel Rocha, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, said, “We are extremely grateful to Hyatt and American Airlines for this generous gift to our health care workers, who have been at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our doctors, nurses, and other staff on the front lines of this unprecedented health care crisis really appreciate the outpouring of support from two of America’s major companies, and we look forward to taking advantage of these well-earned vacations in the near future.” 