Sherman Health stands strong during Blizzard of 2011

While many businesses closed due to the Blizzard of 2011, Sherman Hospital and Sherman Immediate Care Centers remained open and ready for work.

Throughout the night, 128 staff members, 10 physicians, 44 leaders, and Sherman President and CEO Rick Floyd were on-hand to serve the more than 200 patients who were at the hospital. Staff slept wherever they could−on cots, air mattresses, patient beds, or couches−to make sure they were rested and ready. Sherman's Food and Nutrition Services team served meals to those who weathered the storm in the hospital, and each staff member received a personal hygiene toiletry kit to remain clean and refreshed for their night of work.

"I was really struck by the helpful, collegial and very positive mood of everyone who was here throughout the night," stated Linda Deering, Executive Vice President & COO, who also remained at the hospital overnight. "Everything went so smoothly, and that was because of the hard work that our employees and leaders did in advance of the storm to ensure we were staffed appropriately."

There was no shortage of personnel at the hospital, which was staffed for both overnight and first shift.