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Respiratory Therapist Remains at Hospital Overnight During Inclement Weather

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PARIS — Healthcare workers are true warriors. This year has been extremely tough with the knowns and unknowns and COVID-19 topped by unusual winter weather.
Dinah Brush of McKenzie is one of the many healthcare workers who go beyond the call of duty.
Inclement weather affects many businesses, creates travel problems and even shortages in staffing.
“I’m a respiratory therapist (RT) at Henry County Medical Center and work 12 hour shifts. Currently, I am on day shift.
“When winter weather begins to threaten, plans are immediately set in place for healthcare workers like me. Calls and texts go out to employees offering rooms to stay prior to the weather hitting and for subsequent nights once the weather has hit.

“My family knows that I am needed and is understanding when rare occasions such as these arise. So a (overnight) bag is packed and I’m off to work a shift, stay overnight in a room, then work the next day.”
A patient room becomes her temporary bedroom.
Dinah said her work shifts are her duty and responsibility. “ I give the best care I can to my patients regardless of the weather,” said Dinah. “Minor inconveniences such as having to stay overnight in a hospital room pale in comparison to what my patients are going through.
“I’ve been an RT for 24 years now and still love my job to this day. It’s why I don’t mind rising to these rare occasions.”
Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution.
Dinah is a true example of the sacrifices medical personnel make to serve their patients.