The Greater Hudson Valley Health System, comprised of Orange Regional Medical Center, Catskill Regional Medical Center, Orange Regional Medical Group, Catskill Regional Medical Group, and Orange Regional Medical Center Foundation and Catskill Regional Medical Center Foundation, is providing free childcare services for its hospital and medical group employees working to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As soon as this situation began to impact our region, we worked quickly and collaboratively to bring this important resource to our employees at a time when it’s needed most,” said Greater Hudson Valley Health System President Scott Batulis. “We don’t want our employees to have to worry about the care of their children while they’re needed to care for patients during this crisis.”
Located in nearby outpatient facilities away from the hospitals, the Greater Hudson Valley Health System employee childcare program is for ages 5-12 and is being operated by employed staff from the System’s Volunteer Services and Human Resources Department, many who have early childhood education backgrounds. The follows strict guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and New York State Department of Health to make sure all employees and children stay safe.
Upon drop off, children have their temperatures taken and are only allowed to attend if they are well. Immunization records are also necessary for each child accepted into the program. The space is cleaned several times a day; and toys, which were purchased new especially for the program, are appropriately sanitized regularly. Social distancing is practiced and children are educated on the importance of hand washing. Community support for the program has been tremendous. Greater Hudson Valley Health System would like to sincerely thank employees who donated new toys and books, as well as the Bruderhof community for their compassionate donation of beautiful handmade, children’s furniture to the childcare program.
To help support the COVID-19 response efforts at the hospital, the Orange Regional Medical Center Foundation has also set up an emergency coronavirus fund. For more information or to donate, please visit www.ormc.org/emergency-fund