Physicians and staff are working together to recover and heal seven weeks after a former physician opened fire on the 16th and 17th floors of Bronx (N.Y.)-Lebanon Hospital Center in June, according to The New York Times.
Henry Bello, MD, a former physician at Bronx-Lebanon opened fire at the facility June 30, killing Tracy Sin-Yee Tam, MD, and injuring six others before shooting himself. However, reminders of the violence still exist for physicians and staff. Three physicians injured during the incident, along with 20 staff members who mostly worked on the 16th and 17th floors, have not returned to work. Hospital administrators said they received approximately 20 percent more employee requests for vacations in July than during past years, according to the report.
The hospital will also undergo physical changes in response to the incident. Hospital officials told The New York Times turnstiles will be installed at seven of the hospital's entrances and employees will be required to undergo badge verification. Visitors will also receive stickers that will disappear after several hours, allowing security guards to note how long they have been inside the facility, the report states.
But officials said the facility has undergone a number of positive changes as well, including an increased sense of purpose and camaraderie among staff.
“What absolutely surprised me was the closeness that has emanated from this terrible debacle," said Brian Gilchrist, MD, chairman of surgery at Bronx-Lebanon. "People who didn't even like each other are now being quite friendly. They've been bonded in fire."
Roughly 1,500 employees and their families have also participated in various support services offered by the hospital since the shooting, the report states.