An extraordinary response from Hallmark Health System physicians, nurses and support staff during the blizzard assured that there were no disruptions to patient care or hospital operations at Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford and Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, according to Rick Pozniak, system director of marketing and communications for Hallmark Health System.

“As soon as the historic storm began its approach to Mass. we activated our storm command center and began to  implement our comprehensive severe weather plans, “ Pozniak explained. “ Our maintenance staff worked nonstop to keep access cleared for patients, staff and ambulances. On Friday, more than 100 nurses, physicians, clinicians and support staff stayed overnight in patient rooms that were available, slept on cots and some on the floors in conference rooms to assure that there was adequate staffing on Saturday morning when many roads were impassable. Patients who were discharged after the storm ended were given the needed medical supplies and medications to make up for the fact that their local pharmacies may be closed.” Pozniak said an incredible job was performed by Hallmark Health System employees who put the safety and wellbeing of their patients and communities first during this very dangerous storm.