Meet a Few of Our Heroes at The Hospitals of Providence

Leslie Gamez - ICU Travel RN
Not only has the El Paso community come together during these unprecedented times, we have received spectacular support from people that call other cities home. Leslie Gamez is a travel nurse that has been working in the East Campus ICU for nearly 13 weeks. Her passion to travel around helping hospitals in need is such an inspiration! She told us that it “is extremely rewarding to see how diligent and hard work can make a difference in a patient’s life outcome.” In her current day to day role caring directly for COVID-19 patients, Leslie reminds herself that she is one of the only people patients have around for physical and emotional support. This motivates her to push through challenging moments and continue striving forward to give her patients her all. Leslie’s heart for service is so clear and we are happy she has been a part of Team East!

Kelli Reed – Telemetry RN  
Meet Kelli from Tele! Kelli Reed, one of our RNs in our East Campus Telemetry Unit, has an enthusiastic spirit that is easily seen in her approach to patient care. As a Registered Nurse that cares for COVID-19 patients, Kelli reflected on the impact her role has. “More recently, I am the only human contact they have for a couple of days. You really get to know them and you hear about their biggest fears and worries.” Kelli credits having a “solid work team” as a something that helps her get through this time. Thank you for being a key player on our team, Kelli!

Lucinda Michelle Noyes – NICU RN
From premature babies to those born with critical needs, NICU patients are one of our most delicate patient communities. Our team continuously works to care for and protect NICU patients amidst COVID-19 concerns. Lucinda Michelle Noyes, NICU RN at East Campus, has had a unique experience in her hands-on role with PUIs in the NICU.  Her unwavering commitment during the current circumstances is clear, though she does admit that “caring for NICU patients that are PUIs has its own set of challenges.” Of these challenges, the one that really stands out to Lucinda is limited contact for NICU families. Lucinda provides support to the families, assisting with Skype calls and ensuring their individual needs are addressed both over the phone and in person. The one-on-one connection she provides to families brings peace and reassurance. Her piece of advice for all of her fellow coworkers during this time is “remember why you became a nurse in the first place. The people you wanted to heal, the lives you wanted to save, the hope and healing you wanted to help give people, it is needed now more than ever.”

Brian Dinsdale – Respiratory Therapy Supervisor 
Our teams work hand in hand to provide the best care possible. When caring for a PUI newborn, the employees must be precise and attentive. Brian Dinsdale, Respiratory Therapy Supervisor at East Campus, joined forces with the NICU nursing team to ensure the baby was breathing properly while explaining the procedure to the baby’s parents via Skype. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, extra steps to bring comfort and understanding to families go a long way. Brian always does his best to reassure families affected by COVID-19 by having them focus on the high rate of recovery. Though having direct access to COVID-19 patients was a learning process at first, Brian now says that it has become second nature and has been eye-opening on the importance of isolation precautions. Thank you, Brian, for being such an invaluable member of our team!

Dr. Derrick Cox & Dr. David Rodriguez
Dr. Derrick Cox, Surgical Oncologist and East Campus Chief of Surgery, and Dr. David Rodriguez, Anesthesiologist and East Campus Chief of Anesthesia have not only led the surgery department during this challenging time but have also provided guidance to all procedural departments during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Both served as leaders on the Procedural Steering Committee for East Campus to navigate the Governor Abbot’s executive orders on mandating guidelines on essential procedures and conserving PPE. They have been available around the clock to answer questions or concerns raised by medical staff providers and procedural director and make decisions. They have worked diligently with our teams including Jose Rodriguez, Director of Surgical Services, and Chris Chacon, Market Associate Administrator for Peri-Op Services, as we planned for our reopening and continue to advocate for patients who require or elect to have procedures completed at East Campus, always putting the safety of patients, staff and providers as a top priority.

Tony Garcia – Emergency Department Tech
Our hospitals are full of selfless people who genuinely want to make the lives of others better. Tony Garcia, East Campus Emergency Department Tech, is one of those people. When asked why he loves his job, Tony said that he enjoys “knowing that I am helping and changing lives every day. No matter how small the task, I make a difference for the better.” 

Norma Trejo – Environmental Services
Another exemplary team member is Norma Trejo from the Environmental Services department at East Campus. Norma’s favorite thing about her role is being a part of the Surgery team, ensuring that patients have a clean, safe room to help them feel at ease during the process. We are so appreciative for Norma’s contribution to our team!

The Laboratory is a very busy place.  Whenever the lab is very busy or short staffed, he is very responsive. Eleno quickly volunteers to be assigned to new patients; he supports and cares of all patients, no matter the circumstance. Eleno is kind and very respectful to all who works with him.  He is a healthcare hero! 

Jose Hernandez – Laboratory Services

Joe is the Micro Supervisor and has been instrumental in organizing all COVID processing and testing.

The process has changed multiple times as new information is learned. No matter how quickly it changes, or how many times – Joe quickly responds and directs the team as to what needs to be done.

He also has created visual tools to help educate the nursing personnel.  He is a team player, and extremely active in making sure we are safe and efficient.