UPMC Harrisburg
hosted a special holiday event featuring Santa Claus, who made a grand entrance
on the hospital rooftop thanks to a Stat MedEvac helicopter today.
Patients and their families at UPMC Children's had the opportunity to watch
Santa fly past their windows, creating a magical moment. Elizabeth Ritter,
president of UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC West Shore, UPMC Community Osteopathic and
UPMC Carlisle, accompanied Santa on the helicopter ride and visited patients
during the event. Santa's arrival was also live streamed to all hospital staff
this year, extending the holiday cheer extra far and wide.
In addition to Santa’s visit, a therapy dog parade was held in the halls of
UPMC Harrisburg. Thirteen therapy dogs, ranging in size and breed, and their
handlers, were dressed in festive outfits and bringing many smiles as they made
their way around the hospital greeting patients, staff, and visitors.
"The goal
of these holiday events is to bring joy and comfort to those spending the
holidays in the hospital," said Abby Flanders, executive administrator at
UPMC Children's in Harrisburg. "We create a festive atmosphere, making the
hospital feel more like home during a challenging time for patients and their
families. The excitement and joy of holiday celebrations can significantly
uplift their spirits and aid their recovery."
Meanwhile,
newborns in the Labor and Delivery Unit at UPMC Magee-Womens at UPMC
Harrisburg celebrated the season in one-of-a-kind, holiday-themed UPMC
Magee-Womens onesies, complemented by unique handmade holiday-themed hats
crafted by local volunteers. As an extra special memory, members of the
Pinnacle Health Auxiliary generously made and donated Christmas stockings,
continuing a holiday tradition of the group since 1992.
The holiday newborn celebrations at UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa. are extra
special this year because UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Hanover, UPMC Memorial and UPMC
Carlisle, all part of the UPMC Magee-Womens network, have been recognized as a
2024-2025 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy)
by U.S. News & World Report and in addition to the High Performing
in Maternity Care recognition UPMC Carlisle also received the Maternity Care
Access Hospital designation. This designation recognizes hospitals that provide
access to quality care for expectant parents – serving communities that would
otherwise be considered maternity care deserts.
