FUNDRAISING OVER COMMON SENSE? HOSPITAL, SCENE OF COVID DEATH, SET FOR MASK OPTIONAL, VACCINE OPTIONAL FUNDRAISER.
BAPTIST HEALTH WORKER: “INSULTING TO DOCTORS, NURSES.”
BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2021 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Boca Raton Regional Hospital is not commenting on its decision to host a “mask optional” and “vaccine optional” fundraiser.
Boca Raton Regional Hospital has been the scene of minimally hundreds of COVID-19 deaths. Part of the Baptist Health System, The Boca Raton Regional Hospital “Foundation” started promoting the event late last week.
BocaNewsNow.com requested comment from the foundation’s Mark Easton, listed as the event’s contact. He did not respond. Baptist Health Spokesperson Michael Maucker also did not respond. Baptist Health Corporate Officials also did not respond to requests for comment.
The October 18th event which includes golf, cocktails and “awards dinner to follow” lists Stan Berry and Jerry Glassman as honorary chairs. Co-chairs are listed as Amy Ross and Judi Larkin.
“This is insulting to the doctors and nurses who have been tirelessly working for more than a year and a half to save the community,” said one ER worker who asked not be identified but said staffers are appalled by the fundraiser. “How can we tell people to wear masks and get the COVID vaccine when our hospital is promoting an event where neither are required?”
The fundraiser is set for Boca West Country Club.
An email blast sent earlier this month states that vaccines and masks are “encouraged” or “recommended” but are not required.
“Please Note: Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Foundation are actively monitoring the COVID-19 case numbers. Based on the recent significant increase throughout the state of Florida, we are strongly recommending that attendees of our in-person events receive the COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition, we encourage the use of masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We have various contingency plans in place and we will provide updates as needed. At Boca Regional, health and safety is always our top priority.”
That led a hospital worker to say this: “If health and safety are truly the hospital’s top priority, this event wouldn’t be taking place. It’s almost like Baptist is seeking more patients.”
More than 48,000 people have died in Florida from COVID-19.
Baptist Health locally includes Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, and Lynn Cancer Institute.
