Setting up a COVID mass vaccination site, standardizing policies and procedures, and upgrading a wide range of technologies are just some of the achievements of Paul Sarnese, who was named Campus Safety 2022 Healthcare Director of the Year.
Virtua Health’s Vice President of Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness Paul Sarnese (fourth from left) with his security team.
No industry has suffered more than hospitals during the pandemic.That’s why this year’s health care Director of the Year Winner Paul Sarnese at Virtua Health in Marlton, New Jersey is very impressive.
As his organization’s Vice President of Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness, Sarnese’s COVID-19 (new coronavirus infectious disease) Responsibility was key to Virtua’s response to the virus. If that wasn’t enough, at the same time, he enforced various security, safety, and emergency management policies, across his employer’s five hospitals, seven emergency departments, eight emergency departments, and two long-term care facilities. Standardized procedures, systems and other equipment. -Long-term care facilities, and numerous other locations of the company.
In addition, Sarnese coordinated Virtua’s response and support for Operation Allies Welcome, helping more than 1,000 refugees from Afghanistan to settle in the United States. To learn more, click here.)
Needless to say, the man is full of energy and has become an invaluable asset to Virtua, said Daniel Moise, Director of Communications and Engagement at Virtua Health.
“Paul is definitely one of the most important ‘essential workers’ in our 14,000 staff,” says Moise. “From natural disasters to violence to social unrest, Paul responds to all needs with a calm, confident, questioning attitude and a visible desire to serve. When people start to panic, Paul relies on his training, experience, and natural instincts to find a solution, [be] source of goodness. “
These achievements and many others are the reasons why Sarnese was named 2022 Campus Safety Healthcare Director of the Year.
Sarnese and his team expand Virtua’s COVID operations
Over the past three years, security, safety and emergency departments in virtually every hospital have assumed new roles and responsibilities due to the unprecedented circumstances brought on by the pandemic. Virtua Health was no exception to this unfortunate reality, but Sarnese and his team tackled the challenge head-on.
At the start of the pandemic, Sarnese oversaw the setup of Virtua’s COVID testing center, emergency room triage tent, adaptable ICU space, and more. Additionally, his team adopted new protocols and policies to limit the flow of people and slow the spread of the virus.
Sarnese has been named spokesperson for the organization due to his outstanding work in scaling up Virtua’s COVID operations. In this capacity, he shared public health and safety messages in a way that built trust and eased anxiety.
During COVID vaccination became available in December 2020, Sarnese was an Incident Commander, leading a diverse team at Virtua, including colleagues from operations, supply chain, pharmacy, and many other departments. These efforts have enabled Virtua to begin vaccinating frontline workers.
When the vaccine becomes generally available in early 2021, Virtua was asked by the State of New Jersey to serve as a healthcare partner for one of the state’s six large-scale vaccination facilities.
“Paul transformed a run-down, dingy former department store into a comfortable, accessible vaccine distribution center in a matter of weeks,” says Moyes. “I openly admit I didn’t think it was possible. Paul proved me wrong.”
According to Moise, the Virtua megasite was running like clockwork. For several months he vaccinated as many as 6,000 people a day at the facility.
In launching the megasite, Sarnese worked with the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Department of Health, the National Guard, FEMA, and the Burlington County Health Department. He also worked with the local police department and county sheriff’s department to develop site zip codes and emergency response procedures.
In addition, Sarnese organized community vaccination clinics and worked with Virtua leadership, public resources, community partners and local clergy. The clinic targeted at-risk populations and vaccinated thousands of her members of the community.
Policies, procedures and security systems that need standardization
While Sarnese’s handling of additional COVID duties was impressive in itself, it’s also important to note the many other improvements he’s made while dealing with the pandemic.
He has standardized many policies and procedures across Virtua Health, including:
- Security operation manual
- Uniforms for security guards and supervisors
- Security title and description
- Recruitment, hiring, onboarding and on-the-job training processes
- post an order
- Environment of care policies and procedures
- emergency operation plan
- plain language for emergency communication
Mr. Sarnese has also updated and/or standardized many of the equipment and security technologies his department uses.his department mobile radio An infrastructure that enables local and system-wide security communication between all sites.
Virtua’s access control The system was standardized across all campuses and all card readers were interchanged between the two campuses. moreover, video surveillance Standardized across all campuses and replaced all cameras, NVRs and infrastructure at the two locations.
Virtua’s batch notification The system also received considerable attention. All campuses now use the same system, and Sarnese is rolling out an app that provides emergency notifications to all his mobile devices.
However, not all progress was technical. Sarnese has set up amnesty boxes on all campuses to self-renounce weapons and other hazardous materials.
He also made other adjustments that allowed him to deploy or hire more officers. For example, restructuring staffing plans and sharing resources across campuses allowed his department to add security personnel to his 24/7 emergency department. Sarnese has also restructured his system’s budget and roster to place a full-time, dedicated security officer in his one location.
In addition, Saernese salary Reduced his workforce by 87% by working with Human Resources to conduct a market analysis of hourly wages for security personnel in New Jersey. Salary increases have helped staff recruitment, retention and morale.
he is not slowing down
After accomplishing so much, you might think Saaneze would take a breather. But no.just last month he International Medical Security and Safety Association At the World Health Congress, IHF Secretariat in Dubai.
“If I were in his shoes, I would think I deserved a much earlier retirement,” says Moyes. “But it’s not Paul. He’s tireless, passionate, and a role model for many.”
