From flipping omelets in the cafeteria to walking the halls with nurses, Monterey County Supervisor Fernando Armenta spent a day May 10 working alongside hospital workers at Natividad Medical Center in Salinas.
The event was in observance of Hospital Week, held May 6-12, which is a time to recognize all contributions of hospital employees throughout our county. It also coincides with National Nurses Week and Public Service Recognition Week.
Armenta spent the morning in the cafeteria with Glenn Sison, a cook who put Armenta through the paces of making omelets for patients, staff, and families.
“He did a good job,” Sison said. “He flipped a few omelets on his own. It’s been a pleasure working with him. It shows he really appreciates what we do and the services we provide.”
After working on the breakfast line, Armenta got a tour of the facilities from frontline health care workers.
Hermelinda Reynoso, a Licensed Vocational Nurse, briefed Armenta on the vital health care services that Natividad Medical Center provides.
“I think it’s great that elected leaders come to visit,” Reynoso said. “They’re the voice. They’re the ones that people will listen to. It’s important that our community be aware of everything our hospital has to offer and the capabilities we provide.”
Armenta said the day was a valuable experience.
“I was able to see that Natividad employees have learned to work as a team and are trained to multi-task,” he said. “And everyone who came through Glenn’s breakfast line had a good, positive sense of humor.”
Armenta was born in Natividad Medical Center and worked there as Medical Social Work Manager. He pledged to support the long-term vitality of Natividad, whose future will be shaped in part by whether it will partner with a neighboring healthcare system, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.
“I came here today to stand with the hospital and to let workers and community members know, that no matter what happens with Natividad and Salinas Valley Memorial, I will ensure that nothing will move forward until the concerns of community stakeholders, including hospital workers, have been addressed,” he said.
