Thomas Sidone is a member of the Environmental Services team, working in the Emergency Department (ED) at Mount Sinai South Nassau. According to the Service Excellence team at the hospital, Tommy is exceptional.
The team says Tommy keeps the units spotless (ED East was a recent recipient of the hospital’s Golden Broom award) and works tirelessly not only to provide a clean, healthy environment, but also to connect with patients and provide comfort where he can. They add that he is a constant friendly face to patients and staff alike, and he is especially popular with pediatric patients, going above and beyond to make what might seem a scary experience in an unfamiliar place less frightening.
Tommy is a great example of what the Environmental Services Department strives to do daily, his supervisors say.
Recently, a young patient’s parent complimented Tommy. Tommy had been removing trash from the room and struck up a very kind conversation with the child. He asked the child how they were feeling, and when their parent responded “not well,” Tommy took it upon himself to get the child a gift from the ED toy closet. The parent was amazed by the consideration and thoughtfulness of this act, and the child was overjoyed with their toy.
Tommy gets back the joy he gives to others.
“It’s a great experience and honor to be part of the team,” he explains. “The enthusiasm of all the employees in the ED makes me feel like I am important and part of something big. I love being able to provide services to the families in the ED, especially the kids! It puts a smile on my face.”