Gdynia supports the medical staff facing the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing a dedicated phone line to arrange accommodation, meals, transportation and psychological support.
SUPPORTING MEDICAL STAFF
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gdynia donated millions of Polish Zloty towards healthcare needs and established the Gdynia for Medic programme to assist doctors and medical personnel. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, medical technicians, assistant workers, diagnosticians, imaging technicians, and ambulance staff will all be supported by the local government. The City of Gdynia devised a complete solution in appreciation of the doctors’ work and concern for their well-being, with the motto “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it for you.”
A DEDICATED PHONE SERVICE
A dedicated phone line was established that was available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It was aimed at hospital staff who required lodging, psychological assistance, or transportation to and from work as part of the fight against COVID-19. Six hotels in Gdynia collaborated on the project, providing a total of 207 rooms. Due to a contract negotiated with a transportation provider, transportation from the medical institution to the site of stay and return was also guaranteed. The city of Gdynia granted 1,000 free cab rides to Gdynia’sdoctors, which they could request via an app or a phone call.
ACCOMMODATION, MEALS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT
Phone operators also coordinated the delivery of meals as part of the #gastropomaga (“Catering industry helps”) initiative so that not only medics who were on duty, but also those who were resting afterwards and preparing for the next day’s challenges, could benefit from them. The phone line was also a way to connect people in need with those providing free psychological support. By covering the costs of the accommodation for medical staff the city council doubled the effectiveness of the invested funds, as the increased turnover allowed hotels to partially recover their expenses.
