Free concierge service offered to Virtua patients and employees
Virtua Health recently expanded its employee concierge service to include patients ... and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. When patient Eugene Salerno needed a diamond ring for his wife, Marie, to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, he turned to concierge Linda Pekarski, Virtua Marlton's Errand Solutions representative.
"Each client is important and no request is too big or too small," said Pekarski. "But Eugene's request is certainly one of the most exciting I have received."
The 82-year-old Barrington man had been hospitalized and knew that there was no chance for him to purchase the ring himself. He learned about Virtua's concierge service and jumped at the chance to surprise his wife. Even when Salerno was transferred from Virtua Marlton to neighboring Marlton Rehabilitation Hospital, Pekarski followed him and his request and collaborated with the Marlton team to make sure that he could celebrate his anniversary exactly the way he had planned.
Marlton Rehabilitation Hospital also made sure the day was extra special, providing a lunch of surf 'n turf on a white linen tablecloth, as well as an attentive staff member to cater to their every need. There was also an anniversary cake and flowers to round out the occasion.
Virtua's concierge service is provided by Errand Solutions to patients and employees at Virtua's hospitals in Mt. Holly, Voorhees and Marlton. A concierge is on-site at these locations several days a week. For employees, it's a way to balance work and life and was originally offered as a fringe benefit. It has been used for dropping off dry cleaning, mailing packages, arranging jewelry repair and even setting up automobile maintenance or detailing.
"The patient concierge service, which sets us apart from other area hospitals, gives patients and families peace of mind," said Gary Long, Vice President and COO of Virtua Marlton. "They don't have to worry about things like calling a pet sitter, making hotel reservations, sending flowers or doing Internet research while in the hospital. And it can also include shopping for diamond rings!"
For a Menu of Services or answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Virtua's concierge service, click here. For more information, call (888) 885-2389.
As one of New Jersey’s largest health systems, Virtua helps people be well, get well and stay well through a comprehensive range of health care services. Services are delivered through three health and wellness centers, three fitness centers, four acute care hospitals, primary and specialty physician practices with more than 240 physicians, urgent care centers, seven ambulatory surgery centers, home health services, two long-term care and rehabilitation centers, 12 paramedic units and a wide range of outpatient services. A leader in maternal and child health services, Virtua delivers almost 8,000 babies a year. Virtua also provides employment and wellness services to 1,700 businesses and corporations. An innovator in clinical and information technology such as electronic medical records, Virtua is recognized for its ground-breaking partnerships with
GE Healthcare,
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the
Fox Chase Cancer Center. It is the official orthopedic provider for the
Philadelphia Flyers. Virtua employs more than 8,400 people and has been honored as the #1 Best Place to Work in the Delaware Valley for seven consecutive years. It is the recipient of the Consumer Choice Award from the National Research Corporation. For more information, visit
www.virtua.org or
www.virtuabroadcastnetwork.org.