Hanover Hospital Patient Relations Team Welcomes Ellys Garcia

Officials at Hanover Hospital are pleased to announce that Ellys Garcia is the newest member of the Emergency Department Patient Relations team, providing evening coverage from Monday through Wednesday.

Patients have expressed much appreciation for the services provided by Patient Relations Coordinators, who serve as liaisons for patients, families and staff, and work to enhance the quality of the patient’s stay in the Emergency Department. A major part of their job involves communicating with waiting families regarding their loved one’s progress, and keeping them informed. They also act as patient advocates, and provide a listening ear when individuals express concerns or questions. The Coordinators are required to speak fluent Spanish, which has been extremely helpful to Hispanic patients and their families who may be unfamiliar with hospital services. 

A similar Inpatient Relations Coordinator visits inpatients and provides advocate support and Spanish interpreter services when necessary for patients admitted to the medical-surgical and other nursing units.

Born and raised in Panama, Garcia moved to the United States in 1997, settling in York Springs, Pennsylvania with her husband, Samuel. She spoke no English when she came

here, but learned by watching TV programs.  She spent her time helping others who did not speak English by assisting them with scheduling and transportation to doctor appointments.

Years later she decided to enter a Medical Assistant course at Computer Learning Network, in Mechanicsburg. By then she could speak, but not read or write English.

“Spelling counted, too” said Garcia, but she persevered, and completed the program with honors.

Prior to accepting her new Patient Relations Coordinator position, Garcia was employed as a phlebotomist in the hospital’s Laboratory.  When the new position became available, Garcia knew she had to apply for it. “I know from experience how hard it is for people to express themselves without being able to speak English, especially in the hospital settingm," she explained.  "I took this job so I could help them."