Health care workers have been on the very front line in the battle against COVID-19.

It’s not an easy job, with workers at the local hospital bravely facing their duties of keeping their community healthy and safe during the pandemic.

Thursday, Wayne UNC Health Care held a ceremony to honor that dedication of its employees during these trying times.

Donna Wimberly is Wayne UNC’s Senior Vice President of Patient Care.

She says COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way Wayne UNC delivers patient care.

It has also challenged the hospital to find new ways to connect patients with their families and loved ones.

Wimberly says the pandemic has also shown that health care workers are true heroes in their communities as they provide hope to patients and their families during their darkest hours.

Through the end of October, Wayne UNC has cared for over 600 COVID-19 patients, including an estimated 637 survivors and 64 who, tragically, succumbed to the virus.

Wayne UNC’s Trees of Life memorial service was held virtually Thursday.

The entire service can be viewed on Wayne UNC Health Care’s Facebook page.