Hundreds of members gathered last night at Brookdale Medical Center’s Sonya and Alvin Kahn Auditorium in for a candle light vigil and prayer service in support of Brookdale RN Evelyn Lynch. Lynch was severely injured on January 31when she was assaulted by a patient she was preparing for discharge.

The event was mix of somber and hopeful emotion, where workers were joined with clergy, community leaders, elected officials and Brookdale management in the call for healing for Lynch, the Brookdale community and safer workplaces for all caregivers.

“This is an opportunity to see that things like this just don’t happen in a hospital,” said 1199SEIU EVP Bruce Richard in his remarks. “We look forward to the day when our sister will be back with us and we will see a smile on her face, but we also want all of us to be acknowledged, seen, to be valuable important, significant and relevant.”

New York State Assembly member Nick Perry was among the elected officials who turned out to lend their support. “We have to take very seriously our responsibility to fully and adequately staff our hospital wards and emergency rooms,” said Perry. He vowed to do all in his power to make healthcare institutions safe for the people who work in them and the people they serve.

The service included prayers, musical selections and the recognition of caregivers who played a vital role in Lynch’s treatment, including staffers from Brookdale’s ER and intensive care unit and those from Kings County Medical Center where she had surgery. Praise was also offered to the NYPD Community Affairs Unit, which has been working closely with Brookdale. The Rev. Dr. M. Warren, who led the evening’s program reminded all present of the power of prayer and solidarity.

“It has been uneasy, but there is a real feeling of togetherness here tonight,” said sonar technologist Margo Prime. “We have a lot of praying people in this hospital and we see how Evelyn is loved.”

OR surgical technologist Genelle Jones handed out programs, ribbons and candles as attendees entered the auditorium. Jones said the entire Brookdale family is working to heal the hospital and keeping thoughts of healing in their hearts for their sister. “This event tonight is one of many steps in helping Brookdale workers come to terms with one of our own getting attacked,” she said.

“We’ve had the crisis unit, pastors from the community and counselors for our members here. Departments have taken time outs to see what members need. Delegates are going around finding out the needs of workers. Now we think it’s time to put legislation in place to help protect healthcare workers.”