As a result of the epidemiological situation caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus many Silesian hospitals, including the one in Knurów, needed support for the medical staff in taking care of patients. Mine rescue workers and paramedics were put to work at these facilities.
- They helped wherever our staff could not cope. Thanks to Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa and the JSW Foundation, as well as the personal commitment of Director Twardokęs, our hospital received financial donations and support in the form of equipment, such as ventilators, which was such much needed during the pandemic - emphasized Dr. Michał Ekkert, President of the Management Board of the Knurów hospital, and added: - We are happy that having such a great partner as Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa we will always be able to count on help.
The ceremony took place at the Hospital in Knurów. On behalf of the award chapter, the badge of honor “For Services to the Silesian Voivodship” was presented to Director Twardokęs by Bartłomiej Kowalski, Councilor of the Silesian Voivodship Assembly.
- Thank you for this award. However, I would like to emphasize that this is a tribute to Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa, to all mine directors, but most of all to our employees, mine rescue workers and paramedics who have worked in many hospitals. The administrative staff who assisted Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations throughout the region were also a great support. This is a medal for these people and we should give thanks to them. Let us remember that it was them who worked on the front line at that time - said Jarosław Twardokęs, Director of the Knurów-Szczygłowice mine.
Rescue workers and paramedics from Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa’s mines worked for over six months helping with patients seriously ill with Covid-19. In total, 325 people were delegated to work in hospitals. They supported the daily work of the hospitals not only in Knurów, but also in Rybnik, Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Wodzisław Śląski, Racibórz and Katowice.
- In JSW's daily business operations, it is important to engage with and support those communities where we mine coal. And Knurów is also such a place. As the JSW management board, we understand the needs of the hospitals operating in our region and we make decisions about the allocation of funds - said Artur Wojtków, Vice-President of the JSW Management Board for Employment and Social Policy.
