After over 48 years, Claude Setzkorn still looks forward to coming to work every day. Starting in 1976 as a rehab aide at Franklin Hospital, Claude was there when it became Northwest Medical Center and later UPMC Northwest. He was among the first employees to set foot in the newly built hospital in Seneca during the grand opening in 2004.
He has seen many changes during his career, but one thing remains constant: a commitment to providing the best possible care for patients. Claude is proud to be part of a staff that cares deeply about the community and the individuals they serve. His work as a rehab aide involves assisting the nursing and physical and occupational therapy teams with getting patients moving. He loves seeing patients make progress toward their mobility goals and show their families how far they’ve come (and how far they can go!). He estimates he’s worked with at least three generations of patients and counting.
Claude gives to the Northwest Hospital Foundation because he knows 100% of his donations directly benefit patients at UPMC Northwest, patients like those he helps up from their hospital beds each day. “The Foundation brings in new technology that expands our horizons so we can see more patients and offer more services,” he said. “Access to healthcare is the most essential gift you could give.”
Claude is particularly passionate about the Uncompensated Care Fund which provides assistance to patients in need with outstanding medical bills at UPMC Northwest, either reducing or completely eliminating their debt. “It touches my heart to know that my donation will help someone in need,” he said.
This 74-year-old who has dedicated his life to serving others has no plans to retire anytime soon. “What the Foundation does exhibits a remarkable kind of compassion not often seen in a healthcare institution,” Claude said. “I want to help them continue their mission: to meet present and future needs in the hospital and the greater community.”
