Ivy Dela Cruz
Hotel nurse
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi

Ivy Dela Cruz has been recognised as a ‘lifesaver’ at the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, putting her on the long-list for Hotelier’s Unsung Hero award.

“On one occasion, a guest suffered from a heart attack and she managed to keep the guest awake and conscious until the ambulance arrived,” explains Human resources director Sabah Navel, who nominated Cruz.

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On another, a hotel guest suffered from sudden bleeding between the brain membranes. Having fully recovered he wrote to the hotel saying Cruz “helped me not to faint, gave me medication to lower my blood pressure and called the ambulance.

“She accompanied me to the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and stayed until my condition was stabilised. I remember her as decisive, without hesitation and extremely concerned. She probably was an important factor helping me to survive this event”.

Cruz has also stepped in to help other departments. When the hotel’s HR coordinator resigned at short notice, Ivy took on the role, supporting the department until a replacement was found and another time she volunteered to assist the executive chef on his daily administration work

In addition, she has decreased sick leave by 10%, having established a database to track the root cause of staff medical matters, adds Navel.

“Ivy is a great asset to both the hotel and the human resources department, she has saved the life of two guests by going beyond the call of her duty, provided the right first aid and follow-up,” he says.