Darlene Caico

Darlene Caico | Legislator Tom Cilmi’s Honoree

Darlene Caico is a registered respiratory therapist, employed at Southside/South Shore University Hospital for 33 years. She currently is the clinical coordinator for the Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation program.

During the 2020 spring Covid surge, South Shore University’s Outpatient Pulmonary Rehab program suspended their services. 

Darlene Caico, Respiratory Therapist and coordinator for South Shore University Hospital Pulmonary Rehab program immediately contacted all of her patients and encouraged them to continue to work on their rehab plans at home. Ms. Caico then volunteered to integrate back into the hospital critical care environment to help support the needs of her fellow co-workers and care for patients within the hospital setting. Working alongside the doctors, nurses and other specialists, Darlene’s work was critical.  Respiratory therapists play a critical role in helping patients affected with COVID-19. Many patients experience shortness of breath and low oxygen levels. Respiratory therapists manage the equipment that delivers oxygen therapy. 

Darlene is a true Healthcare Hero who puts patients and their outcomes first and foremost and treats every one of them as if they were her own family members. South Shore University administrator stated, “In speaking to patients that Darlene has cared for, they all have the same feedback:  she is a kind, caring and compassionate individual who makes them feel that there is hope in improving their lives where they may have felt previously that was not the case.”

I am proud and honored to recognize and salute Darlene Caico, Suffolk County Legislature 10th District Healthcare Hero for 2021.