Celebrating National Hospital Week
National Hospital Week, the nation’s largest health care event, is a celebration of people. It takes many hands to run a hospital and we, at Portneuf, are proud of each member of our staff. We are honored to recognize the important roles they play in extending a sense of trust to our patients and within the communities we serve.
National Hospital Week dates back to 1921. Nearly 100 years ago, hospitals were unfamiliar places. To help alleviate public fears about hospitals, a magazine editor advocated for a community wide celebration. That first celebration, launched in Chicago, succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to facilities across the country.
Today’s version of the commemorative celebration demonstrates that hospitals are foundations of the communities that built them and nurture them. Hospitals today are multi-dimensional facilities covering every area of specialization, with a focus on wellness and a reach that extends into their individual communities. According to recent Hospital Statistics, hospitals admit almost 37 million patients each year, treat another 117 million in emergency departments and see another 545 million for other outpatient needs. On any given day, 658,000 patients fill U.S. hospital beds.
This year, May 7-13 is recognized as National Hospital Week. This week is a wonderful opportunity to thank all of the dedicated individuals – physicians, nurses, therapists, engineers, care coordinators, dietitians, food service workers, volunteers, administrators and so many more - who support the health and wellbeing of our community. We extend that thanks beyond the hospital doors to recognize all who provide medical care in our facilities and many hands who run vital programs in our community.
A hospital is more than a place where people go to heal, it is a part of the community that fosters health and represents hope. From providing treatment and comfort to the sick, to welcoming new life into the world, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic community. On behalf of Portneuf Health Partners, I thank you for allowing each of us the opportunity to be of service.