STRMC Celebrates National Hospital Week

(Jourdanton, TX) – America’s hospitals are positive, vital places that promote health and well being. That’s the message health care facilities across the country are voicing as they celebrate National Hospital Week 2009.

“We want people to understand hospitals are all about healing,” says Gerardo Flores, CNO. “Our focus is very positive. STR’s physicians, nurses and staff have one mission and that’s to help people get well.”

For 2009, South Texas Regional Medical Center has selected a theme that emphasizes the healing process: “STR Hospital Week—Caring Hearts and Healing Hands.”  At South Texas Regional Medical Center (STRMC) over 350 employees will be honored throughout the week with various activities and gifts.

“Healthcare is a challenging field and it takes a dedicated and talented group of individuals to deliver the level of patient care needed, “  says Carrie Steinle, Human Resource Director. “We appreciate greatly the sacrifices that our employees and their families make at times because of their vocation. Their contribution to this community is tremendous.”

Keeping healthcare in a positive light is part of the tradition of National Hospital Week, a celebration of care that dates back to 1921. That year, a magazine editor in Chicago suggested an annual “open house” for health care where a skeptical public could have see first hand the important work performed inside hospitals. The idea spread across the country and helped change the perception about hospitals from places of illness to places of healing. Today, National Hospital Week is the nation’s largest health care celebration.

This year’s hospital events are planned for May 12-15, 2009. STRMC employee activities planned throughout the celebration include: the Patient Choice Award Ceremony, an ice cream social, picnic in the park, salsa contest, and employee gift disbursement.