Bonner General celebrating National Hospital Week

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, slated May 11-17, 2008.

Sponsored by the American Hospital Association, National Hospital Week is a celebration of health care that dates back to 1921, a week designated to honor the people who make America’s hospitals the best in the world. This year, the national organizers selected a united theme that emphasizes the healing process: “National Hospital Week-Where Healing Happens Every Day.”

At Bonner General Hospital, we celebrate National Hospital Week to honor all of our 425 employees who work so hard to give excellent care each and every day.

Whether they provide direct patient care or work in a non-clinical position such as housekeeping or dietary services, all of our employees contribute to the health and well-being of our patients.

During Hospital Week, BGH will honor its employees in several ways, including a ceremony announcing the Employee of the Year, a ceremony recognizing those employees with longevity of service, drawings for various gift basket giveaways and a complimentary meal for all employees. The BGH Foundation will also host a reception for the hospital’s employees and volunteers.

Hospitals across America are facing challenging times. The recent closing of Deer Park Hospital in Washington and the layoffs at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane are keen reminders that we’re not immune from those challenges. But those headlines also highlight how fortunate we are to have a community hospital with outstanding employees who promote health and well being-who make our hospital a place where healing happens every day!

People come to the hospital with many different problems, but they all come for the same reason-to get better. The doctors, nurses and staff at BGH have one mission-to help people get well.

During National Hospital Week, we’re celebrating the wonderful, committed professionals who make our local hospital a place of healing. We appreciate all they do every day and thank them for their professionalism and dedication to our community!

? Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital.