May 7, 2012

Broadlawns Celebrates National Hospital Week

Des Moines, May 7, 2012  – 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 through medical breakthroughs and new technologies. From providing treatment and comfort to the sick, to welcoming new life into the world, hospitals are central to a healthy and optimistic  community.

That’s the message from the American Hospital Association, sponsor of National Hospital Week, May 6 - 12. This week celebrates the pride, professionalism and people of healthcare with the inspiring theme of Making Miracles Happen.

“National Hospital Week, first and foremost, is a celebration of people,” Jody Jenner, president and CEO of Broadlawns Medical Center, said. “This observance provides us an opportunity to honor the physicians, employees and volunteers of Broadlawns. We’re extremely proud of each member of our staff and we recognize the important role they play in extending a sense of trust to our patients and our community."

The nation’s largest healthcare event, National Hospital Week was launched in Chicago in 1921 as a suggestion by a magazine editor who hoped a community-wide celebration would alleviate public fears about hospitals. The celebration succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to facilities across the country.

Originally a day set aside to honor the birthday of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), the May 12 observance was expanded to a week-long event in 1953. "Like other hospitals, Broadlawns Medical Center is a place that takes us from illness to wellness, and then helps keep us well," Jenner added. "This is a place where people care about you — not just as a patient, but as a neighbor. And we’re always here for you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year."

View Downloadable PDF