National Hospital Week at Parkland puts focus on compassion
Theme reflects staff’s commitment to caring
Public health employees often face a daunting task in that the demand for healthcare services is high and the needs of patients, often the most vulnerable people in a community, are complex and challenging.
The staff of Parkland Health will take time during the second week of May to celebrate 2024 National Hospital Week, the nation’s largest healthcare event, by focusing on the care and compassion that plays a vital role in serving the community. This year’s theme, “We are healthcare,” reflects the vital role that Parkland employees have in keeping our community healthy. In addition, the system is celebrating its 130th anniversary of service to the Dallas County community.
Every day, thousands of people seek treatment from Parkland providers in the hospital, specialty clinics and neighborhood health centers located throughout Dallas County. Parkland staff stand ready 24/7, 365 to care for the critically injured in the Rees-Jones Trauma Center or the only verified burn center in North Texas for adult and pediatric patients, those needing care in the state-of-the-art emergency department or to warmly welcome a newborn into this world. In fiscal 2023, Parkland recorded more than 226,500 visits to its emergency department and urgent care center and more than 1.1 million visits to the neighborhood and specialty outpatient clinics. In addition, 12,981 babies were delivered.
“Parkland’s staff does this important work because they care deeply about the health and well-being of every patient we serve. It isn’t easy. It requires skill and patience and long hours. But our employees believe in Parkland’s mission and values. Caring truly is their calling,” said Fred Cerise, MD, MPH, Parkland’s CEO.
The week coincides with the May 12, 1820, birth of Florence Nightingale, long revered for laying the foundation for modern nursing. Her writings sparked worldwide healthcare reform, and in 1860 she established St. Thomas’s Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in London.
National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 when it was launched in Chicago to promote trust and goodwill among members of the public toward their local hospitals. Eventually, the celebration spread to facilities across the country.
For more information on the services provided at Parkland, please visit our website at www.parklandhealth.org.
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