May 8-14 is Virginia Hospital Week

Across the nation and in the Commonwealth, May 8-14, 2016 is Hospital Week, according to a news release from Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, an alliance of 107 hospitals and 30 health delivery systems that develops and advocates for sound health care policy in Virginia.

The press release went on to say that this week is an opportunity to celebrate the great work done by Virginia’s local hospitals and health systems each day. Virginia hospitals are vitally important providers for health care access and public well-being, the places that are always open to care for those in medical need no matter the day, time, or circumstance.

In addition to substantial public health contributions, Virginia hospitals are also major economic contributors supporting tens of thousands of jobs, generating billions in positive economic contributions for the state, and providing billions in support for their communities.

“Patients Come First” is the theme of 2016 Hospital Week; it is a reminder that patient-centric care is a guiding principle of Virginia’s local hospitals and health systems.

According to a statement from Mary N. Mannix, President and CEO of Augusta Health in Fishersville and Chair of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) Board of Directors. “Virginia hospitals employ 115,000 people, generate $36 billion in positive economic activity for the state, spend $17 billion on goods and services with local businesses, and provide nearly $2.85 billion annually in community support.”*

“Virginia is home to a network of world class hospitals throughout the Commonwealth,” said Sean T. Connaughton, President and CEO of VHHA. Connaughton is a former chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors.

He was quoted in the press release as saying, “Nearly every Virginian lives within 20 miles of a hospital that is always open, no matter the day or time, to take care of people in need of medical attention. In 2014, Virginia hospitals handled 3.6 million emergency department visits, performed more than 230,000 surgeries, and delivered nearly 62,000 babies. Economically, hospitals generate billions in positive activity for the state, and Virginia’s hospitals rank among the top five employers in 44 percent of Virginia’s counties and cities.”

Virginia Hospital Week was formally recognized in 2015 when then-state Senator John Watkins (R-Powhatan County) sponsored a resolution designating the second week of May that year and each subsequent year as “Virginia Hospital Week.”