Springtime is a very special time of the year for those of us in healthcare. Special, because it is a time set aside each year for us to recognize those individuals who have dedicated themselves to helping others.  On March 30^th, National Doctors Day, we honored our physicians at a special Thank You Breakfast. From the ‘made to order’ omelets to the special gifts, this event was planned to say Thank You to our medical staff.

In April we celebrated National Volunteer Recognition Week.  On May 8^th we will host our Annual Volunteer Luncheon. Each year this event gives us a chance to thank our volunteers for providing us with countless hours of services.  Their contribution cannot be measured in words. But it can be measured in the hearts of our staff, our physicians, and most importantly in the hearts of those in our care. Thank You to our volunteers.

May is probably the busiest month when it comes to celebrations. From May 6 – 12, we celebrate National Nurse’s Week – a time set aside each year to honor the nursing care staff on our campus for their commitment to their profession. On May 9^th we will say a special thank you and recognize our nursing staff for all they do at a Picnic - Thank You to our nursing care staff.

May 12 – 18 is National Hospital Week. To our staff whose efforts and commitment keep us ranked at the top in patient satisfaction we say thank you.  This year the theme ‘Where Miracles Happen Every Day’ has been chosen to represent this national celebration.  And nowhere is this more evident than here at St. Anthony Community Hospital. We plan to say a special thank you at our Hospital Week Picnic on May 10^th.  Thank You to our hospital staff.

Also celebrated from May 12 – 18 is National Nursing Home Week.  This year’s observance, “Celebrating the Seasons of Life,” recognizes the unique role that children, adults, and seniors play in forming our appreciation of the past and our direction for the future.  We are indeed blessed because we are able to provide our community with the special services of Schervier Pavilion and Mount Alverno Center.  To those who work tirelessly to address the needs of our senior and disabled neighbors, we salute you.  Thank You to our senior services staff.

Last but certainly not least; on May 15^th we will celebrate Health Care Auxilian Day. For almost as long as there has been a St. Anthony Community Hospital there has been an Auxiliary (SACHA) helping raise funds to purchase needed equipment and fund capital projects. Thank You to our SACHA. 

The Key to Our Success

I am often asked what is the most important component of taking care of patients and residents. Certainly, there is no single answer.  But high on my list and that of many of my colleagues is trust and a sense of commitment. It is a trust that you, our staff, physicians and volunteers have instilled in our community.  And, it’s this trust, and your commitment that has been the Key To Our Success. I thank you all for your gifts of love, compassion and strength. You have proven that we can do anything when we care about each other and work as a team. Together we have achieved so much and together we can do so much more.