Easton, Md. (May 8, 2020) – Each May, National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week are significant, overlapping annual observances that honor the work of nurses and all health care workers across the nation. This year, during a time of unprecedented challenge for health care workers in every setting and in line with the University of Maryland Medical System, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health has combined the observances to celebrate May 10-16 as Health Care Heroes Week. Health Care Heroes Week is about honoring the entire workforce that has come together as a united team to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
“This collective celebration honors our entire team of staff members, who have come together, regardless of their role or location, to offer unrivaled patient care and extraordinary support to each other at this most critical time,” said Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and CEO, University of Maryland Medical System. “This all-inclusive recognition, which spans the second week in May—the time usually dedicated to Hospital Week, which includes Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday on May 12—is a fitting time to recognize our team in its entirety, for the sacrifices they’ve made, together, to stand on the front lines of care throughout the pandemic.”
“I join my colleagues across the University of Maryland Medical System in rightfully praising the work of UM Shore Regional Health team members working in our three hospitals and our many outpatient facilities,” said Ken Kozel, UM SRH president and CEO. “Our nurses and the equally dedicated team of caregivers and support staff who work alongside them to save and change lives, have faced unique and complex challenges. Throughout it all, they stand ready, offering critically needed care that is safe, compassionate and unwavering.”
Kozel added that UM SRH will extend the weeklong observance throughout the month of May.
The UMMS Health Care Heroes Week includes small gifts of appreciation for staff members, internal and public messages of thanks and special celebratory activities at each location. “Health Care Heroes Week commemorates the tremendous work of the 28,000-strong across our entire system,” said Dr. Suntha.