North Valley Hospital recognizes employees, EMS partners

The month of May includes some important celebrations for North Valley Hospital. The first occurred last week, which was Hospital Week. Hospital week is a time to recognize and celebrate all employees in every department and specialty that make North Valley Hospital a foundation to the community we serve, and that contribute to the unique Planetree culture of the hospital. Hospital Week began in 1921 to commemorate the anniversary of Florence Nightingale who championed improving healthcare for all sections of society. This tradition continues as we recognize that all employees at the hospital are caregivers, and everyone has a significant part in the patient experience.

Every year, a committee of employees plans events for Hospital Week. This year, activities included a competition between departments to create fun, enticing raffle baskets. Employees bought raffle tickets and all proceeds went to the North Valley Hospital Foundation. The baskets were exciting and creative — themes included spa day, a guided fishing trip, summer fun, and more.

One of the highlights of Hospital Week every year is the Friday event with an employee barbecue from the Valley Café. Employees and guests gather together for the delicious lunch and to spend time together celebrating Hospital Week. The Valley Café also provided fruit and yogurt parfaits or cinnamon rolls to employees one morning during the week long event. At North Valley Hospital, this week is about the value of each employee, and the organization is grateful for the wonderful, dedicated hospital employees.

After Hospital Week, we change our focus to some of our key community partners. This year, May 21-27 is EMS Week, when we recognize our local EMS providers that work closely with the hospital. Every year, North Valley Hospital delivers treats and thank you cards to fire, police, and EMS departments in Whitefish and Columbia Falls to show our appreciation for their hard work, professionalism, and expertise. North Valley Hospital is grateful to EMS providers for their excellent response care, and for working with the hospital as a critical community service. The hospital is also thankful for the seasonal assistance of the Big Mountain Ski Patrol, who works closely with the Base Lodge Clinic and North Valley Hospital throughout the winter.

Judy Smith, Emergency Department Manager at North Valley Hospital, recently mentioned that often, the work of EMS providers is only brought to the attention of the community when budgets are being discussed. She explained, “We want to recognize the work they do every day for the community, and we are very thankful for our working partnership.”

We are grateful for hospital employees and EMS providers that work hard for the community and continue to make Whitefish and the Flathead Valley a wonderful place to live.

Allison Linville is the marketing and community relations coordinator at North Valley Hospital.