Photo: Methodist Olive Branch Hospital President David Baytos (far right) joins associates during the hospital’s appreciation picnic during National Healthcare Week. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
There is a significant shortage of healthcare workers in Mississippi and across the country. Many factors are involved for that, including an aging workforce, burnout and mental health issues, and the out-migration of workers to facilities in other states.
For those who continue to serve us in providing quality healthcare, National Healthcare Week is being observed this week through Saturday. It’s an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing the hard work, dedication, and compassion of hospital and healthcare professionals.
Methodist Olive Branch Hospital annually recognizes its 500 associates with a picnic during National Healthcare Week, an event that was held at the hospital on Thursday. Workers got to take some time off from their duties and enjoy a lunch that featured barbecue, while listening to music played by a DJ. Picture frames and games helped enhance a festive time, with physicians, nurses, lab techs, and others a part of the picnic.
“We work hard every day, so now and then we gotta play hard,” said Methodist Olive Branch President David Baytos. “So this is the day where we celebrate. It’s a way to really praise our associates.”
Also known as National Hospital Week, it has become the largest healthcare event in the nation and is celebrated by hospitals, health systems, and healthcare workers to highlight their services, innovation, and commitment to their communities.
The history of the event dates back to 1921, when National Hospital Day was first established to build public trust in hospitals following the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. In 1953 it became National Hospital Week to coincide with Florence Nightingale’s birthday on May 12.
But Baytos says fewer people are entering, or staying, in the healthcare industry and that has him concerned. He said many have left and have taken employment in other careers in the five years since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have needs, whether it’s physicians, nurses, radiology techs, lab techs, you name it,” Baytos said. “We have openings throughout our system, and that’s what hospitals across the nation are struggling with. Probably my biggest concern going forward is where our future health care providers come from.”
One answer comes from the next generation of healthcare talent. Baytos believes supporting youngsters interested in healthcare starts in high school and the hospital works to instill and grow the interest.
“If they’re interested in healthcare, they spend some time shadowing our staff and understanding what healthcare is all about,” Baytos said. “Even through their interview process, when we interview potential associates, we have them spend an hour or two shadowing one of our associates whose position that this individual is applying for, so they understand what the job entails, and what our expectations are.”
Between appreciation, recognition, awareness and unity, National Healthcare Week hopes to remind associates of their importance to our health when they’re on duty.
But, at least for Thursday, it was all right to take a break, play hard instead of work hard, grab some barbecue and show off your best dance moves. Afterall healthcare workers, it’s your week!
