Decatur County Hospital Celebrates National Hospital Week

This year’s National Hospital Week runs from May 8-14. We at Decatur County Hospital are invested in caring from the heart every day of every year.

Decatur County Hospital is using this opportunity to remind the community that a hospital is more than a place where people go to heal – it is a part of the community that fosters health and represents hope as hospitals are essential to a healthy community.

The nation’s largest health care event, National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 when it was suggested by a magazine editor who hoped a community wide celebration would alleviate public fears about hospitals. The celebration, launched in Chicago, succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to facilities across the country.

“I appreciate the year-round dedication of our employees, providers, and administrative team, for their commitment to being one of the safest, highest quality hospitals in Southern Iowa,” stated Linda Chastain, DCH Board Trustee, “Please take time to thank the dedicated individuals at Decatur County Hospital during National Hospital Week.”

According to the latest study conducted by the Iowa Hospital Association, Decatur County Hospital generates 120 jobs that boosts $6,113,319 to Decatur County’s economy. Additionally, it is estimated that Decatur County Hospital employees spend around $843,006 in retail sales, which adds a significant amount of sales tax revenue.

In addition to the economic impact that Decatur County Hospital has on the community, they also strive to be active in the communities they serve by participating in many community activities throughout the year.

“As one of Decatur County’s largest employers, we are an organization that feels strongly about giving back to the community where we all live and work. We strive to be your first choice in healthcare for all the areas we serve, and are committed to supporting the health and well-being in and around Decatur County,” stated Decatur County Hospital CEO Suzanne Cooner, “I am extremely proud of each member of our staff and we recognize the important role they play in extending a sense of trust to our patients and our communities.”

Decatur County Hospital provides many services, close to home. These services including 24-hour Emergency Services, Ambulance Service, Laboratory, Medical/Surgical, Radiology (general, MRI, mammography, CT, ultrasound), Rehabilitation Services (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Lymphedema, & wound care), General and Vascular Surgery, Infusion Therapy and Chemotherapy, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Cardiology, ENT, Internal Medicine, Oncology/Hematology, Orthopedics, and more.

“We are so lucky to have a hospital of this caliber in our rural community and county”, stated Sheri Frost, “I recently experienced the exceptional care of the staff at Decatur County Hospital with my husband, Kevin. We were told if we hadn’t been near a hospital, Kevin would probably not have survived and definitely would have had permanent major organ damage. Having spent over 33 years as a medic, I recognized the honest human concern, compassion, and proficient determination to save my husband’s life. Wow – who wouldn’t want that for each and every one of their family members? Hospitals in rural communities are vital, and I am certainly glad to have a place to go to receive the best healthcare services when I need them most!”