Did you Tell Your Hospital's Story Today?
August 13, 2009 by Kristen Hayner
One of the best parts about working with hospitals every day is witnessing and telling their stories of true community work that changes patients’ lives. Whether it’s developing a testimonial ad campaign to tell a patient’s story or creating a community benefit presentation that celebrates the millions of dollars in charity care that the hospital provides, this kind of work is critical to our healthcare system and to the very real service these hospitals provide.
Have you told that story about your hospital today? I am certain that they’re somewhere in the halls of your NICU, ICU or outpatient clinics. (It’s likely not in the halls of your administrative offices.)
Telling that story might just lead you to garner media attention like this group did today in the New York Times. Nestled among the tough, policy-minded articles on healthcare reform, this article about free healthcare provided to L.A. residents stood out. I can’t image what the floor of the L.A. Forum looked like with make-shift dental chairs and examination tables set up and treating patients – all on volunteer time. And it also is amazing to me that thousands of people lined up for hours – even slept in their cars – to get this free medical care. I can guarantee that this organization’s Web site is overloaded with traffic today.
Your patients are likely not lined up outside your ER doors. But their personal stories are a powerful part of your hospital’s story. It has every potential to catch the eye of a local reporter, politician from whom you need support or community member looking for a place to take their family for care. Like the NYT story, it’s probably a breath of fresh air among today’s healthcare-related stories. And it boosts the morale of every nurse or doctor caring for patients at your hospital.
When do you share the news? Start now and lay a foundation for the likely challenges in healthcare that lie ahead.
