ROCHELLE — Rochelle Community Hospital celebrated National Hospital Week from May 12-16.
The week saw a “There’s no place like RCH” Wizard of Oz theme. On Munchkin Monday staff wore RCH gear and were treated to Florence Nightingale Birthday Bundtinis. Tuesday's theme was “Which Witch are you?” and staff wore red/pink for the Good Witch or black/green for the Wicked Witch and were treated to Witches Brew Coffee Truck.
Wednesday’s theme was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and staff wore rainbow colors and were treated to a candy bar in RCH’s Cafe 900. Thursday was RCH’s Emerald City Luncheon and employees wore green and received a complimentary lunch.
Friday’s theme was “Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the weekend” and employees received complimentary ice cream sandwiches and wore RCH gear and tennis and/or red shoes. The week also included daily prize winners, a scavenger hunt, a selfie spot and three grand prize winners on Friday.
RCH Manager of Inpatient Services Crystal Vondergathen and Radiology Manager Joy Miller co chair RCH’s Employer of Choice team that organized Hospital Week. Vondergathen said the week stands to show employees RCH cares.
“Just offering those extra things can help boost our staff's morale and camaraderie and it pulls everyone together,” Vondergathen said. “Maybe different departments that don't usually see each other come out for those special things and get to interact and build relationships. Our staff has been super excited. They love having all of the extras. We get to plan fun activities for our staff and it just gives them a break from the reality of taking care of patients and their daily jobs. It allows them to get some time to go out and do something fun, even if it's only for a few minutes. I think our slogan this week rings true. There is no place like here.”
Miller called Hospital Week “the biggest of the year” at RCH. The hospital puts together something each month to show staff that they’re appreciated. Hospital Week is a result of two months of planning and brainstorming.
Hospital Week shows RCH staff, patients and the community what the organization is all about, Miller said.
“Our vendors come in here and they're surprised by everything we do, and they visit a lot of hospitals,” Miller said. “I'm proud of that. I think the environment makes us much more comfortable. We feel like a community hospital with a personality and a personal touch. It makes me proud of RCH.”
Miller said it’s important to celebrate a community hospital like RCH during Hospital Week when others like it are becoming less common. Staff is what makes a community hospital thrive, she said.
“I know the value our employees have to our board, administration, managers and co-workers,” Miller said “Our administration wants to make sure our employees know that RCH cares about them. Patient and staff satisfaction are where our priorities lie and I see it all the time. I think we do a good job. And I'm proud of it.”
