Hospital staff members gathered around Mayor Matthew Block last week as he signed the official proclamation declaring May 10-16 as National Hospital Week and National Nursing Home Week at Scotland Health Care System.

The theme for Hospital Week is “A Healthy Commitment to Changing Times.” Coinciding is the celebration of Nursing Week May 6-12.

“I think Hospital Week is a wonderful occasion to take a step back and realize what an amazing health care system we have in Scotland County and remember why we do what we do," the mayor said. "It is such a great benefit to have a health care system in this community that continues to grow, improve, and serve our citizens in so many ways.”

One of the week’s highlights is the presentation of the Award of Excellence, which honors an associate who exemplifies the System’s values of Excellence, Integrity, and Community Accountability.

On Tuesday, President and CEO Greg Wood presented a check for $1,000 to Mike Frease, RN, of the Flex Pool. He also receives a designated parking space for one year and a Scotland Health Care System shirt.

“Mike is a great asset to Scotland Health Care System," wood said. "He is always willing to give assistance where there is a need and is respected by his fellow colleagues because he is very knowledgeable and upholds the nursing profession. He has a wonderful smile and always greets patients and visitors with respect. He is very deserving of this honor.”

Frease joined the health care system in 1985 and worked at the Edwin Morgan Center for 13 years. Shortly after receiving his BSN, he transferred to ICU in 1998 and later to the Flex Pool in 2005 where he remains today. Frease and his wife have three children. They live in Wagram.

Divisional Award of Excellence winners were Sharon Campbell, of the Health Information Management Department, representing the Administration/Finance division and Natasha Cummings of Rehab Services, representing the Operations division. Mike Frease represents the Patient Care division. The divisional winners received a certificate, a check for $100, and a Scotland Health Care System shirt.

Taking the Hospital Week celebration outside the walls of the hospital, community members are invited to take part in the free blood pressure and osteoporosis screenings available on May 12 at Scotland Place, May 13 at Wal-Mart in Pembroke, and May 19 in Laurel Hill at Pate's. No appointments are necessary and results are available immediately. Free prostate cancer screenings are coming up on June 6 and June 13 from 8 to 10 am in the Community Health and Rehabilitation Center with Dr. Timothy Moses, urologist, providing the examinations.

For dates, locations and times of other community events call 291-7550, or visit the calendar page at scotlandhealth.org.

“As part of Nursing Week celebrations, last week some of our nursing staff provided free Vial of Life kits to community members at Wal-Mart,” Wood said. “The kit contains important medical information that can assist emergency personnel in administering the proper medical treatment. Also, this week our Occupational Health staff provided free sports physicals to middle school and high school athletes.”

On Wednesday, associates will participate in the annual National Employee Health and Fitness Day activities, an all-day event which encourages all associates to be physically active. Team members vie for the coveted Bronze Sneaker, a trophy which has been handed down to each year’s winning team for the past fifteen years.

Celebrations are not complete without food and the hospital’s associates look forward to the annual picnic on the hospital campus. Plenty of good old-fashioned burgers and barbequed chicken with all the side dishes are planned.