National Hospital Day is celebrated annually on May 12 with the objective of educating the public about medical examinations and treatments. Former U.S. President Warren G. Harding designated the holiday official on May 12, 1921, and it was observed for the first time on that date. The idea was conceived by Chicago-based editor Matthew O. Foley as a means to restore public trust and confidence in the medical industry in the wake of the devastating Spanish Flu, which claimed millions of lives. The birthday of Florence Nightingale, known as the founder of modern nursing, will be celebrated on May 12.
The background of National Hospital Day
National Hospital Day was first observed in 1921 to honour Florence Nightingale, the originator of modern nursing, on her birthday. She established nursing standards during the Crimean War of 1854. The holiday was the brainchild of Matthew O. Foley, managing editor of the Chicago-based publication Hospital Management. Foley’s intent was to restore public confidence in hospitals in the aftermath of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, which claimed approximately 50 million lives. In 1921, former U.S. President Warren G. Harding proclaimed the holiday.
In remembrance of Nightingale, hospitals across the United States and Canada were to open their doors to visitors to educate them on medical examination and treatment, as well as distribute healthcare literature and information about nursing institutions. In 1941, 12 storefronts in Casper displayed posters with the slogan “Hospitals — Guardians of Health.” National Hospital Day was expanded to National Hospital Week in 1953 in order to give hospitals more time to educate and enlighten the public about healthcare. Currently, the American Hospital Association sponsors the event.
Britannica defines a hospital as “an institution designed, staffed, and outfitted for the diagnosis of disease; for the medical and surgical treatment of the sick and injured; and for their housing during this process.” Additionally, the modern hospital frequently served as a centre for research and education.”
National Limerick Day 2023: Date, History, Activities
World Ego Awareness Day 2023: Date, History, Common Mental Diseases
National Twilight Zone Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Twilight Zone
5 IMPORTANT MILESTONES IN FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE’S LIFE
Birth
Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Tuscany, to an affluent British family.
Nurse education
In 1850, Nightingale enrolled at the Institution of Protestant Deaconesses in Kaiserwerth, Germany, to acquire fundamental nursing skills.
Crimean military operation
Nightingale arrived in Scutari, Turkey, on November 5, 1854, to tend British soldiers during the Crimean War.
Nightingale School of Training
On July 9, 1860, Nightingale established the ‘Nightingale Training School’ in London, England.
Death
On August 13, 1910, Death Nightingale passed away in her slumber.
NATIONAL HOSPITAL DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 12 | Friday |
| 2024 | May 12 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 12 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 12 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 12 | Wednesday |
