Celebrating Patient Experience Week April 27- May 1, 2026

Each year, healthcare organizations across the country celebrate Patient Experience Week as an opportunity to recognize the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. In April 2026, Wilson Medical Center proudly joins this national celebration by honoring the patients and families we serve while recognizing the dedicated team members who work every day to create positive, meaningful healthcare experiences. 

Patient experience is about more than medical treatment. It is about ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and supported throughout their care journey. From the moment a patient enters our building to the time they return home, our goal is to provide care that is not only clinically excellent but also compassionate, welcoming, and responsive to individual needs. 

One of the most important elements of a positive patient’s experience is clear and effective communication. Patients and families deserve to understand what is happening during their care, including their treatment plans, medications, and next steps. Our care teams are committed to ensuring that patients feel comfortable asking questions and participating actively in decisions about their health. 

Through intentional communication practices, staff members are encouraged to actively listen and explain information in ways that are easy to understand. These conversations help build trust between patients and their healthcare teams and ensure that patients feel confident in the care they receive. 

Another important initiative is the continued focus on bedside shift reports. During this process, nurses conduct shift handoffs at the patient’s bedside rather than away from the room. This allows patients to hear important updates about their care and provides an opportunity for them to ask questions or clarify information. 

Bedside shift report helps create transparency and keep patients actively involved in their care. It also promotes safety by allowing patients to confirm details about their treatment and ensuring that all members of the care team remain aligned with the care plan. 

Patient experience also begins with the environment in which care is delivered. Our teams work diligently to create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere throughout the hospital. Clean, comfortable spaces, attentive housekeeping services, and a culture of kindness all play an important role in helping patients and families feel at ease during what can often be a stressful time. 

Leadership engagement is another important part of strengthening patient experience. Through leader rounding, hospital leaders visit patients to listen to their feedback, ensure their needs are met, and recognize team members who are making a difference.  These conversations allow leaders to hear directly from patients and families about their experiences while also providing an opportunity to address concerns quickly.

Patient feedback plays a vital role in shaping our efforts to improve. We carefully review comments and insights from Google reviews and Press Ganey surveys to better understand what matters most to our patients.  These valuable perspectives help us identify areas where we are excelling and highlight opportunities where we can continue to grow. By listening to the patient's voice, our teams can develop meaningful strategies that strengthen communication, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction. 

One of the most valuable partnerships in our patient experience journey is our collaboration with the Patient and Family Advisory Council. This council brings together patients, family members, and hospital leaders to share feedback and ideas that help improve the care experience.  Council members provide insight based on their personal healthcare experiences, helping hospital teams better understand the needs and expectations of the community we serve. Their feedback guides initiatives designed to enhance communication, improve processes, and strengthen patient-centered care. 

Patient Experience Week is also a time to celebrate the incredible impact that healthcare professionals have on the lives of their patients. We encourage anyone in our community who has had a positive experience at Wilson Medical Center to consider sharing their story this week.  Whether through social media or by leaving a Google review, your positive feedback helps recognize the dedication and compassion of our healthcare teams. Hearing directly from patients and families about the difference our staff has made is incredibly meaningful and helps reinforce the purpose behind the work our teams do each day.  

Patient Experience Week reminds us that healthcare is not only about treating illnesses; it is about caring for people.  As we celebrate this special week, we reaffirm our commitment to listening, learning, and continuously improving so that every patient who enters Wilson Medical Center receives care that is compassionate, respectful, and centered around their needs. 

Lindsey Price is the Director of Patient Experience at Wilson Medical Center.