TITLE: Recognizing the week of May 8 through 14, 2011, as National Hospital Week in Texas.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the week of May 8 through 14, 2011, as National Hospital Week in Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the week of May 8 through 14, 2011, as National Hospital Week in Texas; and WHEREAS, Texas provides vital health care services to its residents through more than 590 hospitals, which together house some 82,000 licensed beds; these diverse institutions range from general and pediatric hospitals to a variety of specialty facilities; about 27 percent are located in rural areas of the state, and 73 percent are in urban areas; and WHEREAS, During 2009, Texas hospitals provided care for an estimated 2.7 million inpatients, 37 million outpatients, and 9.5 million emergency patients, and they were the site of 808,000 inpatient surgeries and 395,000 births; and WHEREAS, Over 260 of these hospitals are designated trauma facilities staffed by specially trained physicians and nurses and supported by emergency medical services personnel; this trauma system is critical to the health and economic well-being of Texas; and WHEREAS, Hospitals rank as the number two source of private-sector jobs in rural areas of the state and are among the top 20 employers in major metropolitan areas, with approximately 366,000 full-time and part-time employees statewide; these jobs generate $137 billion in economic activity annually; nationwide, hospitals directly or indirectly support one in nine jobs; and WHEREAS, Hospitals are required by state and federal law to assess and stabilize all who come to the emergency room, without regard to their ability to pay; hospitals stand ready to serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and it is indeed fitting to acknowledge the contributions of these vital institutions; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend all who serve in hospitals across the Lone Star State and join in observing May 8 through 14, 2011, as National Hospital Week in Texas; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of National Hospital Week. Nelson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 19, 2011.