Pair of emergency departments earn national recognition

FORT MYERS — Two Lee Health emergency departments earned recognition among the nation’s best in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.

The emergency departments at Cape Coral Hospital and Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida have each won the Emergency Nurses Association’s Lantern Award for 2019-2022, according to a statement. 

With the Lantern Award, the ENA recognizes the best emergency departments in the United States across several core areas. Lee Health has two of the 28 emergency departments receiving the award this year, bringing the total to 69 Lantern-designated emergency departments nationwide, according to a statement. 

"We are beyond honored to be recognized for the high level of care we provide to our patients in our emergency departments," says Scott Kashman, Lee Health chief officer of hospital operations, in the statement. "Often, ED patients are among the most vulnerable in our community, and we strive to provide every patient with a safe and compassionate experience when they come through our doors.”

The ENA Lantern Award designation remains in place for three years, after which those honored are eligible to apply again. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Emergency Department in Sarasota is a current 2018-2021 Lantern Award designee.