Erie Chapman Foundation, Nashville, Tennessee is pleased to announce a special award & cash prize to Parrish Medical Center, Titusville, Florida, for being the first hospital in the nation to implement a striking innovation in the Foundation’s national campaign, “Patient Dignity!”

In January, 2021, the Foundation launched a challenge to previously Certified Healing HospitalsÔ in  Texas, California, Idaho & Florida to elevate the patient experience. One prong of the campaign is to change perceptions of the old-fashioned patient gowns by framing one with a sign announcing, “The Most Important Uniform in the Hospital.”

According to Erie Chapman, President of the Foundation, “No one likes patient gowns, yet no one has improved them. When visitors see one framed, they will be surprised and then impressed by a hospital that considers it ‘The Most Important Uniform.’ Parrish Healthcare President/CEO George Mikitarian and his great team instantly realized how framing the gown advances their patient-centered focus.”

“Every Parrish care partner knows we put patients first,” Parrish Healthcare President/CEO George Mikitarian stated. “This project also honors care partners by signaling the central importance of the people we serve.”

“Congratulations to the Parrish team,” Chapman said. “Years ago, they were named America’s first  Healing Hospital by the Baptist Healing Trust (The Healing Trust.) They held this honor for three consecutive years. This latest recognition by our Foundation proves they are still the best at putting patients first. We believe hundreds of hospitals will adopt this symbolic step. Parrish led the way.”

Visit parrishhealthcare.com/patientgown to watch a video on Parrish’s commitment to the Patient Dignity initiative.