I’ve worked in healthcare for most of my career, but recently I viewed my local hospital from a new perspective – as a patient during a 13-day hospital stay.

It was scary and sometimes confusing. But it was also profound. I don’t think I’ve ever been more grateful for a group of compassionate caregivers, a team of skilled physicians and all of the employees, from food service workers to the housekeeping team who always had a kind word. I also was amazed by my firsthand view of modern medical technology – and very, very appreciative that it’s here for us in New Jersey hospitals.

As we celebrate National Hospital Week this week (May 8-14), I hope you’ll join me in saying thank you to our hospital professionals who are there to care for us 24-hours a day, every day of the year. New Jersey is fortunate to have 111 acute care and specialty hospitals that employ 141,000 dedicated individuals.

I know our healthcare system isn’t perfect. But it sure is reassuring to me, and families across our state, to know that our community hospitals are always there for us.