Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Healthcare workers across the Springfield area are being recognized this week as hospitals celebrate Healthcare Week and the people who keep medical systems running around the clock.

During an interview on WTAX Morning Newswatch, Jay Roszhart, CEO of Springfield Memorial Hospital, reflected on the importance of honoring healthcare employees — from doctors and nurses to the many workers behind the scenes who help care for patients every day.

Roszhart said the week serves as an opportunity to recognize healthcare workers for the difficult and often emotional work they do for the community.

“Healthcare is a calling, I truly believe that,” Roszhart said. “If you go into healthcare, it’s not just for a job.”

Roszhart also spoke about how Springfield’s hospital systems came together following the recent tragedy in Chatham, saying both Memorial and HSHS St. John’s Hospital put aside competition to focus on helping the community.

“We exist to serve people and we exist to serve the community,” Roszhart said. “When something like that happens, we can put aside competition, we can put aside differences, we can put aside everything and come together to help people.”

He added that healthcare systems are constantly preparing for emergencies and crises because medical care does not operate on a schedule.

“The heart attack doesn’t strike when you want it to strike — it strikes when it wants to strike,” Roszhart said.

Roszhart said hospitals spend significant time training, conducting drills and preparing staff for some of the worst moments in people’s lives.

“We plan for the worst days of people’s lives, but unfortunately, it becomes the everyday in our lives,” he said.

Roszhart said Healthcare Week is also about recognizing the many employees patients may never see during a hospital stay. He referenced studies showing patients interact with dozens of healthcare workers during a typical hospital visit, while many more work behind the scenes in areas such as laboratory services, imaging, environmental services, nutrition, billing, registration and social work.

“When it comes to caring for people, it’s about caring for the whole person,” Roszhart said.

Roszhart said he is proud of the work being done at Springfield Memorial Hospital, noting the facility recently improved its quality and safety ratings and continues working toward future improvements.

He encouraged community members to thank healthcare workers whenever possible, saying even a simple expression of gratitude can make a difference. Roszhart also noted donations to the Springfield Memorial Foundation help support both patients and healthcare workers.

“We need to work together to be a part of the solution,” Roszhart said, “and be kind to your healthcare workers.”