July 21, 2022 — The emergency departments at both Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and Gulf Coast Medical Center have been recognized nationally for their exceptional and innovative performance in emergency care. 

The Emergency Nurses Association awarded both emergency departments with the Lantern Award. Only 29 hospitals in the United States earned the prestigious recognition this year.

The Lantern Award recognizes emergency departments that go above and beyond in their efforts of leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research. It rewards emergency departments that use evidence-based practices and continually provide high quality care in a safe environment.

Golisano Children’s Hospital’s emergency department is a two-time recipient of the Lantern Award. This is Gulf Coast Medical Center’s first time earning the award.

“I am so proud of the hard work our teams put in every day to provide high quality emergency care to the patients we serve. This award really recognizes the efforts our team members put in each and every day,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and chief executive officer of Lee Health.

Recipients of the Lantern Award will be acknowledged during the 2022 Emergency Nursing Conference taking place Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 in Denver, Colorado. Large canvas prints of the Lantern Award recipients will be displayed in a Hall of Honor during the conference.

Learn more about Golisano Children’s Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center at www.leehealth.org.

About Lee Health

Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org