While many individuals have little if any idea what a Health Unit Coordinator is, August 23rd is known as Health Unit Coordinators Day on the National Observances calendar. A health coordinator is a person who is responsible for performing the following tasks and duties in a healthcare or medical environment:
- communicating with fellow staff members
- communicating with patients and guests
- maintaining electronic health records
- other duties of a clerical nature
- patient admission, transfer, and discharge
Health Unit Coordinators Day originated as a reminder of the important teamwork that takes place in healthcare and medical facilities and why health unit coordinators are considered indispensable and so vital in their function. They perform a variety of roles and responsibilities in order to support their medical staff. Without these individuals, hospitals couldn’t maneuver through procedural matters regarding the most basic of healthcare duties and responsibilities.
A Brief History of this Day
The U.S. saw huge changes in the healthcare and medical industry in the post-World War II era. Hospitals were overwhelmed with patients leaving doctors and nurses with a tremendous workload that had them struggling to provide high-quality medical care. In order for nurses to be able to focus solely on the care and well-being of their patients, the position of Health Unit Coordinator was created.
As a result, these staff members have become a crucial component of the medical industry and have helped to improve the function of healthcare facilities. Originally referred to as “floor clerks” or “ward clerks”, these individuals quickly developed a permanent role by transforming themselves from the role of performing administrative tasks to coordinating and managing activities within healthcare units.
Making a Difference Every Day
Health Unit Coordinators Day recognizes these individuals and the difference they make when it comes to healthcare and medical facilities running smoothly for the cities and people they serve. In many healthcare districts, there are literally hundreds of Health Unit Coordinators that make a difference with the people they come into contact with on a daily basis.
For instance, without their assistance, nurses would spend additional time doing payroll and scheduling, ordering lab tests and X-rays, setting up patient charts, and transcribing physician’s orders. Instead, nurses can focus on assisting doctors and focusing on patient care. This in turn gives doctors the time they need to focus on diagnosing and prescribing treatment for their patients. In recent years, technological innovation in the field of diagnostics has assisted health care specialists make faster and early diagnosis that has saved lives.
For more information about Health Unit Coordinators Day, call Vital Imaging today at (305) 596-9992. Our experts are available for your assistance. Call now!