Cape Coral Hospital’s Emergency Department Earns Prestigious National Award

(Cape Coral, Fla. – Oct. 10, 2023) --- Marking Emergency Nurses Day, the emergency department at Cape Coral Hospital has been recognized nationally for its exceptional and innovative performance in emergency care.

The Emergency Nurses Association awarded Cape Coral Hospital with the Lantern Award. The 2023 class is the largest since the award was established in 2011, with 53 emergency departments around the world receiving the honor 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. 

When applying, emergency departments share stories highlighting their commitment to care and the initiatives to improve nursing staff’s wellbeing. Applications are reviewed and scored by the ENA Lantern Award Committee. The award lasts for a three-year cycle and then emergency departments are eligible to apply again.

Golisano Children’s Hospital’s emergency department is a two-time recipient of the Lantern Award. Gulf Coast Medical Center’s emergency department won it for the first time last year, and this is Cape Coral Hospital’s emergency department’s second time winning the award.

“I am so proud of the hard work our teams put in every day to provide high-quality emergency care to the Southwest Florida community. This award really recognizes the teamwork, education, passion and dedication our staff provides to each other and their patients,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and chief executive officer of Lee Health.

The award will be on display in the Cape Coral Hospital emergency department and in the main lobby of Cape Coral Hospital. As a recipient, Cape Coral Hospital will be recognized in upcoming ENA publications, on the ENA website and during Emergency Nursing 2023, the association’s annual conference held in San Diego from Sept. 21-23.

Learn more about Cape Coral Hospital at www.leehealth.org.