News

Beebe Medical Center Highlights National Healthcare Decisions Day

04/08/10

Beebe Medical Center, along with other national, state and community organizations, is highlighting the importance of advance healthcare decision-making in recognition of April 16 -- National Healthcare Decisions Day.

Throughout the year Beebe Medical Center provides education and information for the community, encouraging people to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and to prepare written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and end of life healthcare instructions) according to Delaware law.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is a good opportunity to remind people in our community to have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and complete advance directives that make their wishes known, said Steve Cahoon, Patient Relations Representative at Beebe Medical Center. It is often someone's hospitalization that reminds people of the importance of advance directives and prompts them to take a few moments to complete the document. Having an advance directive will help prevent families from struggling to make difficult healthcare decisions for their loved ones, and it can guide healthcare providers in addressing advance healthcare planning issues before a crisis and be better prepared to honor a patient's wishes.

To obtain additional information or receive an advance directive document, please call the Patient Relations Department at Beebe Medical Center 645-3547. Appointments may also be made to receive assistance with completing the documents.

Beebe Medical Center is a not-for-profit community medical center with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit us online at www.beebemed.org