Connecticut Hospital Association

The T. Stewart Hamilton, MD, Distinguished Service Award, introduced in 1970 and awarded in most but not every year since then, is granted to individuals who "contribute significant, noteworthy services to the health of the public." Recipients are individuals who have made a career in the healthcare field and have contributed or achieved excellence in governance, management, or clinical services. Primary consideration is given to the contributions of potential recipients in the following areas: improving the welfare of healthcare consumers; innovations in administrative methods and practices; service in local, state, or national organizations in the healthcare field; promotion of positive public relations within the community; networking, collaboration, and integration with other healthcare providers and agencies; advocacy of social and other legislation relating to improved quality of care; advancement of the art and science of healthcare administration.

Since 1994, this award has been given to one hospital each year to honor the contributions made by John D. Thompson to healthcare administration and patient care quality during his career.

Recipients are selected based on how the hospital successfully improved patient care due to a modification in process as substantiated through the use of data. A five-member panel composed of representatives from various organizations with an interest in healthcare quality judge's entries. There is a two-year period of ineligibility for previous John D. Thompson Award winners.

This award, jointly awarded by the Connecticut Hospital Association and the Connecticut Department of Public Health since 1993, recognizes a Connecticut hospital that has made an outstanding contribution to its community, particularly for a program or service targeted toward a particular segment of a hospital's community.

Entries are judged by a six-member panel composed of representatives from three Connecticut acute care hospitals, a DPH representative, a CHA staff representative, and a member of the Connecticut media. There is a three-year period of ineligibility for previous Community Service Award winners.

CHA's "Healthcare Heroes" Contest, developed in 2002, celebrates the importance of healthcare careers and the accomplishments of people working in healthcare. Now in its 10th year, the presentation of the contest awards has become an integral part of CHA's Annual Meeting. Healthcare Heroes are selected by a panel of CHA staff based on submitted nominations.

Click here for the 2012 Annual Report, which includes a list of 2012 Healthcare Heroes award winners.