National Hospital Week is a moment to both celebrate the vital role hospitals play in our communities and thank America’s dedicated healthcare professionals; from nurses and surgeons to maintenance teams and administrators, and everyone in between.

We also salute the medical device/equipment manufactures and pharmaceutical industry for providing the tools to help American hospitals provide care for 137 million people each year—roughly 40 percent of the U.S. population.

The week also provides a backdrop to recognize a behind-the-scenes hero keeping the heartbeat of hospitals strong: reliable energy.

As emergencies can arise at any moment and patient care is paramount, uninterrupted power is not just a convenience but a necessity.

Hospitals must operate 24/7, with critical equipment relying on a constant and dependable energy source to function. Key to that 24/7 operation is natural gas.

With its proven track record of reliability, natural gas provides a stable, clean, and efficient fuel source that powers essential operations in healthcare facilities across the country. From heating and cooling systems to onsite power generation (CHP), natural gas plays a crucial role in keeping hospitals running, especially during unforeseen power outages or extreme weather events.

Natural gas offers several advantages that make it an ideal choice for powering hospitals. Firstly, its abundance and accessibility contribute to a reliable supply chain, reducing the risk of supply disruptions. That abundance includes America’s shale gas supplies paired with its growing supply of renewable natural gas.

And unlike some renewable energy sources that may be intermittent, the resilient natural gas delivery system—predominantly underground—ensures uninterrupted operation for health care facilities.

Moreover, natural gas is a clean-burning fuel. As hospitals aim to reduce their environmental footprint, the greater use of natural gas helps lower air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby supporting and furthering sustainability goals.

In addition to its reliability and environmental benefits, natural gas offers cost-effective solutions for hospital operating budgets. With efficient energy systems powered by natural gas, hospitals can optimize their energy usage and keep energy costs affordable. The cost stability and predictability of natural gas allows hospitals to allocate resources where they matter most: patient care and health care professionals.

As we celebrate National Hospital Week, let's keep in mind the critical role that reliable energy plays in supporting our hospital and health care network. From delivery rooms to emergency rooms, the uninterrupted flow of energy, especially natural gas, ensures hospitals can provide high-quality care to patients, day and night.

By recognizing the importance of energy security and embracing sustainable solutions like natural gas, we can keep the backbone of our hospitals strong and safeguard the health and well-being of our communities for generations to come.

If you’re a health care facility or provider looking to better manage your energy costs and budget, contact the UGIES team to see how we can help!