Hospital President Thanks Community And Reflects On Past Year

To the editor: As we come to the end of the year, Nantucket Cottage Hospital is reflecting on how much our island gives us and how strong we have become together. This has been a year of steady performance, meaningful growth, and countless moments of compassion that show what it means to care for one another in a close community. None of this happens by chance. It happens because our staff, our patients, our students, our partners, our Board, and our neighbors believe in this hospital and in the power of showing up for each other.

One of the clearest signs of that strength can be seen in our L.O.V.E. awards, which stand for Living Our Values Every day. These moments of kindness and service are recognized each month, and this year visitors can read some of those stories on our tree at the Festival of Trees. Each card highlights someone who went above and beyond for a patient, a colleague, or a family. These quiet actions form the heart of our hospital and remind us that excellence is seen not only in clinical results, but in the way people care for one another.

We also honored long-term staff members who retired after many years of service. They shaped the culture of our hospital, mentored the next generation, and built the foundation we stand on today. Their legacy lives on in the people they taught, and we are grateful for all they have given to the hospital and to our island.

At the same time, we welcomed new team members who bring fresh talent and energy. Recruiting and keeping great people on Nantucket takes intention, and our progress in housing and educational support reflects that. Our housing initiatives help staff remain on the island, and our education programs support growth for current and future caregivers. These efforts strengthen our hospital and the entire community, because good health depends on access to skilled and compassionate care.

Our partnerships with community organizations also support this work. These collaborations make a direct difference in how we care for patients and how we support our staff. Nantucket is unique in the number of groups committed to the wellbeing of our neighbors, and their hard work helps us provide steady and thoughtful care.

There has been much to celebrate. We welcomed new babies into the world, each one a joyful reminder of our purpose. Every birth is a moment of hope, and every family that trusts us becomes part of our shared story. We also honored our scholarship winners and the many students learning both here and away. Their dedication gives us confidence in the future of healthcare on Nantucket, and we are grateful for the support that makes their education possible.

We continue to care for patients through every stage of life, including their final moments, where dignity, comfort, and compassion matter most. Every patient’s story is unique, and families trust us with the responsibility of honoring those stories with respect. We uphold each patient’s dignity and support their loved ones with gentleness and understanding.

Through all of this, the constant has been the generosity of our island. Nantucket has always taken care of its hospital, and this year has been no different. Our community supports us through partnerships, philanthropy, volunteer work, and everyday encouragement, and it means more than we can express.

Nantucket Cottage Hospital is strong because of its people, the values we share, the neighbors who trust us, and the community that stands beside us. For all of it, we say thank you.

Gratefully,

Amy Lee, President & COO
Nantucket Cottage Hospital