National Patient Transport Week
National Patient Transport Week honors the vital work of hospital transporters—the people who move patients with care and attention.
It highlights how these team members keep patients and hospitals connected.
Their efforts help patients get to tests, surgeries, or rooms on time. Each trip supports smoother daily operations and helps reduce delays in medical care.
This week asks everyone—doctors, nurses, families—to pause and say thanks.
Think of hospital life as a many‑gear machine. Patient transporters are the cogs that keep motion alive. They guide someone in a wheelchair or gently wheel a stretcher.
They work behind the scenes but make treatment possible.
When these staff move safely and on time, worried families relax. That simple ride can change a busy day into a better one. Their role has meaning and impact that ripple across the whole care journey.
How to Celebrate National Patient Transport Week
Here are some engaging ways to honor National Patient Transport Week and show meaningful appreciation:
Team Shout‑Out Board
Display a large board in a common area and invite colleagues to post quick thank‑you notes for transport staff. It sparks smiles and teamwork.
Recognition from peers boosts morale and shows genuine respect.
Healthy Snack Break
Arrange a midday snack station with fresh fruit, granola bars, or trail mix. Add a short message of thanks. Tasty treats offer a moment of rest and recognition.
Mini Contests with Prizes
Organize a fun quiz covering light-hearted topics or transport trivia. Offer small tokens like pens or coffee mugs. Friendly games bring people together and celebrate their roles.
Personalized Appreciation Certificates
Create simple certificates or thank‑you cards with specific examples of great work. Hand them in person. A tailored message feels sincere and special.
“Transport Hero” Award
Hold a vote to honor a transporter who went above and beyond. Present the winner with a small trophy or gift card. Public praise in front of peers highlights the importance of their work.
Vendor‑Sponsored Gifts
Reach out to local cafeteria or equipment vendors to donate items like water bottles, cozy blankets, or umbrellas. These can be given as tokens of thanks during the week.
Group Photo with Thank‑You Banner
Gather transporters for a quick group photo holding a banner with a thank‑you note. Share the image on social media or internal newsletters. It boosts visibility and pride.
History of National Patient Transport Week
The National Association of Healthcare Transport Management (NAHTM) created this special week. They wanted to honor the people who move patients through hospitals each day.
Whether rolling stretchers or guiding wheelchairs, transporters play a big role in patient care. NAHTM picked the first full week of November to focus on their hard work.
Before this, many teams didn’t get much public credit, even though they helped every step of the way.
No single person takes credit for starting the week. Instead, NAHTM led the charge as an organization. They believed patient transporters deserved thanks and visibility across every hospital.
Their efforts helped others understand how much these staff members support daily operations. The week was designed not just for praise, but also to raise awareness and build support in hospitals nationwide.
Hospitals and clinics quickly joined in. Staff planned thank-you boards, snack tables, group photos, and small awards. Simple gestures brought big smiles.
Transporters, often working behind the scenes, began receiving the recognition they earned.
Over time, the week helped boost team morale and build a stronger workplace culture. From large medical centers to local clinics, more places joined each year to celebrate together.
The event isn’t a government holiday or federally recognized week. It began as a grassroots effort through the NAHTM network.
That approach worked. Teams took ownership of how they celebrated, making each year feel personal and meaningful. Activities varied, but the goal stayed the same: appreciate those who quietly keep care moving.
Now, each November, transport teams get the spotlight. That week brings fresh energy and pride to their work. Small actions add up.
When hospitals pause to thank their transport staff, everyone benefits—from nurses and doctors to patients and families.
Also on ...
View all holidays
Use Your Common Sense Day
Taking a step back and relying on good ol' logic, like deciphering a puzzle without needing a map or a compass.
National Nachos Day
Cheesy tortilla chips, jalapenos, beans, tomatoes and guacamole — throw a party and enjoy this perfect sharing platter with friends.
We think you may also like...
