#Japan #Tokyo #Healthcare Innovation #Nurse Matsuri 2025 #Seisaikai Hospital

Nurse Matsuri 2025: A Celebration for Nursing Excellence

The upcoming Nurse Matsuri 2025, organized by Mine Healthcare Co., Ltd., aims to shed light on outstanding initiatives fostering a positive work environment for nurses across Japan. This year’s highlight is the prestigious "Japan's Most Nurse-Friendly Hospital Award 2025," which was awarded to the Seisaikai Yokohama City Eastern Hospital.

Award Highlights

At this year's event, held in Tokyo, Seisaikai Yokohama City Eastern Hospital not only clinched the main award but also won the Best Presentation award, making it a double victory. The event is a response to the ongoing challenges faced by nurses, particularly in Japan, where about 80% express a desire to leave their jobs due to overwhelming pressures. The high turnover rates in nursing can seriously impact the healthcare sector, leading to a decrease in morale and quality of patient care.

The Japan's Most Nurse-Friendly Hospital Award was established to promote best practices among hospitals that prioritize creating a supportive work environment. This year, 20 hospitals participated, leading to an intense competition characterized by spirited presentations and voter engagement.

Celebrating Seisaikai's Commitment to Nurses

Seisaikai Yokohama City Eastern Hospital aims to redefine nursing through its motto: "It's enjoyable to nurse because you can take on challenges when the environment is supportive." Their strategies include:

1. Valuing People: Recognizing that interpersonal relationships significantly affect staff retention, the hospital has prioritized creating a welcoming atmosphere. An impressive 85% of interns applied for positions due to positive feedback about the environment. They have created beautiful welcome boards for new staff and introduced measures to reduce overtime.

2. Supporting Challenges: The hospital offers extensive educational programs, including an internal certification system and specialized training that encourages professional growth. Participants can engage in unique courses like Japan's only pediatric primary care training program.

3. Forward-Thinking Nursing: Staff are guided to consider future patient needs, enhancing their ability to provide care that meets long-term medical expectations.

Other Award-Winning Hospitals

The event also highlighted the efforts of other remarkable institutions. For example, the Ishinomaki Ken'no Hospital in Miyagi Prefecture won the Excitement Award. Their proactive approach utilizes community education and innovative healthcare practices that have gained them international recognition.

Other finalists included:

• - Mie Heart Center, Mie Prefecture
• - Gifu City Hospital, Gifu Prefecture
• - Iwaki Yumoto Hospital, Fukushima Prefecture
• - Takamori Medical Corporation, Kochi Prefecture
• - Setagaya Memorial Hospital, Tokyo Prefecture
• - Kishiwada Tokushukai Hospital, Osaka Prefecture

Engaging Presentations and Insights

Presentations from each hospital showcased their distinctive initiatives aimed at improving working conditions for nursing staff. For instance, Mie Heart Center has shifted to a flexible schedule allowing paid leave to be taken in 30-minute increments, accommodating the needs of new employees. Similarly, Gifu City Hospital has implemented a unique early warning system utilizing vital signs data integrated into electronic health records, streamlining patient care.

With over 3,000 attendees, Nurse Matsuri 2025 featured 41 engaging programs, including the Nursing DX Award and vibrant fashion shows, emphasizing diversity and innovation within the nursing profession. The expansive three-day event fostered networking opportunities among nurses, allowing them to gain insights that may not be available within their organizations.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Nurse Matsuri 2025
• - Dates: July 16–18, 2025
• - Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Atrium in the West Exhibition Building
• - Hosted by: Nurse Matsuri Executive Committee
• - Participants: 3,069 attendees from various regions.

Nurse Matsuri continues to be an important platform highlighting the value and innovation in nursing, ensuring that nurses across Japan can thrive in their roles, ultimately benefiting the healthcare system as a whole. The essence of teamwork, collaboration, and support was palpable in each presentation, promoting an inspiring atmosphere that encourages progressive changes in healthcare.

To catch the live presentation of the awards, visit the official YouTube link here.

(Article by Eiko Oshikawa, Vice Chair of Nurse Matsuri Executive Committee | Photo by SCRAPPY KEIKO)