Chikamori Hospital Wins Grand Prize at 'Japan's Easiest Hospital to Work For Award 2026'

Chikamori Hospital (Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture), operated by the Social Medical Corporation Chikamori-kai, received the Grand Prize at the 'Japan's Easiest Hospital to Work For Award 2026,' held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight during the 'Nurse Matsuri 2026' event.

Out of eight medical institutions nationwide, six facilities that passed the online preliminary round presented their initiatives for creating a better workplace environment. Chikamori Hospital was selected as the Grand Prize winner based on evaluations by special judges, nurse panelists, and audience voting.

Delivering Patient-Centered Nursing Care

Chikamori Hospital has introduced a command center and leverages smartphone technology to centralize internal hospital information. By reducing the time nurses spend searching for or waiting for information, the hospital ensures more time is available for direct patient care, enabling nurses to focus on the essence of nursing.

Additionally, the hospital has practiced a 'Ward-Based Team Medical Care' model for over ten years, where physicians, nurses, pharmacists, registered dietitians, and rehabilitation specialists collaborate on-site. Support teams such as the Rapid Response Team (RRT), Heart Failure Team, and Liaison Team operate 24/7 to assist frontline staff, creating a secure and supportive work environment.

These initiatives have led to reduced pre-shift overtime and improved operational efficiency, fostering a workplace where nurses can fully utilize their professional expertise.

Comment from Ms. Miko Okamoto, Chief Nursing Officer

'We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious Grand Prize, thanks to the passionate determination of two young nurses who wanted to share the unique strengths of our hospital and decided to re-enter the competition.

We will continue our unwavering efforts to create a hospital where nurses can work comfortably and each individual can realize their ideal vision of nursing care.'

Chikamori Hospital will continue striving to build a hospital where staff can work safely and long-term, enabling the delivery of higher-quality medical care and nursing services to patients.

Event Overview

Name: Japan's Easiest Hospital to Work For Award 2026 Date: July 10, 2026 (Friday) Venue: Tokyo Big Sight Organizer: Nurse Matsuri Executive Committee

Official Website: https://nurse-matsuri.com/

About Chikamori Hospital

Corporation Name: Social Medical Corporation Chikamori-kai Hospital Name: Chikamori Hospital Address: 1-1-16 Okawasugi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture Official Website: https://www.chikamori.com/

Nursing Recruitment Site: https://www.chikamori.com/recruit/nurse