It's Syttende Mai or May 17, Norwegian Constitution Day, and Stoughton businesses are ready to celebrate the city's annual tradition since 1868. Ardis Gyland of the Nordic Nook shares a variety of Norwegian specialties like lefse and costumes.

Mary Jo Ola reports from Stoughton.

A record-breaking 850 hospital leaders, employees, trustees and volunteers, including personnel from Stoughton Hospital, participated in Wisconsin Hospital Association’s Advocacy Day event in Madison on April 23.

Advocacy Day is an annual event that connects hospital supporters with their legislators in Madison so lawmakers can learn how issues impact local hospitals and communities.

Stoughton Hospital President Terry Brenny said Advocacy Day event is an important event to healthcare providers and patients.

"We believe it is important to talk with our legislators about important healthcare issues, like Medicaid provisions pending the state budget," Brenny said. "Advocacy Day provides us with the education and motivation to make our voices heard."

A healthcare management systems group has given Dean Clinic, St. Mary's and Stoughton Hospitals with an award recognizing their adoption of electronic records.

HIMSS Analytics, the research division of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, said the facilities have earned the award by completing the final stage in transitioning from hard copy records.

Reaching Stage 7 means that all records at a facility are electronic to make records accessible throughout locations and reduces preventable errors.

In addition, hospitals and health systems that have attained Stage 7 are able to share patient information with other health care providers, which can ultimately improve patient care and safety.

Dean Clinic and St. Mary’s Hospital said the organizations are the first ambulatory and hospital to partner in the country that have both been recognized with the electronic health record adoption at the same time.