Climbing flu numbers prompt hospital visitor restrictions

Press release from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department:

With confirmed flu cases continuing to climb at historic rates in Greene County, the Springfield Health Department and the health care community have opted to implement visitor restrictions to hospital facilities in our area.

Children ages 14 and under not seeking medical treatment will not be permitted to visit Greene County hospitals until further notice, beginning today, Tuesday, Dec. 23.

The restrictions are in effect systemwide at CoxHealth, including Springfield, Branson and Monett campuses.

Currently more than half of all flu cases being seen in Greene County are in children ages 14 and under.

Because of the high-risk nature of this age group, we are asking they not visit for the protection of our patients, hospital staff and the children themselves.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended visitor restrictions nationally as well.

For the week of December 14-20, 445 people were found to have the flu in Greene County—436 with Influenza A and 9 with Influenza B. That’s up from 217 cases reported during the week of Dec. 7-13.

CDC always recommends 3 steps to fighting flu:

1. Take time to get a flu vaccine—even if it proves to be less effective this year, some protection is better than none.

2. Take everyday preventive actions like covering coughs and sneezes, staying away from sick people and washing your hands often to help stop the spread of respiratory viruses including flu.

3. If you do get the flu, taking antiviral drugs prescribed by your doctor can lessen the severity and discomfort of the flu.

A few reminders about getting vaccinated:

· Everyone over the age of 6 months is recommended to be vaccinated

· Even if you got vaccinated last year, it is important to get vaccinated again this year to protect from changing flu viruses.

· There has been some evidence nationally that a strain of H3N2 has mutated, making this year’s vaccine less effective against that specific virus. It is currently unknown if that virus has appeared in Springfield. Regardless, the flu vaccine should still be a top priority.

· Talk to your doctor about getting your vaccine if you have any health concerns

· It’s easier than ever to get vaccinated. Http://www.flu.gov/ has an interactive map showing the various locations where vaccine is available. Many locations in Springfield don’t require an appointment.


Beyond vaccination, there are several easy steps we can all take to prevent flu including:

· Washing your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and then wash your hands with soap as soon as you are able.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. This is how germs are spread.

· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

· If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without using fever-reducing medicine. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Call your doctor or health care provider if you have questions about illness.

More information on the flu, including weekly updates on Greene County numbers and the latest from the CDC, is available on the Springfield-Greene County Health Department’s website at http://health.springfieldmo.gov.

Holiday auction benefits CoxHealth charities

The “Wrap It Up!” holiday auction is this week with proceeds benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the CoxHealth Foundation.

This event is presented by the Jared Neuroscience Center physicians, with Springfield’s Ned Reynolds serving as emcee. It’s Thursday December 4, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Ramada Oasis Convention Center Grand Ballroom, Springfield.

Wrap up your shopping with unique, one-of-a-kind items and opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, vote on your favorite creation in the gingerbread tower competition, grab a bottle of holiday cheer in the wine pull and enjoy live holiday music by the McCoy Trio. Plus, no holiday event is complete without a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at coxhealthfoundation.com/event/wrap.

Expansion underway at Cox Monett ER

A new reception desk (shown in this rendering from Sam A. Winn & Associates), additional treatment rooms and a dedicated trauma room are all part of the renovation of the Cox Monett ER. The project is set to be complete in early 2015.

Work is well underway on a renovation that will make the Cox Monett Emergency Department more welcoming and comfortable for patients, and more efficient for staff members.

As soon as patients arrive, they’ll see the changes. A new registration window will allow multiple patients to check in at once and a nurse will be stationed at the front to begin triage immediately.

“The entire project is patient focused,” says Darren Bass, executive director at Cox Monett. “This will help us improve patient privacy, patient comfort and patient flow through the department.”

The $980,000 renovation will create seven private, 140-square-foot treatment rooms, along with a dedicated trauma room. Currently, the ER has four rooms of this size, along with three smaller spaces, some of which use curtains or accordion dividers rather than walls.

“In addition to being better for patients, this will improve the staff experience as well,” Bass says. “When you give care in an undersized room, sometimes you can’t look a patient in the eyes as you document, sometimes you have your back to them. This will allow staff members to have a more comfortable room to treat our patients.”

Bass says the expansion is accompanied by a reconfigured triage process designed to get patients back to rooms and through the ED as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the dedicated 335-square-foot trauma room will allow Cox Monett to care for select trauma patients, many of whom are currently transferred to other facilities.

The renovation will also locate the Security department between the ED and the waiting room, so officers will be easily accessible if needed to manage situations arising in the ED.

As we head into the holiday season, crews will be completing the current phases of the project and will begin working on the registration area soon. The entire project is scheduled to be complete in March 2015.

“We have a phenomenal, highly engaged ED staff,” Bass says. “When this project is completed, they’ll have even more of a sense of ownership and pride in our facility.”

Partnership offers free legal services for patients in need

Legal Services attorney Andrea Long meets with Dr. Mark Entrup on 500 West to discuss a patient’s legal and social challenges.

The path to good health can be complex especially for patients facing social issues that can harm their health – domestic violence, poor housing conditions, eviction, homelessness and the loss of food or insurance benefits.

As physicians, nurses and social workers learn about their patients’ struggles, they work to connect them with community resources as part of the patient’s discharge plan; however, once the patient is out of the hospital, it is difficult to be sure they get the support they need.

“When faced with these challenges, some patients put their health farther down their list of concerns,” says Dr. Mark Entrup, hospitalist and medical director of Case Management at Cox South. “They get well and leave the hospital but return to the same environment and the next thing you know they are back with us again.”

In an effort to break the cycle of hospitalization, CoxHealth and Legal Services of Southern Missouri have partnered to create a Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP), the first of its kind in southwest Missouri.

Through a four-year grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health, The CoxHealth MLP brings health care and legal professionals together to provide free legal services to patients who meet income guidelines. Caregivers refer patients to the MLP for a free consultation with a Legal Services attorney who is available to come to the patient’s bedside to begin addressing legal needs even before they leave the hospital. MLP staff will follow the patient after discharge if needed to resolve the issue.

“This partnership has the potential to impact the community as a whole as we begin to remove those economic and social barriers to health for people living in poverty,” says Sharon Alexander, Legal Services of Southern Missouri.

The grant provides for a Legal Services attorney, Andrea Long, and a paralegal, Jeanne Crawford, who work from an office on the first floor at Cox South. MLP services are available for CoxHealth patients at any location, as well as for CoxHealth employees who are eligible.

MLP staff will provide training to caregivers on how to screen patients for the social factors of health that may have legal remedies. Long says caregivers can listen for “IHELP” issues – Income maintenance and food insecurity; Housing such as evictions, utilities and foreclosures; Ensuring safety through orders of protection, divorce and custody for victims of domestic violence; Legal help with simple estate planning and health care directives; and Powers of attorney and guardianship.

“A patient might say they have a hard time making it to the end of the month, they can’t pay their bills, their utilities were cut off, or they don’t have enough food,” says Long. “The caregiver can make a referral and we can talk to the patient.”

Since caregiver referrals are vital to connecting patients to the service, Dr. Entrup asks physicians and nurses to incorporate this new resource into their delivery of care.

“It’s not going to take any more of our time to have someone come in and talk to the patient,” he says. “To improve the health of this community as our mission directs, we have to be thinking about this.”

Dr. Entrup says one of the biggest needs is guardianships. A common situation is a patient with psychiatric issues who can’t make medical decisions. A patient may have to wait up to 90 days for a court order to grant a family member the ability to make those medical decisions.

“We’re going to see more action earlier on to help these patients transition out of the hospital sooner,” says Dr. Entrup.

“This is the next piece of the puzzle in the transition of care,” says Bobby Davis, social worker manager in Case Management. “This will help us close the gap in getting patients connected to the services they need.”

CoxHealth earns top 100 distinction; leads Missouri in 10 categories

 

CoxHealth in Springfield has been recognized by CareChex for being among the top 100 U.S. hospitals in the nation in 12 categories including overall medical care, and the top hospital in Missouri in 10 categories, in the group’s 2015 America’s Top Quality Hospitals medical excellence ratings.

Unlike other publicly available hospital quality ratings, CareChex, a division of Comparion, provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis of medical quality by evaluating process of care, outcomes of care, and patient satisfaction data. Their National Quality Rating Database includes virtually all general, acute, non-federal U.S. hospitals.

For medical excellence, CoxHealth is rated number one in Missouri for general surgery, heart failure treatment, neurological care, major neurosurgery, spinal fusion and spinal surgery, major orthopedic surgery, pneumonia care, pulmonary care and major bowel procedures.

Staff members go above and beyond to earn Partners awards

 

Dr. Sarah Smitherman, Springfield Inpatient Physicians 
Dr. Smitherman was nominated for providing care with a personal touch for a child in Pediatrics at Cox South. Dr. Smitherman hand made a dress for her young patient so she would have something special to take home after her discharge. The staff member who nominated her wrote, “Dr. Smitherman always goes above and beyond for her patients but this was way over the top! We are so lucky to have Dr. Smitherman in our organization.”


Wanda Boyd, Volunteer 
Wanda helped make a patient’s birthday special during his stay in the hospital. The patient had many books and his family members (who live out of state) mentioned that he was an avid reader. Wanda got the patient a Barnes & Noble gift card and had it delivered to the patient on his birthday. The staff member who nominated Wanda wrote, “This is a wonderful example of Wanda’s kind heart and taking the extra step to let a guest and patient know how much we care, both physically and mentally.”


David Hoover, CoxHealth EMS, Christian County
A family nominated David for his efforts in saving the life of their teenage son, who was involved in a motorcycle accident. Surgeons at CoxHealth and at Barnes-Jewish in St. Louis both commented to the family that it was a miracle their son made it to the ER.

The patient’s parent wrote, “My son wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for the knowledge, experience, and actions of David Hoover. David has now gone a step further, having a direct impact on my son’s life; I recently reached out to David again thanking him for giving my son a second chance and giving us the opportunity to keep our child, brother, and grandson. … My words are not enough to thank you for Mr. Hoover’s actions.”


The three winners above were part of a group of honorees recognized at the November Partners luncheon. Other winners included:

Kathy Jacks, Pediatrics
Brooke Batesel, Pediatrics
Ara Schnelle, Huston Cancer Center
Kathi Loehmann, EVS/Emergency Department
Heather Farrell, CoxHealth Family Medicine Kimberling City
Dr. Audrey Williams, Family Medical Care Center
Katie Mader, NTICU/FDC

1906, The Employee Store, now serving staffers

In mid-October, HR Vice President John Hursh, Director of Corporate Benefits Andy Hedgpeth and Benefits Coordinator Courtney Burlison (from left, above) cut the ribbon on 1906, the employee store now open in the tunnel at Cox South. 

CoxHealth’s new employee store, named 1906, is now open for business in the tunnel at Cox South. The store, which is named in honor of our founding year, offers a variety of necessities and convenience items designed to make life easier for staff members working busy schedules.

“We give it all for our patients when we are here and the only thing worse than battling traffic to get home once our shifts end is having to stop by the store first,” says Andy Hedgpeth, director of corporate benefits in HR. “Now you can purchase items before you go home so you can spend more time with family when you’re away from our family.”

Staff members, HR leaders and community representatives from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce launched the store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in mid-October.

Tracy Johnston and Thelma Alexander, who both work in EKG at Cox South, were among the employees on hand for the grand opening.

“For a long time, we had thought about how nice it would be to have an employee store,” Johnston says. “It’s nice to have the bread and milk, things that you have to stop on the way home to pick up. We’re excited about it!”

1906 offers more than 100 different products and services to employees, everything from household items to concierge services, including drop-off dry cleaning from Braden’s Dry Cleaners.

Many of the items sold in the store and online are available at a considerable discount by leveraging CoxHealth’s group purchasing power with our Mid-America Service Solutions partnership.

For project leaders, the opening of the store is the culmination of years of effort and it represents a milestone in the benefits CoxHealth provides for employees.

“So many people have played a role in the creation of 1906 and this is all for you,” Hedgpeth told the group of employees gathered at the grand opening. “1906 is an investment CoxHealth has made in you because we know how much you’ve invested in CoxHealth. It’s awesome to see.”

A convenience for CoxHealth employees 
1906, the employee store, is now open in the tunnel at Cox South. The store, located in the Engineering offices and Printing Services hallway, is open 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The shelves at 1906 feature essentials such as baby items, personal hygiene products, over-the-counter medications, logowear and gift cards. Here’s a small sample of what’s in the store:

Milk (half gallon) $2.71
Eggs (dozen) $1.84
Butter $3.50
Bread $1.92
Pre-made meal (serves 4 + 2 sides): $16
Toilet paper (1 roll) $.75
Diapers (various sizes/qty.) $6-$6.50

An online portal is planned that will allow staff at other campuses to order from 1906. The store can be reached at 269-1906.

Cox Branson named a Top Performer by The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in the United States, announced today that Cox Medical Center Branson has been named a 2013 Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®. Cox Medical Center Branson was recognized as part of The Joint Commission’s 2014 annual report “America’s Hospitals: Improving Quality and Safety,” for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance for surgical care, pneumonia, heart failure and heart attack. Cox Medical Center Branson is one of 1,224 hospitals in the United States to achieve the 2013 Top Performer distinction.

“Delivering the right treatment in the right way at the right time is a cornerstone of high-quality health care. I commend the efforts of Cox Medical Center Branson for their excellent performance on the use of evidence-based interventions,” said Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president and CEO, The Joint Commission.

“We understand what matters most to patients is the quality and safety of the care they receive. At Cox Medical Center Branson, our mission to be the best for those who need us and that is why we have made it a top priority to improve positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes,” said William Mahoney, president of Cox Medical Center Branson. “We are proud to be named a Top Performer as it recognizes the knowledge, teamwork and dedication of our entire hospital staff and physicians.”

The Top Performer program recognizes hospitals for improving performance on evidence-based interventions that increase the chances of healthy outcomes for patients with certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, stroke, venous thromboembolism and perinatal care, as well as for inpatient psychiatric services and immunizations.

To be a 2013 Top Performer, hospitals had to meet three performance criteria based on 2013 accountability measure data, including:

• Achieving cumulative performance of 95 percent or above across all reported accountability measures;
• Achieving performance of 95 percent or above on each and every reported accountability measure where there were at least 30 denominator cases; and
• Having at least one core measure set that had a composite rate of 95 percent or above, and (within that measure set) all applicable individual accountability measures had a performance rate of 95 percent or above.

For more information about the Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® program, visit www.jointcommission.org/accreditation/top_performers.aspx.

Employees teaming up for annual healthy food drive

CoxHealth is once again raising awareness and taking action to address a critical need in our community for healthy food at local food pantries.

The third annual Pack the Pantries food drive will be held Nov. 3-14. We will be collecting low-sodium, low-sugar, low-fat, high fiber foods for several area food pantries in Springfield, Monett and Branson.

Last year, CoxHealth employees helped raise more than 4,000 pounds of food during the healthy food drive. Let’s challenge ourselves to donate even more this year!

Check out this flyer for the list of healthy food items and collection locations and get ready to bring in your food during the drive Nov. 3-14.

Thank you for helping CoxHealth “Pack the Pantries.”

CoxHealth Auxiliary named Auxiliary of the Year

CoxHealth Auxiliary in Springfield is among four hospital auxiliaries honored by the Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliaries for their volunteer services to the health care community.

The hospital auxiliaries were presented the recognition on Thursday, November 6, at a luncheon during the Missouri Hospital Association’s 92nd Annual Convention & Trade Show in Osage Beach.

CoxHealth Auxiliary received recognition for its exceptional efforts as an auxiliary with more than 301 members.

The hospital’s 1,122 auxilians performed 155,810 hours of service in the hospital and community from June 2013 to May 2014. The auxilians participated in numerous in-service activities throughout the hospital and conducted a fundraising drive for a new nine-story, 310,000 square-foot patient tower.

Since its inception 65 years ago, the auxiliary has contributed $8,461,123 to improve the health of the communities served by the hospital. The auxiliary provided $76,500 to students seeking associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing, as well as to high school seniors pursuing a profession in health care.

Stop by and thank the CoxHealth Auxiliary for all it does. A banner celebration in their honor is scheduled for Friday, November 14 in Foster Auditorium at Cox South.

Kohl's CARDIAC Kids launches new year of heart-healthy education

Kohl’s Department Stores recently donated $53,541 to CoxHealth for its Kohl’s CARDIAC (Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Area Children) Kids program. The program tackles the issue of childhood obesity through health screenings and education for fourth graders in Nixa. A kick-off event was held on Monday, Nov. 3, at Nixa High Pointe Elementary School.

The event consisted of an assembly where kids learned about heart health, participated in a jump-roping activity, learned about how much sugar is in certain food products and much more.

“CoxHealth’s Kohl’s CARDIAC Kids has been working to fight childhood obesity in the Ozarks for three years by spreading the message of a healthy lifestyle through school-based and community events,” explains Lauren Holland, a CoxHealth wellness coordinator and CARDIAC Kids coordinator. “We’re working closely with children and their families to help them understand the connections between food, activity and overall health.”

Health screenings are a part of the program. “Our health screenings in the past have identified 39 percent of the children are overweight or at-risk, 58 percent have elevated blood pressure, and 17 percent have abnormal cholesterol results,” says Holland. “We’re working with these families to help them change their child’s health and future.”

In addition to the health screenings, CARDIAC Kids educators host fun, educational assemblies for students, and, through CARDIAC Kids Family Fun Nights, reconnect with at-risk families for information on exercise, kid-friendly healthy recipes and more.

The program is made possible by yearly grants from Kohl’s Cares. Since 2011, Kohl’s has donated more than $134,000 to CoxHealth to support the CARDIAC Kids program.

Health insurance marketplace experts offer enrollment events Saturday, November 15

Open enrollment to purchase marketplace insurance – a component of the Affordable Care Act designed to allow individuals, families and small businesses the opportunity to shop for private health insurance based on quality and price - starts November 15.

Customers who enroll by December 15 will have coverage beginning January 1. After that, customers who enroll by January 15 will get coverage February 1 and those who wait until February 15, when the enrollment period ends, will have coverage begin March 1.

Certified Application Counselor Sloan DeLong explains that if you enrolled last year, counselors can assist with the re-enrollment process. “We want to help ensure that you have the best plan available for you and your family.”

In addition, many who applied for plans during last year’s enrollment did not qualify, but some changes could mean it’s worth another look. “This is a good time to come in and reapply,” says DeLong. “We can see if they qualify now, and if not, we can get an exemption done so they’re not penalized on their taxes next year.”

Certified Application Counselors from CoxHealth and Mercy will be at four events to provide enrollment support. Upcoming enrollment events are:

Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the OTC Computer Lab, 1001 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield.

Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CoxHealth - Southwest Missouri Hub Office, 3318 S. National Ave., Springfield.

Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at OTC Computer Lab, 10698 Hwy 165, Hollister.

Tuesday, November 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Best Western Branson Inn, 8514 Missouri 76, Branson West.

Walk-ins are welcome, however it is preferred that people call (417) 269-INFO to register.

In order to enroll or learn what coverage you qualify for, you’ll need:

· social security numbers

· employer and income information for every member of your household who needs coverage (Pay stubs or W-2 forms are preferred, but not required.)

· policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household

· knowledge of any job-based health insurance plans you or someone in your household is eligible for.

Certified application counselors are available at both CoxHealth and Mercy to assist people.

Scheduled an appointment with CoxHealth, 3318 S. National (Kelly Plaza), 417-269-2945, cac@coxhealth.com or Mercy, 417-820-0486.

Physical therapy is an important part of recovery, quality of life for many patients

Cox Medical Center Branson is celebrating National Physical Therapy Month this October and the vital role physical therapy plays in improving the quality of life for many patients.

Physical therapy can help patients on their road to recovery by restoring and improving motion while helping to eliminate pain.

Physical therapists work with a wide range of patients, from people who have suffered severe illnesses or accidents, had a recent surgery or suffers from developmental delays, endures chronic pain or neurological disorders.

“A therapist is like a personal coach to the patient,” explained Sally Meadows, director of therapy services at Cox Medical Center Branson. “We often motivate patients to exercise and lead them on that road to recovery.”

The patient-physical therapist relationship can make a substantial contribution to a patient’s success.

“Physical therapists have the benefit of spending a great deal of direct contact time with their patients, providing an opportunity for patients to better understand their diagnosis and course of treatment,” Meadows said.

Despite numerous advances in medicine and surgery, nothing can replace the benefits a patient receives through physical therapy, she explained.

“Even with advanced techniques in surgery, it does not change the fact that therapy is often needed after surgery,” Meadows said. “When therapy is started early in the course, patients are getting out of bed earlier after a procedure and therapy is vital in teaching patients the techniques needed along with strengthening and stretching to reach their maximum potential.”

CoxHealth Therapy Services in Branson offers physical therapy, aquatic therapy, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), traction, Anodyne Therapy, sports medicine and speech therapy. The center can assist patients who range in age from infants to elderly. For more information about CoxHealth Therapy Services, call 335-7274. For information about physical therapy services available in Branson West, call 417-272-0370.

CoxHealth only Springfield hospital named for Great Neurosurgery and Spine Programs by Becker’s Hospital Review

Becker’s Hospital Review has named CoxHealth to its list of “100 Hospitals with Great Neurosurgery and Spine Programs.”

“There is no better place to be a patient or a physician than CoxHealth,” says Chad Morgan, MD, Springfield Neurological and Spine Institute.

CoxHealth is the only Springfield hospital system named to the exclusive list that recognizes hospitals and systems that offer “remarkable spine and neurosurgical care” as based on clinical accolades and recognition from various health care groups and agencies.

“This is a tremendous honor for CoxHealth and a tribute to its physicians, nurses, and staff in the neurosciences,” says Brian Williams, CoxHealth VP, Business Development, Neurosciences. “If you look at this list, we are recognized among many of the most elite health systems in the nation.”

The hospitals and systems on this list have been recognized for excellence in the specialties by U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareChex and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The neuroscience team at CoxHealth features the largest private practice group of neurosurgeons in Missouri and northern Arkansas. A comprehensive team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, and neuro-radiologists treat a variety of diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, sleep disorders, brain and spine disorders and stroke.

CoxHealth is ranked as one of the best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, recognized in three specialty areas including Neurology and Neurosurgery. It is among CareChex’s top 100 hospitals for neurological care and top 50 hospitals for neurosurgery in 2014. It is also a Blue Distinction Center+ for spine care. Additionally, CoxHealth has received Healthgrades’ Excellence in Stroke Care and Spine Surgery Excellence Awards.

Comprehensive Diabetes Workshops begins next week

Cox Medical Center Branson will host two comprehensive diabetes workshops starting next week. The 10-hour courses cover everything from diagnosis to meal planning, according Valerie Newcome, diabetes education coordinator and outpatient dietitian.

The class is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as meeting national standards for diabetes self-management education. Newcome and Joan Heil, a registered nurse and certified diabetes coordinator, teach the course.

A physician’s referral is required so anyone interested in attending should talk to their doctor.
The next morning sessions will be held from 9 a.m.-noon November 4, 11 and 18. The next afternoon sessions will be held from 1–4 p.m. November 6, 13 and 20.
For more information or to register, call 417-335-7453.

CoxHealth Women’s Center classes in November

Fatherhood: Basic Training
November 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Turner Center, 1000 E. Primrose. Expectant fathers learn infant basics and caring for new mom. For dads only. Fee is $20.

What’s Happening to Me? Mother Daughter Dialogue
November 7, 7-9 p.m., Cox Medical Center South, 3801 S. National Ave. A discussion of puberty for moms and their daughters ages 10-13.

Dogsense
November 13, 7-9 p.m., The Turner Center, 1000 E. Primrose. Safely introduce your baby to pets in your home. Taught by a certified dog behavioral therapist and trainer. Fee is $10.

Call The Women’s Center at 417/269-LADY to register.

More classes and events can be found on the online calendar at www.coxhealth.com.

New road will increase traffic flow at Cox Branson

A new road and driveway at Cox Medical Center Branson opened to traffic this week, improving safety and increasing traffic flow. The project allows traffic to travel from the campus’ north driveway near the cancer center to the south side of the campus and the hospital parking garage without having to access Branson Landing Boulevard.

“This road project improves traffic flow on our campus and it increases safety by eliminating the need for motorists to get on and off of Branson Landing Boulevard when traveling between our outpatient center and the hospital. While the project was designed to make it easier to navigate our campus, we also made it a priority that the new entry point be more welcoming to patients and visitors, a sentiment we want to convey to our guests throughout their entire visit,” said Cox Medical Center Branson President William Mahoney. “This road is another way we are enhancing the experience for our patients and visitors.”

In the 22 months since Skaggs Regional Medical Center merged with CoxHealth, becoming Cox Medical Center Branson, a total of 14 new physicians have been hired. Among the new physicians who have joined Cox Branson are hospitalists, general surgeons, family medicine physicians, a gastroenterologist, an endocrinologist, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and an oncologist.

The most visible change has been the opening of the first phase of a new emergency department and critical care unit in September. Renovations on the existing facility continue and are expected to be completed by the end of the year. When the $30 million project is complete, the emergency department will feature 34 exams, including five rapid treatment rooms, and the critical care unit will offer 20 patient beds.

Only Springfield Nurse to be named March of Dimes Nurse of the Year works at CoxHealth

Rhonda Donnelly, BSN, RNC-OB, CoxHealth, was named a March of Dimes Nurse of the Year during an event in St. Louis, October 25. Donnelly, a nurse manager with Cox Medical Center South’s Family Beginnings, is the only Springfield nurse to be honored this year.

Twenty Missouri and Metro East nurses representing 16 health care institutions in Missouri and six counties in Illinois were named Nurse of the Year.

The nurses were recognized for their extraordinary level of patient care, compassion, professionalism, integrity and leadership in the nursing profession. The winning nurses each received a crystal award and a gift certificate to Scrubs and Beyond.

Recognizing our Nurse of the Year nominees

Leaders Ron Prenger and Karen Kramer were up early Friday morning serving pancakes to nursing staffers who were recently nominated for the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year award.

Twenty-seven CoxHealth nurses were among the nominees and Springfield's only Nurse of the Year award winner is our own Rhonda Donnelly, a nurse manager with Cox Medical Center South’s Family Beginnings.

Nurse of the Year winners are recognized for their extraordinary level of patient care, compassion, professionalism, integrity and leadership in the nursing profession. The winning nurses each received a crystal award and a gift certificate to Scrubs and Beyond.

Congratulations to all of the CoxHealth nominees:

Jo Ellen Branstetter Cox College: Education
Erica Engle 3W: Charge Nurse
Marti Peterson ED: Emergency
Corinne Werner 7W: Pediatrics
Autumn Freiburger Monett: Medical
Cindy Dawson Oncology: Medical
Bob Robertson F2: Behavioral Health
Caitlin Ressel NTICU: Rising Star
Katey Stafford F3: Rising Star
April Henson F1: Behavioral Health
Ruth Velasquesz 9W: Medical
Colleen Keeter Branson: Women’s Health
Billy Hancock CDU: Charge Nurse
Cheryl Webb Monett: Charge Nurse
Cheri Colton F1: Behavioral Health
Kristi Elliot 7E: Medical
Daniel Brumbaugh C2: Behavioral Health
Damion Ellison NAO: Nursing Administration
Brittany Thompson L&D: Women’s Health
Mary Yocum WHC: Case Management/Public Health
Cathy Spargo Nursing Education: Education
Leisa Lower Cox College: Education
Kim Cash Pt Safety: Quality/Risk Management
Jane Thomas Cox College: Education
Ruth Ann Moore Accreditation: Quality/Risk Management
Patsy Crawford F1 (retired): Behavioral Health

1906, the new employee store, opens at Cox South

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 13, for CoxHealth’s new employee store, named 1906. The event was held in the new store located in the tunnel at Cox South on the Engineering office and Printing Services hallway.

The name is a nod to CoxHealth’s founding year and the logo features the 30-bed, three-story hospital where our history began.

The store, located in the tunnel at Cox South, will offer more than 100 products to add value and convenience for employees as we carry on CoxHealth’s legacy of service. 1906 will sell household items such as diapers, baby wipes, batteries and sterile supplies as well as foods, including bread, milk and eggs.

Gift cards, ready-to-go meals and CoxHealth logo wear will also be available, as well as concierge services for dry cleaning and auto service. 

The store is now open for business! Store hours will be Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., and the store’s number will be 269-1906. Later this year, an online store will be launched to serve staff members at CoxHealth’s other campuses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nurses recognized for going above and beyond

Three nurses were recently presented the DAISY Award, celebrating them for extraordinary clinical skill and compassion. The latest winners are:


Rhonda Toler, Ambulatory Procedure Center, Cox Monett

Rhonda in the Ambulatory Procedure Center (APC) at Cox Monett was nominated by a fellow nurse for the compassion she showed to a patient who comes to the APC two times per week. When the patient came to the center one week so she could leave town to be with her son in Texas who was dying of cancer, the nurse noticed that Rhonda, after work had come back to be with the patient. “Rhonda knew the patient had no one to stay with her during her infusion and she was grieving terribly so she prayed with, talked with, listened to, and shared tears because she is a compassionate and caring nurse.”


Kathleen Mullen, Nursing Education 

“Kathleen has a passion for nursing” writes a fellow nurse of Kathleen. Kathleen has worked with the staff at The Martin Center to obtain and educate them on the use of specialized lift equipment to accommodate bariatric patients. One day, the Martin Center staff contacted Kathleen regarding a patient that would be coming for treatment. Kathleen organized the transfer of equipment and staff to assist. She personally assisted with the transfer and stayed after work hours to ensure the patient’s safety. “Kathleen treats the patient with courtesy, compassion and respect and encourages and engages staff while promoting safety for both the staff and patient.”


Kathy Jacks, 700 West Peds/PICU

Kathy was nominated by a fellow nurse for going above and beyond to ensure the comfort of patients and families. A fellow employee was battling cancer and had traveled to California to lay her father’s ashes to rest when her illness took a turn for the worse. She became paralyzed and was unsure of how she and her family would get back home. Kathy using her own money and time flew to California and assisted in the safe return of her friend and fellow nurse and her family home. “I know the employee and family will be forever grateful for Kathy’s time and help.”

CoxHealth’s three birthing hospitals recognized for eliminating early-elective inductions

Cox Monett

CoxHealth is the only hospital system in the state to be recognized at all of its birthing hospitals by the March of Dimes and the Missouri Hospital Association for eliminating elective inductions and Cesarean deliveries performed before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy.

This achievement was recognized through a banner from the March of Dimes and Missouri Hospital Association (MHA). The banners were recently presented to the Labor and Delivery Departments of each hospital.

A total of 68 birthing hospitals in Missouri were eligible to apply for the honor, according to Trina Ragain, state director of program services, advocacy and government affairs, March of Dimes Missouri Chapter. Ragain said 25 hospitals applied and met the criteria and out of those 25, 19 had an early elective delivery rate of 0%. CoxHealth has approximately 4,900 births each year at its birthing facilities in Springfield, Branson and Monett.

The March of Dimes says this will give more babies a healthy start in life. Babies delivered before full-term are at increased risk of serious health problems and death in their first year of life.

“We’re proud of our expert team of physicians and nurses who saw this opportunity to improve care in our community and put in place policies to avoid scheduling elective inductions or caesarean deliveries before 39 weeks of pregnancy, except when medically necessary,” said Beth Rutherford, Administrative Director of Nursing, CoxHealth.

Cox South

Babies born just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants. Recent research by the March of Dimes, the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that although the overall threat is small, the risk of death more than doubles for infants born at 37 weeks of pregnancy when compared to babies born at 40 weeks, for all races and ethnicities.

“The last weeks of pregnancy are extremely important. Babies aren’t just putting on weight. They are undergoing important development of the brain, lungs and other vital organs,” Ragain said. “The March of Dimes commends CoxHealth for being a champion for babies with their quality improvement effort.”

“We know that the last weeks of pregnancy are vitally important in a baby’s development,” said Tracey Williams, RN, director of OB Women’s Services. “At Cox Medical Center Branson, we eliminated early elective inductions and Cesarean deliveries in the best interest of the babies we deliver and are honored to be recognized by the March of Dimes for this effort.”

Cox Branson

A two-year partnership between the March of Dimes Missouri Chapter and the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) is achieving its goal of significantly reducing early elective deliveries (EEDs) by the end of 2014. Of the 46 participating birthing hospitals in Missouri, 78 percent report a rate of five percent or less and 61 percent have had no EEDs in the last six months of reported data.

Additionally, of the 46 hospitals, 87 percent now have a “hard stop” policy in place which establishes strict medical guidelines for when a physician may schedule a delivery. Only 35 percent had a hard stop policy in place before the MHA/March of Dimes collaboration began. The policy prohibits doctors from scheduling a delivery – either by induction or cesarean section – before the baby is at a confirmed 39 weeks gestation. The policy applies to non-medically indicated (elective) deliveries only.

“In the best interests of the health of mothers and infants, Missouri's hospitals have been working to reduce early elective deliveries,” said Herb Kuhn, president and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association. “This is one of many quality improvements they are aggressively pursuing to achieve the Triple Aim of better care, better health and lower costs.”

More information is available at marchofdimes.org/39weeks.

CNBC at CoxHealth for national 'Where the Jobs Are' report

The national news network CNBC is at CoxHealth today reporting live for a national segment called Where the Jobs Are. The focus is a shortage of medical coders. Click here to see their first live report that aired this morning. They’ll also be live during the CNBC Power Lunch at 12:50 p.m., and CNBC Street Signs at 1:05 p.m., and will run another report during National Business Report on Ozarks Public Television tonight at 5:30 p.m.

Tonight: CoxHealth Center for Prosthetics and Orthotics open house

The new CoxHealth Center for Prosthetics & Orthotics is having its open house tonight, Oct. 2, from 4-8 p.m. All are invited to attend. Join us for interactive tours, including demonstrations and special guest Whitney Harris, product champion for the Ossur Power Knee. The center is located at 2224 West Sunset, just off Kansas Expressway. Food and drink will be provided. Call 269-INFO or 730-2000 for more information.

Prosthetics career is a chance to give back

Orthotic technician Ashleigh Bentz works in the prosthetics shop at CoxHealth’s new Center for Prosthetics and Orthotics in Springfield. Bentz has had a prosthetic foot her whole life and the care and support she received led to her career choice. When she heard CoxHealth was opening the center, she says she knew immediately that she wanted to be on the team. 

Ashleigh Bentz has a unique relationship with the new CoxHealth Center for Prosthetics and Orthotics. “It was what I was born to do, you could say,” she laughs. That’s because Ashleigh, an orthotic technician at the center, became an amputee at the age of two. 

“I was born with three toes and no fibula bone and a degenerative bone disease,” she says. “My mother was given the option to have my foot removed at a young age or to wait and later in life have it amputated above the knee.” 

“It’s one of those things, you play the hand you’re dealt, but you learn to deal with it.” Growing up, Ashleigh says having only one foot was just a normal part of life. She recalls with a laugh how when her sister wanted to play, she’d bring Ashleigh’s foot to her. She has a sense of humor about her prosthetic, too: “Yeah, I had a lot of fun with substitute teachers.” 

Now, she has a new prosthetic, made at the Center for Prosthetics and Orthotics. “People get new ones because of wear and weight change. With mine, it was just time for a new one,” says Ashleigh. “The leg I have is pretty simple. I’m just missing my foot.” 

Ashleigh’s lower leg slides into a socket that connects to a carbon foot, ordered from an outside vendor. As an orthotic tech, she helped make the socket that covers her leg and attaches to her new foot. 

As an orthotic technician and amputee, Ashleigh is excited to relate to her patients. 

“When I was in Shriners Hospital, I saw what it meant to help someone. Through the relationships I built there, I knew this was for me. When I found out that CoxHealth was opening up a new facility, I just knew I needed to be here. CoxHealth has given me the opportunity to do what I wanted to and I couldn’t be more excited to help people the way that I was helped.” 

As a child, Ashleigh benefited from the services of the Shriners Hospital, but once out of its care she soon missed the integrated system where the prosthetist can talk to the physical therapist under the same roof. 

“Coming back to this area there really wasn’t a model like that, so with the new center for prosthetics and orthotics, it’s going to be nice for people to come to one place, an integrated system.” 

When you talk to Fred Lerche, administrative director of outpatient rehab services and prosthetics and orthotics, and Chris Cobb, clinic manager, the excitement about the type of service CoxHealth can provide for amputee patients is contagious. 

“We will have an integrated physical therapy department, allowing therapists and prosthetists to work closely together for maximal patient outcomes and satisfaction,” says Chris. “It’s a true team approach that benefits the patient. For example, adjustments to prosthetic devices can be made in real time during a patient’s therapy visit, eliminating the need to schedule another appointment with the prosthetist.” 

The Center for Prosthetics and Orthotics has on its staff certified prosthetists and orthotists, pedorthists, orthotic fitters, experienced fabrication technicians and physical therapists. 

“It’s fantastic,” says Ashleigh. “It’s one of those things where there’s not a model like it here in town. You’re able to get a new leg, then go right across the building and have physical therapy training and even an adjustment. The prosthetist can talk to the physical therapist, no one is missing a step and your care is in the best hands because they’re communicating in the same facility. You’re good to go.”

Oct 2, 2014 open house
The new CoxHealth Center for Prosthetics & Orthotics is having its open house tonight, Oct. 2, from 4-8 p.m. All are invited to attend. Join us for interactive tours, including demonstrations and special guest Whitney Harris, product champion for the Ossur Power Knee. The center is located at 2224 West Sunset, just off Kansas Expressway. Food and drink will be provided. Call 269-INFO or 730-2000 for more information.

Two Missouri healthcare leaders partner to provide a new Medicare plan in southwest Missouri

Two of Missouri’s most trusted names in health care, CoxHealth and Essence Healthcare, have partnered to bring comprehensive, affordable coverage to more than 87,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Christian, Greene, Stone and Taney counties through a new Medicare plan called CoxHealth MedicarePlus.

CoxHealth MedicarePlus was carefully designed to solve a growing problem for southwest Missouri’s Medicare recipients: health care costs are on the rise. With the rising costs, many people with Medicare are being forced to dip further into their savings and retirement to cover their health care expenses. Some are even forgoing taking medications they need to stay healthy.

CoxHealth MedicarePlus is able to offer better, more affordable health care coverage by taking a new approach, originated by Essence Healthcare that brings doctors and insurance companies together to collaborate on ways to improve the cost and quality of care.

“Medicare Advantage plans are a popular option among Medicare recipients who want a simpler way to get the comprehensive coverage they need and also want to lower their out-of-pocket costs,” says Steve Edwards, CEO and President, CoxHealth. "We are excited to extend our comprehensive and quality health care services into a single Medicare Advantage plan, CoxHealth MedicarePlus."

“Through this collaboration, we are able to offer coverage and protection that traditional Medicare plans cannot,” said Richard Jones, CEO of Essence Healthcare. “We are not only providing comprehensive health coverage, but also important financial protection that shields people from the rising costs of health care. We believe CoxHealth MedicarePlus will bring much needed security and peace of mind to people with Medicare in the Springfield/Branson area.”

By working together to improve cost and quality for Missouri’s Medicare patients, CoxHealth MedicarePlus can specifically address the rising cost of health care by providing benefits traditional Medicare plan cannot. These benefits include:

Medicare parts A, B and D
CoxHealth MedicarePlus helps people with Medicare simplify and save by bundling medical, hospital and prescription drug coverage together in one plan.

Extra benefits
In most Medicare plans, valuable extras like dental and vision coverage are not provided. CoxHealth MedicarePlus offers those extras free of charge, and includes free health club memberships to keep members healthy and active.

$0 Premiums
CoxHealth MedicarePlus is a $0 premium plan that allows members to forgo high monthly payments. Plan members won’t pay any additional premium above and beyond the Part B premium they currently pay.

Maximum out-of-pocket protection
CoxHealth MedicarePlus protects people’s savings and retirement by limiting the total amount patients have to pay out of their own pocket for medical services each year regardless of sickness or injury, important protection not offered by traditional Medicare plans.

Access to Great Doctors and Hospitals
Members of the CoxHealth MedicarePlus plan will be cared for by the high quality doctors, nurses and hospitals of CoxHealth.

“We have seen the benefits of similar plans really impact the quality of life for Medicare patients in the St. Louis area,” said Jones. “We’re thrilled to work with CoxHealth to bring that same patient-centric model to southwest Missouri.”

For more information on CoxHealth MedicarePlus visit www.coxhealthmedicareplus.com.

#CoxHealthCommunity: Supporting our local schools

We all know CoxHealth is building for the future on our own campuses, but did you know we're supporting our community with building projects as well? For the latest example, look no further than the new fence at Springfield's Mary S. Boyd Elementary School.

CoxHealth took part in a celebration of several major upgrades at the school in Midtown Springfield on Thursday. As part of a community effort, CoxHealth co-sponsored the building of a new fence surrounding Boyd’s playground. The fence project was organized by the Boyd PTA and supported by key community donors.

School leaders held a ceremony to unveil the fence, which is anchored by majestic stone columns featuring the school’s mascot, the bobcat. The event honored community donors, who made possible a number of improvements, including:

- New music room
- New outdoor running track
- New school store.
- New outdoor reading area.

'Topping out' is complete at new Cox South tower

Employees, board members, construction workers and members of the community joined us Thursday afternoon for the topping out ceremony on the new patient tower at Cox South. Board members took a tour of the facility and had lunch with about 300 workers on the fourth floor of the new tower. Back on the ground, employees placed the final signatures on the beam before it was hoisted into place by the smaller of two tower cranes on the site. Our thanks to everyone who came out to share in this historic event!