Cox Branson named 'Employer of Choice'

Cox Medical Center Branson was honored on Monday with an Employer of Choice designation. The award, presented by Joyce Gioia, President of Employer of Choice International, Inc., follows a rigorous evaluation process and was presented to Cox Branson because of its dedication to the highest level of employee relationships, a level that goes above and beyond normal practices of Human Resources.

“Employers of Choice, such as Cox Medical Center Branson, who are able to attract, optimize and retain top talent, enjoy a substantial advantage over their competitors,” Gioia said. “They will have the knowledge, experience, resiliency and power to respond quickly to their customers’ needs, delivering what customers want more efficiently and effectively than competitors plagued by employee turnover. This strength will allow them to maintain high levels of customer service and loyalty.”

The award is heavily based on an employee engagement survey and score. According to Gioia, Cox Branson received a 90 percent employee satisfaction score. Another factor that set Cox Medical Center Branson apart from other applicants was the fact that Cox Branson holds four mandatory leadership development institutes every year for leaders.
According to Gioia, at any given time, hundreds of health care organizations are in the process of attaining this award however only a handful are ever honored with the Employer of Choice award.

“This is an incredible honor to not only be named an Employer of Choice but to receive a two-year designation,” said Cox Medical Center Branson President William Mahoney.

“Over the past 13 years, only 27 other health care organizations in the nation have won this award at this time and Cox Medical Center Branson is the only health care organization in the state of Missouri to ever achieve this award. That is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees and our dedication to them. We know that health care organizations with highly satisfied employees also are the organizations with the highest patient satisfaction.”

“Cox Medical Center Branson truly is a great place to work,” said Kris Jones, Corporate Director of Talent Acquisitions. “Our senior leadership has established a culture of accountability, where everyone strives to be the best for those who need us. A transparent environment here builds trust among employees and a sense of ownership in the decisions we make. This award means a lot to everyone here, and is especially meaningful to those who have committed to connect with the changing landscape over the years.”

The Employer of Choice designation was created as a commitment to the philosophies and testimonials laid out in the book, “How to Become an Employer of Choice,” written by Roger Herman and Gioia. The book examines how enlightened employers can differentiate themselves from others by attracting, optimizing and holding on to their greatest assets, their employees.

 

Golf tournament in Branson to benefit CMN Hospitals

The Children’s Miracle Network of CoxHealth second annual Championship Golf Tournament at Pointe Royale Golf Course in Branson is Sunday, June 22, at 1 p.m. The tournament is a four-person scramble with a $300 team entry fee.

Win a new car with a hole-in-one at hole 12, courtesy of Pinegar Chevrolet in Branson and visit with special guest Ned Reynolds from KY3.

For more information and to register, go to www.coxhealth.com/events or call event organizer Hank Williams at 417/334-6172.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of CoxHealth provides financial assistance to local children suffering from illnesses and injuries. Because CoxHealth underwrites all overhead costs for the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals office, 100 percent of tournament proceeds help children with the medical care they need.

Free car seat safety check and install event Saturday, June 28

CoxHealth has teamed up with Reliable Chevrolet for a free car seat safety check and install event, Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Reliable Chevrolet, 3655 S. Campbell, Springfield.

“One of the most important jobs parents have is to keep their children safe while riding in the vehicle,” explains Lana Martin, Pediatric Trauma Coordinator, Trauma Services, CoxHealth. “With so many different types of car seats, age requirements and recalls, many parents may find the subject of car seat safety overwhelming.”

Martin explains that a correctly used car seat can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent. “It is estimated that 73 percent of car seats are not installed correctly. The most common errors we find during our checks range from harness straps being too loose or not in the right place, using a recalled seat, using an inappropriate seat for the child’s height or weight, and many more.”

The sponsor of the event is Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of CoxHealth.

2014 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Telethon raises more than $1.5 million for area children

The goal for the annual Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Telethon this year was $1.5 million. Thanks to an outpouring of generosity from the people in the community, the final total raised was $1,565,973.

“Words can’t express how much we appreciate everyone’s help in making this year’s telethon a success,” says Tim Seibert, executive director of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth. “We are so pleased with our final results, which will help us fund our various programs and services for our local kids with medical needs.”

The funds raised will help benefit the following programs:

· Special Needs Fund, where direct assistance is provided for needs such as wheelchairs, leg braces, prescription medications, travel expenses, and much more.

· Family Care Grants that help pay for CoxHealth hospital bills, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

· C.A.R.E Mobile, which is a mobile medical unit that provides immunizations, physicals, and treatment of common childhood illnesses.

· Educational programs such as Wasted (anti-drinking and driving), Never Shake a Baby (educates and prevents Shaken Baby Syndrome), Cardiac Kids (teaches area children the importance of regular exercise and eating healthy), Car Seat Safety program, Water Safety program and Bicycle Safety program)

· Life-Saving Equipment, including special medical equipment for pediatric hospital departments and ambulances at CoxHealth.

About CMN Hospitals: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of CoxHealth is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to sick and injured children in the Ozarks. CoxHealth underwrites all administrative expenses of the charity locally, so that every dollar raised helps local children. For more information on Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals or to donate, visit www.coxhealthcmn.com.

CMN accepts donation from partnership fundraiser

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of CoxHealth benefits from a fundraiser by Ozarks Coca-Cola / Dr Pepper Bottling Company and 72 regional Casey’s General Stores. During the month of February, for each 20oz Coke or Dr. Pepper sold at a participating Casey’s General Store, a donation was made to CMN Hospitals.

“They raised a total of $2,700,” says Tim Siebert, Executive Director, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (at left in above photo). “This donation and show of support by two local businesses is greatly appreciated and a great reminder of the lives we serve at CMN Hospitals of CoxHealth – our local children.”

Donations to CMN Hospitals of CoxHealth financially supports sick and injured children in the Ozarks by helping their families pay for medically related travel expenses, medical equipment purchases and much more.

Free screening helps determine individual risk of stroke

Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 610,000 or 77% of them are first or new strokes.

A stroke screening can help determine your risk for stroke, and outline preventative steps you can take to help reduce that risk. CoxHealth Stroke Center invites you to a free screening Friday, June 6, 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Cox North Hospital, Fountain Plaza Room, 1423 N. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO.

This free screening will help you learn more about how you can prevent a stroke, based on your personal risk factors. Each screening includes an individual risk assessment, blood pressure and heart rate checks, lipid profile and education. No food or drink, only water, is allowed 12 hours prior to your appointment time.

To register, call 417/269-INFO.

101 Day Weight Loss Challenge winners drop nearly 60 pounds

Branson CoxHealth Fitness Center 101 Day Weight Loss Challenge winners Dan Baker and Teresa Melton will be starting this summer off with shopping sprees and massages as well as a combined 58 pounds lighter.

Baker, who dropped 12.1 percent of his body fat since early February, lost a total of 41 pounds to win the men’s division of the 101 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Melton shed 6.9 percent of her body fat and 17.4 pounds to earn the top spot in the female division.
A total of 60 people signed up for the challenge this past winter.

Chris Thaller, CoxHealth Fitness Center Manager, explained the annual contest is based on overall body fat loss. Thaller said that the challenge, which is in its second year, is designed to help improve health and wellness in the Branson community.

“I think this brings out the competitiveness in people and there is camaraderie in the group setting and there is accountability in the group setting,” Thaller said. “Usually people are a lot more likely to succeed if they are with a group.”

During the 101 Day challenge, participants had the chance to access the Branson CoxHealth Fitness Center, personal trainers and the opportunity to participate in unlimited boot camp classes each week.

The 101 Day Weight Loss Challenge was sponsored by Tanger Outlets Branson, My 100.1 KOMC, Silver Dollar City and Branson Bank. Baker and Melton each received $250 Tanger Outlets Branson shopping sprees, massages and one-year fitness center memberships.

Located on the upper level of the Branson RecPlex, CoxHealth Fitness Center Branson is a spacious 7,500 square feet. A health and fitness center membership also allows access to all of the inside facilities at the RecPlex; additional fees may apply to outside facilities and some classes. For more information about CoxHealth Fitness Center Branson, call 417-348-0060 or visit CoxBranson.com and click on “Fitness Center.”

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals annual telethon to be held May 30-June 1

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of CoxHealth has financially supported sick and injured children in the Ozarks by helping their families pay for medically related travel expenses, medical equipment purchases and much more.

The annual CMN Hospitals Telethon is a great opportunity for our community to become a part of the miracle. “Financial support from the public means we can help provide assistance to local children who might otherwise be unable to afford much needed medical treatment,” says Tim Siebert, Executive Director of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “One-hundred percent of gifts and proceeds will help local kids. They may be a neighbor, a friend or a family member.”

The telethon will air live on KY3 10:30 p.m. – Midnight, Saturday, May 31 and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, June 1. The live broadcast from Cox Medical Center South in Springfield will feature inspirational stories of many local children and their families who have been helped by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Last year CMN Hospitals of CoxHealth raised more than $1.5 million to help local kids.

Athletic Advantage summer camps for young athletes

School is just about out and it’s time for summer camps to begin. Help get your young athlete ready for the sports season this summer with Athletic Advantage summer camps at CoxHealth.

“These camps are for any current or future athlete,” explains Jess Hamlet, Athletic Advantage coordinator. “This is great for elementary and middle school students working on coordination and balance, and high school students working to improve their game for a scholarship.”

There are two age groups available, 12 and younger and 13 and older. Participants ages 12 and younger will work on proper running mechanics, flexibility, speed, agility and power drills, injury prevention, proper squat technique and cardio. The older age group will provide complete body strengthening, improve vertical jump, flexibility, plyometrics, speed, agility and power drills, injury prevention, core strength and cardio.

Camps are held in the CoxHealth Meyer Center the weeks of June 2-6, June 16-20, July 7-11 and July 21-25. Younger group sessions are 1 – 2:30 p.m. and the older group meets 2:30 – 4 p.m. The cost is $50. Sign up for your chosen class one week early and receive a $5 discount.

For more information or to sign-up call 417-276-1974 or email sportsmedicine@coxhealth.com.

Hepatitis A vaccination update

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department will hold a mass vaccination clinic at Remington’s at 1655 W. Republic Road. Vaccinations will be provided starting May 22, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and will continue May 23 from 7 a.m. – noon.

CoxHealth is assisting with this community health concern by administering Hepatitis A vaccine provided by the health department to those affected. Those who aren’t able to go to the mass vaccination clinic can report to the CoxHealth Urgent Care at Cox South, 1000 E. Primrose, May 24-26 from noon to 4 p.m.

Mercy will also offer vaccinations at the Smith Glenn Callaway Clinic at 3231 S. National on May 24-26 from noon to 4 p.m.

The health department has set up a hotline from people to call if they have questions. It is at 417-829-6200.
It will be staffed from:
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 22
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 23