Cox HealthPlans to offer insurance option on exchange

Cox HealthPlans will offer a new product on the federal exchange in 2020. Individuals can go to healthcare.gov to learn more about this local health insurance option, which will be available on the exchange January 1, 2020.

New urgent care opens

This week, CoxHealth’s second Springfield urgent care location opened near the intersection of Sunshine Street and Kansas Expressway. The urgent care offers a lower cost option than our hospital-based facility. Early volumes are well exceeding budget expectations and the other Springfield urgent care locations have retained their volumes.

Public Safety and Security officers save lives with Narcan

I am very pleased with the leadership of our director of Public Safety and Security, Eric Clay, who has continued to prepare his staff to deal with the ongoing opioid crisis. Last Friday, he completed renewed training of our public safety staff for Narcan administration and accidental exposure avoidance. As of today, our public safety officers have administered 13 life-saving uses of Narcan on our hospital campuses. Their heroism should be commended.

EMS crew recognized for life-saving response

Fred Yeley and Alisha Stewart were recognized for their heroism in saving the lives of two children involved in a house fire. David Pennington, Springfield Fire Chief, and board member J. Howard Fisk recognized Fred and Alisha at Wednesday’s Department Head meeting. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution – of which J. Howard Fisk is a member – presented formal recognition plaques. Thanks to Chief Pennington and J. Howard Fisk for making this recognition possible.

Opioid reduction technique at CoxHealth gets international attention

Five health care personnel from Stockholm, Sweden, came to visit Cox South this week, to learn about a technique in use by Dr. Thomas Shultz, CoxHealth Primrose OB/GYN, which dramatically reduces the use of opioids for pain and a patient’s length of stay after a robotic hysterectomy. The group of clinical staff from Södersjukhuset SÖS Hospital included two physicians and two surgical nurses. The visitors said they were learning a great deal and were excited to take the information home to Sweden to benefit patients there.

Cox Barton County holds successful food drive

Three non-profit groups in Barton County will benefit from a food drive held recently at Cox Barton County Hospital in Lamar. Employees collected 608 items, far surpassing their goal.

CoxHealth in the news

· Becker’s Hospital Review and SBJ featured news about leadership promotions at CoxHealth.

· CoxHealth’s recognition as a “Most Wired” hospital was included in the Springfield Business Journal.

· KSMU and KTTS reported on CoxHealth’s recent hiring fair.

· CoxHealth’s newest urgent care was covered by the News-Leader, KTTS and KY3/KSPR.

· KOLR-10 and the News-Leader reported on CoxHealth’s new flex scheduling positions.

· Dr. Tim Woods and Meredith Cunningham, PA, were interviewed about the LINX procedure for a story in the Springfield News-Leader.

· Dr. Curtis Mattson was interviewed for a story on KOLR-10 about Seasonal Affective Disorder.

October charity: Domestic violence awareness

CoxHealth employees participated in iCare with Harmony House this week by wearing symbolic eye patches or "Ask me why iCare" stickers in recognition of domestic violence awareness.

CoxHealth participates in drug take back event

On Saturday, Oct. 26, CoxHealth will partner with local pharmacies and law enforcement to participate in a National Prescription Take Back Day event. The Springfield location at CoxHealth will be at the Turner Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and will be accepting unused or expired medications for safe and anonymous disposal.

Voice of the patient

"Cox is where I had all three of my baby boys and my hospital of choice. I love the way I was treated."

Thank you for everything you do to support our patients and our community,

Steve

Direct Line from Steve Edwards for 10/25/2019