Direct Line from Steve Edwards: 4/8/22

April 8, 2022

COVID-19 update

Our COVID-19 numbers continued to remain low this week: as of Friday morning, we had 15 COVID-positive inpatients, with only seven requiring isolation. We do see our positivity numbers inching up, with the seven-day positivity rate at 3.79%, and our single-day rate at 7.19% yesterday.

We continue to monitor BA.2 in other parts of the United States and around the world. It is remarkable that we have not seen a BA.2 rise in our area, especially since it is present in our wastewater. We know it roared through the U.K., infecting 5-7% of the total population.

With recent spring break travel and an event that drew thousands to Springfield less than a week ago, it is hard for me to believe we don’t have a BA.2 wave coming. I would be delighted to be wrong. The next three weeks will be telling and we will be watching local trends closely.

Statement on Tennessee medical error case

There has been significant discussion this week among our teams about a Tennessee nurse who was convicted in a criminal case that stemmed from a medication error.

We believe criminalization of a medical error is not the appropriate approach. We recognize this verdict could have a chilling effect on staff’s willingness to report errors, or it could cause staff to question an organization’s support for staff members who report.

In a message on Wednesday, Max Buetow, our incoming president and CEO, reassured our teams that we are committed to supporting any staff member who reports a medical error, a near miss, or any process that puts our patients or staff at risk. I appreciate Max’s vocal commitment to defending and supporting our staff members who step up, speak out, and do what is right.

Applications open for nurse assistant apprenticeship program

Our next nursing assistant apprenticeship cohort begins May 17 and our HR teams are now accepting applications. The six-week paid training program is designed to offer people without health care experience a way to train for an entry-level role. Nursing assistants are key parts of our care team and these apprenticeships can be the beginning of a health care career.

Participants can apply for permanent nurse assistant positions at CoxHealth upon graduating the program. You can see more information and a link to apply here.

CoxHealth in the news

The recent selection of Max Buetow as CoxHealth’s next president and CEO was covered by The Springfield Daily Citizen, The Springfield News-Leader, and The Springfield Business Journal.

Voice of the patient

From inpatient feedback at Cox South: “I would have to say all the nurses were truly amazing, helpful, and really helped me through this whole surgery. Never will I forget each and every one who made a huge impact in my life. Thank you so much for caring and taking care of me.”

Thank you for all you do,
Steve