Direct Line with Steve Edwards for 5/17/2019

CoxHealth continues to drive cost savings

Our “Working Smarter” program, which focuses on finding efficiencies, work-flow improvements and waste reduction, has year to date implemented and validated $4.4 million in savings. We continue toward our target of $12 million in reductions. An example of this work is in consolidating supply vendors to leverage better pricing.

Robotic process automation

Early success with RPA is occurring in Human Resources and Cox HealthPlans as we automate manual data entry processes, reducing repetitive work for staff, and freeing them to focus on higher-skilled work.

Physician clinic opens schedule for walk in hours

The Medical Mile Clinic on South National is now seeing patients on a walk-in basis. Patients do not need to make an appointment or have to be an established patient to be seen at the clinic. Pricing will be that of a primary care visit. This new model is part of our strategy to improve access to care in the region.

CoxHealth Pharmacy Residency Class of 2020

CoxHealth is welcoming ten newly graduated pharmacists who are joining CoxHealth’s pharmacy residency program. The residents will begin their rotations in Springfield and Branson in July.

Musicians to begin playing at patients’ bedsides

CoxHealth is participating in a national initiative called Musicians On Call that involves musicians coming to Cox South to play at patients’ bedsides. Patients also have the choice of listening to recorded music in their rooms to promote healing and positivity in the hospital environment. Musicians in the community can volunteer to participate.

Acute Rehab Unit earns national recognition

Cox Branson’s Acute Rehab Unit was recognized by Kindred Hospital Rehabilitation Services, the largest contract manager of hospital-based acute rehabilitation programs, for reaching the top 79^th percentile in the nation for quality of care.

CoxHealth honors law enforcement partners

The exterior and West Tower stairwell lights at Cox Medical Center South went blue this week for National Police Week in support of our community law enforcement partners.

Voice of the patient

I received this touching letter that exemplifies the type of care and compassion our employees provide to patients and families every day – “My brother is the only family I have left. He was brought to Cox for emergency surgery. I was in the chapel crying. One of your staff members walked in and sat down by me. She reached her hand over to mine and I fell into her arms crying. She prayed with me … An hour later she found me in surgery waiting and brought me lunch … What a blessing this lady was to me. Your staff is wonderful and my brother had great care.”

Thanks for reading,

Steve