Direct Line from Max Buetow for 6/24/22

June 24, 2022

Ask the expert: Alan Butler on health care security

I appreciate the chance to talk with all of you in Direct Line each week and I want to use these messages to take you behind the scenes of what’s going on at CoxHealth. I am consistently impressed with the expertise throughout our organization, and, as topics of interest arise, I want you to hear directly from our experts.

Recently, there has been a lot of national conversation about hospital security and we asked Alan Butler, CoxHealth’s system director of Public Safety and Security, to share his insight about CoxHealth’s approach.

We have invested a great deal in our Public Safety and Security teams and Alan says CoxHealth is ahead of most health systems in terms of preparedness.

While security officers and technology are important, making sure our staff members are trained and security aware is a vital step in keeping our facilities safe. That’s why our security teams are committed to ongoing training for all staff – including for workplace violence and active shooter scenarios – in the coming months. We are also working toward enhanced after-hours visitor management and entrance controls.

“Every one of our employees has a role in how we secure this organization,” Alan says.

Alan took a few minutes this week to talk with us about how CoxHealth is doing. You can see all of the details and his insights on where we go next on CoxHealth.com.

COVID-19 vaccines available soon for children six months to five years old

The FDA recently authorized COVID-19 vaccines for children six months to five years old. Here at CoxHealth, we are working to make vaccine available as soon as we receive standing orders from the state. Once doses are available, we will be encouraging interested parents to check with their pediatrician to learn more about vaccine opportunities, both in our clinics and at nearby pharmacies.

Three CoxHealth hospitals receive stroke care awards

This week, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognized three of our hospitals with the “Get With the Guidelines” awards for outstanding stroke care.

The awards reflect the hospitals’ commitment to providing the most appropriate stroke treatment.

The awards are:

Cox South: Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus.

Cox Branson: Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.

Cox Monett: Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award.

I am so proud of all of our teams that make award-winning care happen across our system.

CBCO issues urgent appeal for blood donations

Our friends at Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), issued a critical appeal for all blood types this week. Current blood reserves are low, with CBCO reporting less than two days’ supply on hand.

CBCO is asking eligible donors to give immediately at a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks blood drive or donor center.

When emergencies happen, it is critically important that we have access to blood supplies. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is our local blood supplier, and our patients receive the vital blood products they need from CBCO and their donors. Let's all get out and support this important effort.

Voice of the Patient

From patient feedback at Cox Branson: “I was overwhelmed by the quality of care, close personal attention, and attention to my concerns. Enough couldn’t be said about the ER staff.”

Thank you for all you do,

Max