Direct Line from Max Buetow for 7/1/22

July 1, 2022

Learning from the front lines, where the unseen work is done

Some people draw their inspiration from books or influential leaders, but I have always learned best from interacting with people. In health care, there are few things more energizing than interacting with our coworkers.

Each month, I am planning a full day of rounding with our teams across the system. I recently spent time with departments in our Springfield service area, visiting areas like Engineering, Biomed, Food Services, the loading dock, Security, the refresh team, and the warehouse.

When you visit these departments, you see the unsung heroes of our organization. They are the ones who are behind all the things we simply count on to be done.

It takes a lot to deliver on all the things we can too often take for granted. I am amazed by the army of people and the massive amount of work it takes to put the right instrument in the doctor’s hand, or ensure the room is clean and welcoming, or the meal is hot and ready.

This is difficult work, and these staff members are vital to our organization! As I round, I hear so many stories of why people are here. People feel truly connected to the work. I might expect to hear that from a 30-year employee, but I was surprised to hear it from people who have been here a few years, or even a few months.

It speaks to the power of our mission that so many professionals dedicate themselves to making CoxHealth great. It is my honor to serve and support them, and I am committed to continuing to listen, to remove barriers to progress, and to provide an environment where exceptional people can do great work.

Thank you to our unsung health care heroes!

Statement on recent changes to abortion law

You have likely seen recent news regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This decision triggered the effectiveness of Section 188.017, RSMo, which bans abortions in Missouri unless a medical emergency exists. These decisions have raised questions from employees and patients and we have issued guidance to our patients and staff.

The most important thing to note is that the change does not significantly alter the way CoxHealth provides care.

Our top priority is the health of our patients, and we are working diligently with our medical and legal experts to provide interim guidance as we continue to care for patients. As always, our top priority is to provide the best care for our patients. This commitment drives everything we do, and we stand behind the care that our teams provide.

Update on monkeypox

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department recently issued guidance on monkeypox, which has made national news and has produced cases here in Missouri. While the disease currently poses a low risk to the community in general, awareness and caution can prevent spread.

Our experts are urging anyone who has symptoms of monkeypox, or who has come into close contact with someone who has the disease, to call their primary care physician or do a virtual visit.

Cox South opens new operating rooms

Earlier this week, we opened our three brand new operating rooms at Cox South. Each room is equipped with DaVinci robotic technology, which is a great example of the ways we are working to innovate and improve the experience for both our staff and patients.

These devices provide a less-invasive surgical approach that can improve recovery times. The technology will be used in gynecology, urology, hernia repair, colorectal, bariatric and general surgeries.

Cheryl Hertel earns national recognition

Cheryl Hertel, CoxHealth’s vice president and chief information officer, was recognized this week by Becker’s Hospital Review, which named her to a list of Women Power Players in Health IT. Cheryl worked at Cerner for 15 years before becoming CoxHealth’s CIO. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has 12 years of clinical nursing experience. I am proud of everything Cheryl brings to our team, and I congratulate her on this honor!

Local student gives back to our Environmental Services teams

Last week, Elizabeth Grabovskaya and her brother, Ronan, stopped by Cox South and presented our EVS team with special “thank you” bags. Elizabeth started an initiative called “Operation Give Back” at school and was excited to be able to give back to the hospital.

“I think everyone that works here deserves to be recognized, but this team does a lot to keep the hospital running,” Elizabeth says. “I wanted them to know their hard work was noticed and appreciated.”

I can say with certainty our EVS team members are among the unsung heroes of CoxHealth, and I am grateful for all they do.

Voice of the Patient

From patient feedback at Cox South: “Awesome team. I am very impressed with your staff!”

Thank you for all you do,

Max