Direct Line from Steve Edwards: 4/15/22

Apr. 15, 2022

COVID-19 update

We continue to see great news in our COVID-19 numbers and I am encouraged but cautious. As of Friday morning, we have 10 COVID-positive patients, five of whom remain infectious. Our seven-day rolling positivity rate stands at 2.34%.

If a BA.2 wave comes, we are ready. We have gained a great deal of experience over the last two years, having served the second highest number of COVID patients in the state. We went through a hurricane with omicron and we have re-engineered our systems to safely handle high patient volumes.

I don’t believe COVID-19 is behind us yet, but I am hopeful and confident that we are well prepared for what may happen next.

Andrea McKay named President of Cox Monett Hospital

On Thursday, we announced that Andrea McKay will serve as the next president of Cox Monett Hospital, beginning in June. Andrea is returning to her native Midwest after serving as the Chief Ambulatory Officer at Cody Regional Health in Cody, Wyoming.

I am grateful to Genny Maroc who deferred her retirement and did a terrific job serving as interim president at Cox Monett while the search was underway. I appreciate the work of Monett leaders in cultivating the successful culture of Cox Monett and I am looking forward to Andrea’s efforts building on that success.

CoxHealth offers additional COVID-19 booster for those over 50

Following updated CDC guidance, CoxHealth is now offering an additional COVID-19 booster dose for people over age 50 and certain immunocompromised people who received their initial booster dose at least four months ago. We are encouraging anyone who has questions about whether an additional booster is right at this time to speak with their provider.

MU Clinical Campus matches

The MU School of Medicine shared the list of physicians from the Springfield Clinical Campus who matched in this year’s Match Day. The physicians who trained in our hospitals are now set to enter residency programs across the nation. We are honored to be part of the clinical campus for MU Medical School and play a key role in preparing the next generation of physicians.

Cox College simulation lab

Cox College recently unveiled an expanded simulation lab, which gives students the chance to practice their skills on high-tech, anatomically correct patient simulator manikins. The renovation doubles the lab’s capacity, giving nursing students and students from other Cox College programs the benefit of hands-on training. You can see video from the lab at this link.

Voice of the patient

From inpatient feedback at Cox Branson: “Everyone I came in contact with was extremely nice. Being that I was on vacation and not in a familiar place, everyone made it extremely easy and pleasant.”