Direct Line from Steve Edwards for 10/9/2020

COVID-19 update

We came into this week having reached a grim milestone last weekend, the 100th death of a COVID-19 patient, and 900 admissions at Cox South. Yesterday, our COVID-positive patients admitted to our hospitals reached an all-time high of 91. We believe it was at that time the highest number of any hospital in our state. We are very grateful for the unanimous support of our Springfield Mayor and City Council to continue the protective public health measures including masking.

CoxHealth earns “Most Wired” honors

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives has recognized CoxHealth as a 2020 Healthcare’s Most Wired hospital. CoxHealth achieved Digital Health Certified Acute and Ambulatory Level 8 out of 10 levels, which means the health system received the Quality Award.

CoxHealth establishes chaplain residency program

To broaden our capacity to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of our patients, our Pastoral Care department has launched a new Clinical Pastoral Education program. The residency  is in collaboration with the Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training (ICPT), which is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. It is ICPT’s first site-based residency program in the nation. Funding to make the program happen came from the CoxHealth Foundation. 

Employees get free access to livestream symphony concerts

To support physical distancing efforts and encourage people to safely participate in activities that are good for their wellbeing, we have transitioned our annual Springfield Symphony sponsorship to one that fully supports their new concert livestreaming. Through this sponsorship, all CoxHealth employees can gain access to each livestream concert for free.

CoxHealth to participate in earthquake drill

Due to our proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, CoxHealth will once again participate in the annual U.S. Shake Out Earthquake Drill on October 15. Employees will practice "Drop, Cover and Hold On" and other aspects of their department’s emergency plan.

October charity: Domestic violence awareness

CoxHealth employees will be participating in iCare with Harmony House later this month by wearing symbolic eye patches or "Ask me why iCare" stickers in recognition of domestic violence awareness, our charity spotlight in October. 

Voice of the patient

“Have always loved this hospital. By far and away my #1 choice. Been a patient many times in 60+ years. Always clean hospital and cannot beat the nursing care.”

Thank you for caring for our community,

Steve