Direct Line with Steve Edwards for 5/10/2019

CoxHealth discretionary match for all CoxHealth SIP participants

CoxHealth will be distributing a total of $1,000,000 in discretionary matching funds to all CoxHealth Savings Incentive Plan participants after meeting our financial objectives in fiscal year 2018. This amount was budgeted, but contingent upon financial performance, which we exceeded. This is a discretionary matching distribution in addition to the traditional match that paid out $17,490,000 to employee SIP accounts during 2018. All employees are eligible to participate in the 403b retirement savings plan. While this amount may seem generous to some, it is very much in line with industry benchmarks and necessary to care, recruit and retain our talented workforce.

Independence Clinic at Walmart closes after May 10

The Clinic at Walmart operated by CoxHealth on Independence Ave. in Springfield will no longer be available after May 10. Walmart did not renew the lease due to an initiative that requires that space, and given decreasing patient volumes, this works well for both parties. Material improvement in primary care access due to recruiting and large gains in productivity along with increased capacity in urgent cares are factors for the decrease in volume. The remaining locations in Springfield on S. Campbell and N. Kansas Expressway, in Ozark and Republic, as well as the Quick + Care Clinic at Hy-Vee will remain open and available for patients. Save My Spot may be used at these locations.

Employee appreciation day events this week

CoxHealth recognized employees on Wednesday and overnight Thursday for our annual Employee Appreciation Day. Employees across the system were served a full meal and received points in our Choice Rewards recognition program as a way to show our appreciation for all they do. We have heard great feedback about the event including this message, “The food was delicious, and having leadership in the cafeteria to greet us when we walked in was a really thoughtful touch!”

New podcast: Ideas drive 'innovation from the inside' at CoxHealth

Many organizations have a plan for innovation. Few, however, have a way for everyone to participate. In the new Connection podcast, our corporate communications team talks with participants of the latest CoxHealth Innovation Accelerator. Listen now at this link, or search CoxHealth in iTunes. You can learn about other innovations at CoxHealth and more news in the print edition of Connection here.

Video: Cox Monett replacement hospital groundbreaking 

Here is a look back at last week’s groundbreaking ceremony for a new Cox Monett Hospital.

CoxHealth in the news

• Ground breaking for the new Cox Monett Hospital was covered by KOLR-10, KSMU, KY3/KSPR, KTTS, the Springfield News-Leader, the Monett Times, the Springfield Business Journal, the Aurora Advertiser and Becker’s Hospital Review.
• CoxHealth EMS spoke with the Springfield News-Leader about Narcan.
• KY3/KSPR interviewed our infection prevention team for a story about measles.
• CoxHealth contributed to a KOLR-10 story about new processes regarding forensic exam kit collection.

Voice of the patient

“I travel extensively for business, and I live and I am based in Hong Kong. I had the need to visit the CoxHealth Urgent Care while attending meetings in Springfield. I was worried, because in Hong Kong we are given the impression that the American healthcare system would be overly busy and impersonal. Instead I was greeted with the very best patient experience of my life, and this includes all the various countries I have experienced healthcare. The care was super fast, efficient, and most importantly, everyone was so very personable. I can’t thank you enough nor express well my gratitude and confidence I have in your service and hospital.  What a great system you have at CoxHealth.” The next day, this international businessman bought pies in for the staff.

Thanks for reading, 

Steve