Direct Line from Steve Edwards for July 5, 2019

CoxHealth, OTC offer free medical assistant education

CoxHealth and Ozarks Technical Community College have teamed up to offer an accelerated 16-week medical assistant apprentice program free to students who commit to working at CoxHealth for 2 ½ years. Accepted students receive scholarships from CoxHealth to cover the cost of the program, as well as full-time paid work hours. All students have the opportunity to apply for a full-time role with Cox Medical Group upon graduation. An informational meeting will be held Tuesday, July 9 from 6 - 7 p.m. at Cox South Meeting Rooms 2 and 3 for those who want to learn more.

CoxHealth EMS achieves accreditation as Center of Excellence

CoxHealth EMS has achieved the most prominent distinction in 911 emergency communication services by attaining International Academies of Emergency Dispatch^® (IAED^™) status as an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) for its use of the Medical Priority Dispatch System™ (MPDS^®). This distinction places it among the very highest-performing emergency dispatch agencies in the world. CoxHealth EMS is one of six emergency dispatch centers in Missouri to attain Medical ACE distinction that demonstrates safe and efficient response to a wide variety of emergency situations.

CoxHealth to recognize first responders in the region

The fourth annual Salute to First Responders events will be held in July and August in Springfield, Branson, Monett and Lamar. Personnel from all area law enforcement, fire and EMS are invited to join us for a free barbecue lunch.

Leaders recognize CoxHealth clinics for excellence in identifying eye disease

Cox Medical Group recognized 12 of its primary care clinics for their work in screening patients for diabetic retinopathy using Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems (IRIS). Since bringing retinal scanners into primary care clinics, CoxHealth has screened over 8,800 patients, identified 2,500 patients with pathology, and saved over 1,020 patients from potential blindness.

CoxHealth holds back-to-school drives

CoxHealth is holding back-to-school drives at all hospital campuses for our July charity of the month. Supplies collected in this annual effort will go to schools in Springfield, Monett, Lamar, Blue Eye, Kirbyville and Taneyville. This effort helps to make the start of the upcoming school year the best it can be for area schoolchildren in need.

CoxHealth in the news

KY3/KSPR interviewed Dr. Minh-Thu Le, allergist, about alpha gal syndrome, an allergy to meat.

Springfield News-Leader reported on the drug take-back boxes recently installed in CoxHealth Pharmacy locations, and the appointment of several CoxHealth leaders to state boards and commissions.

Springfield Business Journal shared information about CoxHealth’s recognition as a Best Place to Work by Forbes.

​​Voice of the patient

“I can't praise the nurses, aides and other staff enough. They were supportive and kind. They did all they could to make me comfortable and secure. I particularly want to commend Todd in the emergency treatment room, Kelly, Katie, Haley, Kayla, Pedro, Mary Jane, Eric and Erica in my room for their care and concern for my wellbeing and recovery. They made such a positive experience out of my stay and my recovery. I am grateful for their care.”

I hope everyone has a safe and restful weekend,

Steve