Direct Line from Steve Edwards: 12/10/21

Dec. 10, 2021

COVID-19 update

Unfortunately, COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise. Today we are at 78 patients with COVID in our hospitals, and a 14% rolling symptomatic positivity rate for the last seven days. This time last week, we were at 54. Our metrics forecast that by Christmas week, we will be between 99 and 122 COVID-positive patients.

This week, we have had total census days as high as 768, far higher than our budgeted forecast of 701. This is due to a high number of more “typical” patients receiving care, perhaps postponed by some during the pandemic. This places us near record numbers. Our employees are working incredibly hard; they are battled fatigued, and I ask our community to give us patience and understanding as we deal with another wave of this pandemic.

Delta cases are expected to continue to rise, and the more rapidly spreading omicron variant will most assuredly be here soon. We are relieved to understand omicron may be far less severe, however, if is spreads two to three times faster, there continues to be great risk that our health care systems could be overstretched beyond capacity. We continue to plan for worst-case scenarios, and pray for the best.

The best data and science we have discovered out of South Africa related to the omicron variant emphasizes the need to get boosters. One may be scheduled with us by calling 417-269-1300.

Oncology expansion in Monett

In an effort to serve patients closer to home, we are now offering chemotherapy treatments at Cox Monett Hospital. The types of chemo offered at the moment are limited, but for some patients, we are pleased that this means that most cancer care can be given in Monett. Initially, the team plans to focus on immunotherapy, which is a more easily tolerated chemotherapy regimen. Additional therapies and an expanded provider presence may be added in the coming months as well.

Surgery Center award

Congrats go to our team at the CoxHealth Surgery Center, which has been named one of the best Ambulatory Surgery Centers in Missouri by Newsweek. This was determined in part due to a reputation survey based on quality of care, COVID-19 response, and peer recommendations.

Medical Explorers

We are currently accepting applications for our next round of CoxHealth Medical Explorers in Springfield. As many of you know, the program is a great way for students to learn more about the medical field, and we have a very proud history as one of the largest and oldest programs in the country. For more info, click here.

Construction progress

Work begins to wrap up on our new infusion center in Hulston Cancer Center, as well as the new super clinic at Battlefield and 65, both of which are slated for completion in the coming weeks. Please remember that you are invited to tour the super clinic facility on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. We are looking forward to sharing this new facility with the community.

Voice of the Patient

From inpatient feedback at Cox Medical Center Branson: “From the minute I entered, the screener was very welcoming. The registration lady was so courteous and thereafter every step of the care was top of the line. I would definitely recommend everyone to visit CoxHealth for their health care needs.”

Thank you for all you do,

Steve