April 1, 2022

COVID-19 update

We continue to be grateful for the relief of lower COVID patient numbers. This morning, we had 11 COVID-positive inpatients, with only five requiring isolation. Our seven-day rolling symptomatic positivity rate is 2.54%. Yesterday, we had a single day of testing produce only two positive test results, compared with 1,001 in a single day at the height of omicron.

Despite the urge from politicians and others to declare victory over this pandemic, now for the fourth time, we continue to act with humility as this disease has been humbling. Even when we do transition to an endemic phase, people will continue to be ill and endemic disease can still do a great deal of damage.

We may well be in a trough between waves, or at least a swell of new cases. I hope I am wrong. But either way, we are prepared, as we have learned how to manage high volumes of COVID-19 patients through re-engineering much of our hospital and clinic operations.

We remain cautious and will use this time as a much-needed break, and to prepare for whatever may come next. That includes taking safety precautions and getting vaccinated and boosted to protect ourselves and one another.

East Battlefield Urgent Care now open

On Tuesday, we began offering urgent care services at our East Battlefield “super clinic.” Our super clinic concept offers patients multiple dimensions of care in one location. The addition of urgent care expands access to testing for influenza, strep, and UTIs, as well as X-ray imaging for acute injuries and evaluation for conditions like rashes, lacerations and minor respiratory illnesses.

The urgent care is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week and you can use “Save My Spot” to reserve a time.

DNV survey update

We completed our remote survey for the ISO 9001 Quality Management Certification on Tuesday. The survey went smoothly and our Regulatory Affairs team is now in final preparations for our accreditation survey from DNV-GL. We were informed this week that the survey will be in person, rather than virtual. With that change, the survey is now expected in early May.

Charity of the month

Our ninth annual diaper drive kicks off today, supporting our charity of the month: Diaper Bank of the Ozarks. Many families struggle with providing diapers, which can have health implications for infants. Our colleagues can donate diapers at locations around the system. Supplies will benefit charities throughout our region, who will distribute diapers to families in need.

Cox College career fair

We partnered with Cox College for a career fair Thursday evening. Students learned about flexible job opportunities and externships, as well as Cox College’s degree programs. Growing our workforce is key to success and we are grateful for the efforts of Cox College and our recruitment teams in helping us build the workforce we need to care for our community.

Voice of the patient

From inpatient feedback at Cox Medical Center Branson: “Every member of the hospital staff was friendly, patient and very professional. They were very well trained in their specialty. At such a personal, overwhelming life event, I couldn’t have had better care anywhere.”

Thank you for all you do,
Steve

Direct Line from Steve Edwards: 4/1/2022