Direct Line from Steve Edwards for 6/5/2020

Patient care numbers

Most of our surgical and procedural areas have recovered volumes and are at, or in many cases, exceeding pre-COVID volumes. This is the beginning of a road to recovery. Clinic volumes are at normal levels, ED is running about 85-90% of normal.

Universal masking for visitors, patients

This week, we began requiring anyone entering a CoxHealth facility will be required to wear a mask or face covering, including approved visitors and all patients. Exceptions include children seeking care who are under age 2 and individuals with a pre-existing condition that makes it difficult to breathe.

CoxHealth begins piloting automated entrance screening

CoxHealth is launching entrance-screening kiosks that will use infrared cameras and software to check temperatures of visitors and staff entering our facilities. These kiosks will support our entrance screening process, which will continue for the foreseeable future. The pilot began this week at Cox South’s Turner Center and West Tower entrances, and at Cox Monett Hospital.

Fitness centers reopening plan

CoxHealth fitness centers will soon reopen to the public. Starting June 17, all CoxHealth Fitness Centers will reopen with limited hours and activities. The only exception to this is our fitness center in Willard, which will remain temporarily closed due to the layout of the facility, which would make social distancing difficult. We have full details including an FAQ on coxhealth.com.

Simmons Bank donates $17,500 to COVID-19 Relief Fund

Simmons Bank donated $17,500 to the CoxHealth Foundation's COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. The fund, established in wake of preparations for COVID-19, is to help local, vulnerable patients and front-line care providers impacted by the coronavirus.

CoxHealth, Springfield Community Gardens start farm to feed community

CoxHealth has partnered with Springfield Community Gardens to create a farm to help feed its patients and employees. Amanda Belle’s Farm, named in honor of Lester E. Cox’s mother, will be located across Primrose Street from Cox South. It will grow a variety of seasonal produce that will benefit patients with dietary needs, as well as available for sale to employees through a Community Supported Agriculture program.

Bone Density Clinic first in Missouri to receive accreditation

The International Society of Bone Densitometry (ISCD) has accredited CoxHealth’s Bone Density Clinic. The clinic, operated in connection with The Women’s Center at CoxHealth, is the first bone density clinic in Missouri and one of only 42 sites in the United States that has achieved this accreditation.

CoxHealth physicians, staff participate in national event

Several CoxHealth health care providers participated in a national ‘white coats for black lives’ moment of silence in front of Cox South hospital today. Physicians and other staff members who were able to participate stood in silence for more than 8 minutes to remember the death of George Floyd.

Proud to work at CoxHealth

From a night shift RN in Psych Services: “Over the past few months we have had to call on security more than we ever have and I place a lot of faith in these men. They are respectful and do not use more force than is necessary and have often put their bodies between our staff and harm. Though we have had very high acuity volatile patients on our unit, for the first time in years I feel very safe.”

Voice of the patient

“The doctors who attended me were very gracious and kind. They demonstrated real concern for me. They very clearly explained my condition.”

Respectfully,

Steve