Direct Line from Steve Edwards: 9/3/21

Sept. 3, 2021

COVID-19 update

COVID-19 hospitalizations remain high, yet thankfully much lower than our peak a few weeks ago: Today, we are at around 120 patients with COVID. However, there are a variety of factors that we are closely watching – such as the Labor Day weekend, and many schools that do not require masking – that have the potential to create more cases in the coming weeks. We are ready should the need arise, but hope case numbers continue to fall.

Just in case you hear questions, we also wanted to share a point of clarification regarding the name of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Now that the Pfizer vaccine has full FDA approval, it has been renamed Comirnaty. There is nothing different about the vaccine; being renamed is part of normal procedure after receiving full approval so it can be branded and marketed. However, other than its name, nothing about the vaccine has changed at all.

Recognition by Forbes as Best Employer

This week, we were thrilled to find out that we have been named a Best Employer in Missouri by Forbes. An especially gratifying element to us about this recognition is that it is based in part on employee feedback. Our employees are so crucial to our mission, and we want to do all we can to create a culture they want to be part of.

Project updates

The sale of the Marsh property at Sunshine and National was completed on Wednesday. We continue to conceptualize plans for the land, and expect to have more firm proposals to share in the coming weeks. Work is also officially underway on the new parking structure between Wheeler and Burrell; it will be wonderful to have this garage available for employees so we can dedicate existing parking spaces to our patients.

Grant for dental care

We were pleased to learn that grant funding will provide at least 17 CoxHealth oncology patients with dental care before their treatment begins. Having certain work and checkups prior to oncology treatment is very important, especially for head and neck cancer patients. This donation can help this work happen for uninsured patients. Thanks to Delta Dental for this funding, which was secured by the CoxHealth Foundation.

Next class of resident chaplains

Our next class of resident chaplains began their work and training this week. Upon completing this one-year program, residents can apply to be a board-certified chaplain to work in their desired field. Thanks to Curt McClaughlin and Aaron Holt with our Pastoral Care team for helping make this program a reality, which will offer benefits to our patients, employees, and to the resident chaplains as they gain experience in their mission.

Pediatric neurology in Branson

A new face is joining our team at Cox Branson, where we are expanding through pediatric neurology. Dr. James Collins comes to us with more than a decade of experience, and we are excited about helping patients in this area stay closer to home when this level of care is needed.

Voice of the Patient

From patient feedback: “My nurse was Nathan and he was exceptional. He made me feel calm and gave an understandable description of what my injury was and how it would be treated. Nathan checked on me often during my visit to make sure I knew that I was comfortable and had no concerns during my visit. I left the ER feeling I had the best care possible.”

I hope you have a safe and relaxing holiday weekend,

Steve