Direct Line from Max Buetow for 8/19/22

At CoxHealth, we will have to think and work differently to remain relevant and maintain our status as an industry leader in the future.  

We are experiencing a shortage of qualified staff members, rising supply costs, as well as rapid changes in IT. At the same time, consumer expectations are changing. People expect their interactions with health care to be as mobile-friendly and as seamless as their retail transactions.

Fortunately, CoxHealth has a reputation of planning for the storm, and we are preparing to thrive amid the current challenges.

In addition to our strong financial standing, we have an advantage in our culture as well. Over the last several years, we have focused on programs like Working Smarter and the Innovation Accelerator. Through these and other efforts, our teams have brought forward their best ideas to help us improve processes and be good stewards of our finances.

Now, that work is more important than ever. We are asking our colleagues to partner with us in finding innovative solutions in their areas. Those can be anything from making our work more efficient to finding cost savings.

Each time I round in our units and departments, I am reminded of the wealth of innovation and expertise throughout this organization. I am confident in the mission-driven nature of our workforce, and I know that, working together, we will continue to find solutions and adapt to any challenges we face. There are great things coming for CoxHealth, and I will be keeping you involved in our journey as we strive toward a bright future!

Community Hospital Group leadership announcement

We were excited to announce this week that Lynne Yaggy, vice president and chief nursing officer at Cox Medical Center Branson, will take on the role of Community Hospital Group’s Vice President of Nursing.

Lynne will continue her current duties in Branson and she will now also have direct oversight of the chief nursing officers in Barton County and Monett. Lynne has invested more than 40 years of her career here at CoxHealth. I am so proud of her dedication and I want to congratulate her on her new role!

Two big wins for our neuroscience teams

I am proud to share two recent wins for our neuroscience teams: a new clinic at Cox Medical Center Branson and a certification for our ALS clinic at Cox South.

Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to announce a new clinic at Cox Medical Center Branson. Our new Muscular Dystrophy Association Neuromuscular Clinic will give pediatric patients access to a team of experts to assist with disorders that affect the nerves and muscles. It will be one of only three MDA pediatric clinics in Missouri.

In Springfield, the CoxHealth ALS Clinic of the Ozarks successfully achieved designation as a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence (CTCE) through The ALS Association. The center’s exceptional team of caregivers offers coordinated care and support for community members dealing with ALS.

I am glad these clinics allow local families to seek expert care close to home, and I am grateful to the CoxHealth Foundation, which has helped make both clinics a reality.

Medical Explorers fall registration

We are finishing up the application process for our fall Medical Explorers program, which helps students get an inside look at a career in health care. The program is aimed at boys and girls ages 15-20 and allows students to observe various areas throughout the hospital.

Applications are open until noon on Aug. 31, 2022. If you know an interested student, they can download the application here.

You can read more about the impact this program has made on CoxHealth’s Facebook page at this link.

Voice of the patient

Adapted from patient feedback at Cox Monett Emergency Department: “I have never received such wonderful care from my nurses while in any other hospital.”

Thank you for all you do,

Max