Getting2Great Initiatives Gain Momentum

posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:42 pm

The Getting2Great cultural transformation process continues to gather steam across our company. We have realized significant improvement in services to our patients, their loved ones and each other. As we enhance communication initiatives among Associates and physicians, our work environment is improving, which allows us to provide even better care to those we serve.

Recently, the following G2G highlights were submitted as great examples of the momentum we’re building through our cultural transformation.

Breakfast with champions

Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center in Paintsville, Ky., recently hosted a “Breakfast with Champions” event to honor and celebrate their Associates for another year of G2G. Paul B. Hall Regional’s CEO Debbie Trimble, a.k.a. Hospital Rooster, started with a 3 a.m. crowing to kick off the morning’s activities. Associates were then treated to Belgian waffles with all the toppings, made-to-order omelets, and a buffet-style breakfast that rivaled the best of restaurant breakfast buffets.

Associates awarded with G2G honors during the year were given their very own “Breakfast of Champions” cereal posters, which were placed throughout the hospital. Associate department superlatives were announced in award categories, such as High 5, Thumbs-Up, Bright Ideas, and Service with a Smile. And last but not least, the Top Banana award was given to the Associate who could eat the most bananas in under a minute.

“We are very proud to have such devoted Associates at Paul B. Hall Regional and strive to show our appreciation for their hard work with events throughout the year,” said Debbie. “All of our Associates portray the true meaning of servant leaders, and are committed to our hospital’s mission to provide the highest quality health care.”

Six events, four locations, three days

Wuesthoff Health System had a complex challenge to overcome for its G2G kickoff: Associates scattered throughout Brevard County at numerous sites. To facilitate maximum participation, Wuesthoff formed three G2G steering committees, each executing the G2G initiative in its facilities while working under a common Wuesthoff Health System vision. The end result was launching the G2G initiative with six events at four locations over three days.

Using a theme that blended space and medical technology, Wuesthoff Associates learned about the Six Pillars and what to expect from the seven work teams. The events were highlighted by Wuesthoff’s very own version of the Black Eyed Peas’ hit “I Gotta Feeling,” complete with customized lyrics and a specially choreographed dance routine. In addition, Gary Newsome, President and CEO of Health Management, and Gary Tomcik, Customer Development, made a surprise appearance and thanked everyone for their efforts and encouraged participation in our Getting2Great culture.

“The enthusiasm showed by our Associates was overwhelming,” said Steve Patonai, CEO of Wuesthoff. “They absorbed information and celebrated this special moment in Wuesthoff’s impressive history.”

Leadership, teamwork and support

At Physicians Regional Healthcare System in Naples, Fla., the Collier Boulevard lab began the One Thing initiative in the fourth quarter of 2010. Traditionally, the last quarter is one of the lowest recorded periods for patient perception in test and treatment, but the results of this team’s efforts were dramatic.

The mean score of patient responses moved from 89.8 to 98.6, nearly a perfect score in the fourth quarter of 2011. Lab team Associates believe it’s all because of better communication and working together more effectively. “We talk about what we can do to help the patient feel better about the care and service we provide, then put it in action,” said Angel Roman, Laboratory Services at Physicians Regional. “I make sure everyone knows where we are on the One Thing. The reports we get twice a week are a center point of our daily huddles.”

Associate Daniley Perez credits department leadership for keeping communication open, as well as showing care. “It makes caring for patients easier knowing you have that kind of support,” she said.

The stories from across our organization make it clear that our shared commitment and dedication toward the G2G initiative is strong and still gathering momentum. As we share our efforts and successes, we learn from each other and allow the entire Health Management family to move forward together.