Letter From The Director
MedCentral Hospice is in the business of caring for others. We are
honored to compassionately extend MedCentral's Expert Care from the
hospital to patients' homes. If you have ever been a hospice caregiver,
the act of caring is brave, private and, many times, a true labor of love.
Caregivers are seldom beacons of light that shine for everyone to see;
rather they just light the very personal path of the one who is being
cared for.
One day, I was talking to Val Halamandaris, president and CEO of The
National Association of Home Care & Hospice. We were discussing a
myriad of things, such as the birth of Medicare in 1965 - legislation he
helped to write, past and present Congressional heroes for Homecare and
Hospice, and the incredible people who daily quietly care for others.
The topic on uncommon caring led us to discuss the well-regarded Caring
Institute and its esteemed Caring Award recipients. He said that Mother
Theresa, the ultimate caregiver, once told him that she was nothing more
than "God's pencil." He also reminded me of something very
important - to see with the "eyes of the heart."
The staff at MedCentral Hospice do see with the eyes of their
hearts, whether they are work directly with patients or in the office.
MedCentral's four pillars - Quality, Customer Service, Teamwork and
Innovation - are the fundamental supports for MedCentral's Hospice
program.
Quality
Although the federal government has never required hospices to
participate in a formal quality reporting program, MedCentral Hospice
collects quality data upon which we base performance improvement
decisions. Further, we follow up on information we receive from patient
and physician satisfaction surveys, and make adjustments when warranted.
Customer Service
"The homecare aides were very good, friendly and caring…the
social worker was very nice…the nurse gave wonderful care, was
supportive physically and spiritually."
MedCentral Hospice consistently receives positive comments like the
above from patients and families we serve. Customer satisfaction is
important to us, as it directly reflects on how our patients and their
families perceive us. We are proud of what people say about the care we
give.
Teamwork
I have always been in awe over the teamwork phenomenon - that together
ordinary people are able to accomplish extraordinary things. The
MedCentral Hospice team has worked hard, forging ahead with restructuring
efforts, embracing change along the way. Because of teamwork,
perseverance, stamina, courage and innovative spirits, we either
successfully accomplished or made tremendous headway on our goals.
Innovation
Each year, we set goals for what we ultimately want to accomplish for
Hospice. These goals challenge and require us to "think outside the
box," as we are constantly charged with improving performance, being
more efficient and reducing costs.
Our creativity also yielded incredible fundraising and educational
opportunities for Hospice. We participate in several community events:
- Grief Teleconference (April)
- Chamber After-Hours at the Communications Center (April)
- Butterfly Tree (Memorial Day thru Independence Day)
- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race (May)
- "A Midsummer's Night With MedCentral Hospice" fundraiser
(July)
- United Way Campaign (September through January)
- Angel Tickets
MedCentral Hospice is the definition of expert, compassionate care in
your home, and we will be there to comfort, relieve pain and symptoms, get
necessary home equipment and hold a hand in fellowship. The staff at
MedCentral Hospice sees with the eyes of the heart.
Last updated
November 2, 2006 |