Last month in my first column outlining the strong state of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital (HCH) and the Eckerd Living Center (ELC), I discussed how HCA Healthcare’s continuing significant investment in healthcare for the Plateau sets us up for future success, which means ever-improving care for our community.
I talked about innovative new imaging technology we are looking forward to using in patient care, infrastructure improvements, the expansion of our services, and the recruitment and training of the most important resource we have — our people.
This month, I want to stress how important maintaining and continuing to strengthen the connection between HCH and ELC and our community is. This requires a dual investment — ours in the community and the community in us.
HCH’s investment in our community connects us to our neighbors, who are the people we care for. We donate to multiple local nonprofit organizations and participate in community events like our Teddy Bear Hospitals. They aim to soothe children’s fears about going to the doctor or visiting the hospital and may also pique their interest in pursuing a career in healthcare in the future.
I appreciate the special opportunity I have to meet with all of the nursing students who come to our hospital to learn through programs at Southwestern Community College or Western Carolina University. I take each group to lunch and ask one question: “Why did you choose to become a nurse?”
You would be amazed how many chose their career path as children. Having participated in the Teddy Bear Hospital event, I have noted many children’s eyes sparkle with special interest. I am hopeful that through this program, we have ignited a spark for some of our future healthcare providers.
Speaking of our Teddy Bear Hospital, we took part in a food drive sponsored by HCA Healthcare’s Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows, a national initiative focused on helping communities experiencing food insecurity.
The drive provides nutritious meals to individuals and families in need, and the HCA Healthcare Foundation contributes support to nonprofits engaged in combating hunger and increasing accessibility to healthy foods. The icing on the cake? Our canned goods teddy bear sculpture not only won $10,000 as the top entry in our division, we also came in at #1 throughout all divisions — earning us an additional $25,000 grant to give to food banks and pantries in Highlands and Cashiers. We also donated the 435 pounds of canned food that formed our sculpture.
You also may have seen us distributing hot cocoa, apple cider, and popcorn at Highlands’ Halloween on Main event. We gave out more than 2,000 hot drinks, and I could not keep up with the popcorn, but can tell you the popcorn maker truly got a workout. We’ve also collaborated with local artists to create our Whoville-themed float, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” for the annual Olde Mountain Christmas Parade in Highlands, and the Cashiers Annual Christmas Parade.
As we move through 2024, it’s also important for us to reflect on the fact that our commitment to the community and our growth contribute to achievements that not only make us proud, but more importantly, mean better care for our patients. These milestones include earning the Acute Stroke Ready Hospital accreditation from The Joint Commission.
This recognition is a gold seal of approval that means we are providing the highest standard of care for stroke patients in a community hospital. As we have pursued this accreditation, our processes have improved, and I have had the opportunity to witness lives saved by our emergency department providing life-changing care for stroke victims within minutes of their arrival. This timeliness with care is absolutely critical in the case of a stroke. It is amazing and heartening to watch.
I must also report, with a great deal of pride, that our ER was recognized as the #1 Emergency Department for hospitals with less than 40,000 visits per year in HCA Healthcare for sustaining the highest level of patient experience over a year. One of our ER doctors, Dr. John Worthington, was recognized with the APEX (Achieving Peak Performance in Patient Experience) Award as the top performing ER doctor.
This is no surprise to anyone who has used our ER, but it was profoundly rewarding to receive the recognition. We took the opportunity to celebrate them with a barbecue dinner at the Bascom. I have to devote a few lines to recognize the Bascom as well, who provided the venue, Doc Wilson, who provided a large blast heater when the forecast turned cool, and Mayor Taylor, who issued a proclamation recognizing our team.
I am inspired and energized about our special community’s support of and involvement in our growth. This partnership is essential for ensuring a bright future for healthcare on the Plateau, I am grateful for it, and anticipate that it will continue to evolve to benefit all of us.
Tom Neal, RN, MBA, MHA, is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.